Introduction
Inspire & Connect Asia 2025, organized by Bpifrance, took place in Singapore as a landmark business forum bringing together French and Asian entrepreneurs, investors, and global leaders. As one of Asia’s most forward-looking leadership forums, it explored how Europe and ASEAN can co-create solutions to global challenges and build new pathways for resilience, sustainability, and innovation.
Source of Asia (SOA) joined the event, represented by Ms. Huong Tran, Head of Sourcing Consulting, and Ms. Anna Pinaud, Business Developer. Our participation reflected SOA’s strong commitment to connecting European companies with Southeast Asia’s fast-growing markets.
👉 More details about the event Inspire & Connect Asia 2025.
A Global Business Forum Connecting France & Asia
Throughout the day, the forum examined how the combined strengths of France, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and other Asian markets can shape long-term growth.
As an influential global business forum and a part of “the Asian connection” strategy driven by Bpifrance, Inspire & Connect Asia 2025 opened discussions on the future of cooperation, innovation, and market expansion.
Bpifrance framed the event around a pivotal question:
How can France and its Asian partners turn uncertainty into shared opportunities for resilience, sustainability, and prosperity?
This message guided the entire day, highlighting the need to connect innovation ecosystems, enhance financial collaboration, and build durable partnerships across continents. Moreover, it perfectly fits the goal of building a stronger world business forum network between Europe and Asia.
Key Sessions & Strategic Takeaways
Participants at Inspire & Connect Asia 2025 discussing innovation, leadership, and ASEAN cooperation.
- Official Opening & Keynote
The keynote introduced the global context shaping business decisions in Asia. Speakers emphasized that Asia is accelerating, making it crucial for entrepreneurs to adapt quickly and build strong cross-border partnerships. This part of the entrepreneur’s forum highlighted how leadership, agility, and innovation will define the next decade.
- Shaping the Next Decade: Geopolitics Meets Economics
This segment explored how geopolitical shifts are transforming global supply chains, reshaping investment flows, and market access. Panelists reinforced that Vietnam remains a strategic engine within ASEAN, especially for companies seeking new manufacturing bases or diversified sourcing strategies.
If you’re interested in deeper country insights, explore our ASEAN Country Profiles now.
- Digital Assets Beyond Borders: Innovation & Trust
Next, this session highlighted the rise of AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, and digital trust. Participants discussed how companies can scale innovation responsibly in a fragmented world where data security and cross-border compliance are critical.
In fact, SOA closely supports tech-driven sourcing and expansion projects across ASEAN, including in ICT, digital services, and smart manufacturing.
- Shaping the Future of Cooperation
Then, this session focused on how Europe and Asia can build resilient supply chains, sustainable industries, and new business models.
Attendees discussed how cooperation can unlock opportunities in sectors such as:
- Manufacturing & industrial production;
- Clean energy & decarbonization;
- Healthcare & life sciences;
- Food & agritech;
- Technology, AI & digital platforms;
- Logistics & smart mobility;
- Consumer goods & retail.
These align closely with our regional footprint across sourcing, market expansion, and strategic partnerships.
SOA’s Participation: On-the-Ground Insights from a Leadership Forum
Ms. Huong Tran and Ms. Anna Pinaud, representatives from Source of Asia attending the Inspire & Connect Asia business forum and connecting with leaders and investors.
Throughout Inspire & Connect Asia 2025, Ms. Huong TRAN and Ms. Anna PINAUD met with entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors who are actively exploring sourcing diversification and market-entry opportunities across ASEAN.
Many expressed a strong interest in Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam, due to its fast-growing economy and strategic role in global supply chains.
Key takeaways from SOA’s discussions:
- Companies are seeking new sourcing bases.
- Interest in ASEAN supply chain diversification is increasing.
- Vietnam stands out as a reliable, long-term partner for European businesses.
So, it can be seen that the insights perfectly match SOA’s field expertise. From supplier identification to factory audits, distribution partner search, and market-entry strategy, we support companies across all ASEAN countries.
Look Ahead: A Business Forum Shaping the Future of Cooperation
Inspire & Connect Asia 2025 successfully demonstrated how countries and companies can collaborate to address global challenges with purpose. Through Bpifrance’s leadership, the forum showed how Europe and Asia can unlock meaningful solutions together, strengthening “the Asian connection” and building sustainable, future-driven partnerships.
Source of Asia is proud to be part of this dynamic community, supporting companies in turning opportunities into real impact. We are helping global companies build reliable partnerships and seize opportunities across Southeast Asia.
👉 Do you want to explore Sourcing or Expansion in ASEAN?
We assist your company:
- Build sourcing strategies,
- Diversify supply chains,
- Identify trusted suppliers,
- Expand into ASEAN markets with confidence, and more.
📩 Contact us at hello@sourceofasia.com for your tailored project.
