The Asia Scotland Institute and the Scottish Business Network have signed a formal partnership, announced at a reception at Scotland House, London on 21st February. Working together, they plan to facilitate international business, foster global connections and promote Scottish talent to the markets that will define the twenty-first century. The organisations’ founders, advisory boards and members will collectively raise the profile of Scotland in Asia, from its world-famous food and drink to its leading universities, and highlight the opportunities for both Scots and Asians to thrive together. A busy schedule of events, both in person and online, is planned to promote the partnership.
“This is an incredible opportunity to combine our efforts to promote an understanding of what Scotland has to offer in the international markets”, said Roddy Gow, Chairman and Founder of the Asia Scotland Institute. The partners will work together “to educate and inspire tomorrow’s leaders by building bridges between Asia and Scotland”.
“Scotland has a rich history across Asia, which is by any measure the most exciting, fast-growing market in the world today”, said Russell Dalgleish, Chair and Co-founder of the Scottish Business Network. Dalgleish looks forward to working with the Asia Scotland Institute: “I’ve been inspired over many years by the achievements of Roddy and the team, hence I was delighted when Roddy suggested we pool our efforts.”
The reception to celebrate the launch of the partnership was well-attended, with speeches from young entrepreneurs and established industry figures proving a big hit. Guests heard about the opportunities for Asia-Scotland partnerships in a diverse range of sectors, including:
- ENBIOSIS Biotechnology, an innovative Turkish medtech start-up focusing on precision gut health
- Invest Hong Kong, a non-profit helping investors navigate the Greater China market and promoting UK-Hong Kong business
- Pixelity Games, a Korean studio developing an immersive VR experience for massive multiplayer online games and looking to recruit UK talent
Also speaking at the event was Ne Lwin, a young entrepreneur from Myanmar working to help UK companies access South East Asia, who’s being mentored by Russell Dalgleish and the Scottish Business Network. The event organisers were pleased to host senior staff from major investment banks and think-tanks, as well as emerging figures on the Indian tech scene.
Both the Asia Scotland Institute and the Scottish Business Network are recruiting members and ambassadors across Scotland and Asia, to build a global network of talented individuals and corporate partners. “We are open to engaging with any international organisations which would like to join us”, says Russell Dalgleish. Conferences in New Delhi and Singapore are planned for later this year, with details to be announced soon. If you, or your organisation, are interested in membership with the Asia Scotland Institute, you can learn more about the benefits here: https://asiascot.com/become-a member, while you can learn more about the Scottish Business Network here: https://www.sbn.scot/ join-sbn
