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Penang Slush'D 2025 - Between Worlds

  • May 21, 2025
  • 3 min read


On 19-21th May 2025, the Penang Slush'D anti-conference was held in George Town, Penang, with the theme 'Between World'. Organised by Digital Districts, we set out to create the most radical tech event in Asia.


Penang Slush'D's theme "Between Worlds" invited participants to navigate the cracks and build connections where others see separation. It's a call to embrace the complexity of our times and reimagine what's possible when we dare to step into the in-between.



𝗔𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻


Jelawang Capital and the Embassy of Finland co-hosted an exclusive networking event at the elegant Macalister Mansion, blending heritage charm with modern innovation.


Within this restored colonial-era boutique hotel, the evening brought together founders, investors, ecosystem builders, and government representatives from various countries for meaningful connections and vibrant discussions.


Bryan Lim, CEO of Jelawang Capital, and Ambassador anne vasara, Ambassador of Finland to Malaysia, delivered welcoming remarks to our guests. 


Special thanks to Dato Seri East Jong, the Honorary Consul of Finland in Penang, for providing the beautiful venue and refreshments.


𝗔𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗵 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗶


On 19 May, we welcomed our guests to the historic Cheah Kongsi, a captivating space where nostalgia and timelessness intertwine, rekindling cherished memories and fostering new connections.


Steeped in history, Cheah Kongsi was constructed in 1858 and completed in 1873, showcasing a stunning blend of Straits and post-independence architectural styles. The evening commenced with a warm welcome address by YB Zairil Khir Johari, Member of the Penang State Executive Council. 


The night came alive with vibrant performances, including: 

  • A dynamic 24 Festive Drums performance by the Xiang Yi Cheng Association of Arts & Culture Penang

  • An elegant Traditional Chinese Fan Dance by Euphoria Penang Modern Dance Ensemble

  • A mesmerizing GuZheng performance by Galaxy Learning Centre

  • A soulful Sape performance by Gideon Langub


Adding a modern touch, Filamen Sdn Bhd enchanted the audience with a stunning light projection mapping display with the theme "Cultural Futurism". Meanwhile, the culinary arts students of INTI International University-Malaysia delighted guests with an array of handmade Nyonya delicacies and drinks.


Main Event


Main Event was held simultaneously across 4 Stages (Founder Stage, Investor Stage, Impact Stage, and Builder Stage). Over 500 change-makers participated in talks, workshops, a startup pitching competition, and side events, as well as trishaw rides, free coffee, ice foot baths, and henna painting.


Designed to blur the lines between ideas, industries and countries, this anti-conference brought almost 100 speakers from around the world to explore a diverse range of topics, from spatial intelligence and satellite data for AI to founder personal branding and operator VCs.


𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘁


Under the Penang night sky, we wrapped up 2 days of activities with chilled vibes, busker music, shisha, drinks, and local hawker dishes whipped up by the culinary arts students of INTI.


Built in 1947, Hin Bus Depot used to house and maintain the buses of Hin Company Ltd, which was known for its fleet of blue buses in Penang. Since 2013, shih thoe tan has gradually adapted the space to an arts and cultural hub - an apt venue for Penang Slush'D, where the past and future meet.


To close off, our soundscaper, Corey Su, has curated a playlist to capture the energy and vibe of Penang Slush'D 2025: https://lnkd.in/gt3QvKZW








 
 
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