Young investment talents from Southeast Asia competed at the Startup Wars 2025 grand finale, held at BINUS University on October 17, 2025.

The competition included participants from Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The winning team came from Singapore, followed by Malaysia and Indonesia.

Startup Wars Challenges Students to Think Like Professional Investors

Startup Wars is a competition designed to train students to think and act like professional investors. Unlike traditional startup contests focusing on pitching ideas, Startup Wars asks participants to evaluate business models and make investment decisions with potential economic and social impact.

The competition aims to sharpen students’ ability to analyze markets and make real investment decisions, as explained in a statement from BINUS University.

Finalists Present Investment Strategies to Expert Jury

Finalist teams presented their investment strategies to a panel of judges from venture capital firms, startups, and academia.

Judges included representatives from B.I.G. Ventures, TNB Aura, Ares Management, Kopital Ventures, and the Singapore Venture & Private Capital Association.

This simulation format provides students with direct experience in how professional investors evaluate and develop promising startups.

BINUS University’s Commitment to Innovation and Entrepreneurship

BINUS University expressed commitment to developing global talent in innovation and entrepreneurship. “Hosting Startup Wars aligns with our vision to become a world-class university empowering society,” said Vice Rector of Student Affairs Yohannes Kurniawan.

He added that the competition offers Indonesian students valuable exposure to venture capital, linking academic knowledge with industry experience.

TNB Aura Emphasizes Bridging Academic Learning and Real Investment

Co-Founder and Managing Partner of TNB Aura, Vicknesh R. Pillay, highlighted the importance of fostering an investor mindset among young people.

“Startup Wars is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world investing,” he said.

Through hands-on investment cases, students learn to evaluate growth potential, understand market dynamics, and build confidence as investors.

PHOTO: HARIAN RAKYAT

This article was created with AI assistance.