The Hawaii-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce (HICHAM), working with other Hawaii business organizations, has launched an initiative that will give innovative Hawaii-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) an opportunity to showcase their ideas in conjunction with November’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Honolulu. The APEC meetings are a unique opportunity, which will literally bring the region’s leading businessmen as well as key officials to Hawaii. The initiative “Innovation Hawaii” will enable Hawaii’s entrepreneurs to identify Asian businessmen capable of expanding their business model through partnerships, technology licensing and strategic alliances.

In announcing the initiative, Amin Leiman, President of the Hawaii-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce, explained its primary motivation: “For too long Hawaii has been known for sun, sand, and surf, but its vibrant community of technical innovators and business entrepreneurs has not been well known or adequately connected to the larger region. This initiative can be a significant step in putting Hawaii’s dynamic enterprises more firmly on the map of the Asia-Pacific business world.”

The first phase of the initiative will be an invitational lunch on March 25 where interested Hawaii firms can present their proposals; the best of these will be selected to meet with representatives of potential Asian partners. These potential partners will be identified in advance by experts in Indonesia and elsewhere. In this way, the initiative will act as a “match-maker,” providing high-impact and visibility to the participating Hawaii firms.

Expressions of interest or other questions on the initiative may be addressed to:

Catherine A. Taylor, Executive Vice President, HICHAM (783-8863); or

Amin Leiman, President, HICHAM ( 225-4554); or

David Day, Chairman of the Board, HICHAM (531-8040)

Co-sponsors include Spae International Communications, Sidney Higa, President