Strengthening Collaboration for Innovation and Sustainability between Switzerland and South Asia 
 

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Meeting Summary

Date: January 15, 2025

Time: 14:00 – 16:00 CET

Location: Virtual Meeting (Zoom)

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Participants:

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SouthAsia Forum:

• Syed Jawaid Iqbal

• Farhat Ali

SwissCham ASIA:

• Dr. Urs Lustenberger

• Patrick Kriesemer

• Saad Fahim

Singularity Academy:

• Prof. Dr. Ying Zhang

• Tuck Seng Low

• Guna Mahalingam

Moderator: Dr. Daniel Brunner

The recent MoU meeting brought together representatives from SouthAsia Forum, SwissCham ASIA, and Singularity Academy to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at fostering innovation, sustainability, and geo-poliitcal-economic collaboration between Switzerland and South Asia. Moderated by Dr. Daniel Brunner, the session facilitated dialogue on joint initiatives planned for 2025.

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Key Highlights of the Meeting:

Introduction of Partners

Each organization introduced its mission and role in the collaboration:

• SouthAsia Forum (represented by Farhat Ali) highlighted its role as a think tank promoting research and discourse on regional economic, political, and social issues through its flagship publication, SouthAsia Magazine.

• SwissCham ASIA (introduced by Dr. Urs Lustenberger) emphasized its efforts in strengthening business ties between Switzerland and Asia, particularly in technology and sustainability sectors.

• Singularity Academy (led by Prof. Dr. Ying Zhang) underscored its commitment to advancing transformative education and research in sustainability and innovation.

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Objectives and Vision for Cooperation

Each partner outlined their goals for the partnership:

• SouthAsia Forum aims to leverage the collaboration to influence regional policy through research and publications, with a focus on sustainability and business innovation.

• SwissCham ASIA seeks to enhance Swiss-South Asia business connections, particularly in green technology and market expansion.

• Singularity Academy intends to use the partnership to promote research in education, sustainability, and technological advancements.

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Planned Initiatives for 2025

The partners agreed on several collaborative projects:

1. Joint Research Projects – A task force will be established by March 2025 to identify research topics on economic development, sustainability, and business innovation.

2. Co-Branded Publications – The first joint publication, focused on innovation in sustainable economic development, is set for release in Q2 2025.

3. Thought Leadership Events – A webinar series on sustainability and innovation, with the first event planned for June 2025.

4. Knowledge Sharing Platform – A digital platform will be developed by year-end 2025 to facilitate ongoing collaboration and resource exchange.

 

Governance and Future Opportunities

A Coordination Committee will oversee the implementation of these initiatives, meeting quarterly to ensure alignment and progress. Intellectual property generated from joint activities will be co-owned by all parties, and the MoU will remain in effect for three years, with an annual review for potential extensions.

The discussion also explored future expansion opportunities, including investment avenues for Swiss businesses in South Asia’s green technology sector.

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Next Steps & Action Items

1. Formation of the Joint Research Task Force by March 2025.

2. Development of the Co-Branded Publication, targeting Q2 2025 release.

3. Organization of the First Webinar on sustainability and innovation, set for June 2025.

4. Creation of the Knowledge Sharing Platform, scheduled for launch by end of 2025.

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Conclusion

Dr. Daniel Brunner concluded the meeting by emphasizing the potential impact of the collaboration on sustainable development, innovation, and education in South Asia. The session closed on a positive note, with all partners committed to advancing their shared objectives.

 

Meeting Adjourned: 16:00 CET