Jakarta, INTI - Cyberport, Hong Kong’s innovation and technology hub, is eyeing Indonesia as a potential market for expanding technology collaboration, with financial technology (fintech) and smart city development emerging as two of the most promising areas.
KONTAN had the opportunity to interview Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport Hong Kong, on the sidelines of the Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum (DELF) 2026 last weekend. He said the potential for stronger cooperation between Hong Kong and Indonesia is substantial, particularly following an official delegation visit to Indonesia led by Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary in early 2025.
Chan highlighted Indonesia’s rapid economic growth and large-scale infrastructure development as key attractions for innovation and technology (I&T) companies.
According to Chan, two key sectors have emerged as priorities for collaboration between Cyberport and its Indonesian partners: financial services and smart city infrastructure. “Indonesia has been growing very rapidly in recent years, with extensive infrastructure development, the emergence of new companies, and a continuously expanding financial sector. We see tremendous opportunities there,” Chan said.
He added that the opportunities are not limited to Hong Kong technology companies seeking to enter the Indonesian market. Indonesian startups and technology companies can also leverage Hong Kong as a platform to expand their businesses internationally.
Expanding Opportunities in Financial Services and Smart Cities
Indonesia’s economic expansion and accelerating infrastructure development are creating broader opportunities for cross-border technology partnerships. For Cyberport, the financial sector is among the most attractive areas, as the growth of Indonesia’s financial industry creates opportunities for Hong Kong technology companies to introduce digital solutions and establish partnerships with local businesses.
Beyond fintech, Cyberport also sees significant potential in smart city and smart living development. Chan noted that Indonesia has numerous urban development projects that require technological support, particularly as cities seek to improve efficiency and enhance public services.
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies could play an important role in making urban infrastructure and services more efficient. Chan also revealed that several companies within the Cyberport ecosystem have already begun developing business relationships with Indonesian companies.
Cyberport therefore aims to facilitate greater collaboration between the two technology ecosystems through business partnerships, corporate expansion, and startup-to-startup cooperation.
“Through collaboration, we want to help companies from both sides unlock business opportunities in each other’s markets,” Chan said.
Building Cross-Border Technology Ecosystems
Chan said Cyberport aims to serve as a bridge connecting technology companies, startups, investors, and business ecosystems across different markets. He emphasized that the selection of partners and markets is not based solely on economic size.
Cyberport also considers growth potential, technology development ambitions, talent, culture, and the alignment of industry priorities.
“What matters most is potential. We look for countries, companies, or industries that have the vision to grow and do more,” he said.
Hong Kong is strengthening its position as an international innovation and technology hub, with Cyberport playing an important role in developing networks connecting startups, technology companies, talent, and investors.
According to Chan, a strong technology ecosystem depends on several key elements, including technology companies, talent, and access to funding. Financing is particularly important, and as an international financial center, Hong Kong offers financial infrastructure that can support technology companies and startups seeking to scale.
Beyond helping Hong Kong startups enter the Indonesian market, Chan emphasized that Cyberport is equally open to Indonesian startups and digital talent looking to expand their businesses globally.
Hong Kong, he noted, can serve as a gateway to Mainland China as well as the broader Asia-Pacific market.
AI as a Driver of Economic Growth
Amid the rapid advancement of AI, Cyberport is also promoting the technology as an enabler for growth across multiple economic sectors. Chan described the approach as an “AI enabler hub,” focusing on how AI can accelerate the development and transformation of industries beyond the technology sector itself.
Conclusion
Cyberport’s growing interest in Indonesia highlights the strong potential for cross-border collaboration in fintech, smart city development, and emerging digital technologies. With Indonesia’s rapidly expanding economy, infrastructure, startup ecosystem, and digital talent, the partnership could create opportunities for technology companies and startups from both markets to scale internationally. As AI increasingly becomes an enabler across industries, stronger collaboration between the Hong Kong and Indonesian technology ecosystems could help accelerate innovation and unlock new avenues for digital economic growth.
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