3:15 PM
3:15 PM
Kick off the Summit with a high-energy look at why the world is watching Austin, and why Austin is looking to Asia. Featuring remarks by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, this dynamic panel of regional civic and business leaders explores the cultural and economic ties that make Central Texas the preferred landing pad for Asian investment and innovation.
From aerospace to the "Samsung Story," the regional ecosystem is evolving at lightning speed. This session spotlights massive growth in the Texas Triangle, with a deep dive into Williamson County as a global powerhouse for industry and infrastructure.
High-impact briefings from key trade offices — with confirmed experts from Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong — break down the immediate business and investment opportunities in Asia's fastest-growing markets. Also featuring a national perspective from National ACE President/CEO Chiling Tong.
Austin is "Silicon Hills" and this session explores the hardware and software defining our future — from the semiconductor boom to autonomous robotics and specialized AI. Features live on-stage robotics demonstrations and a fireside chat on scaling robotics globally.
A "summit within a summit" — Born Global brings together investors, founders, ecosystem leaders, and diplomats for a four-part cross-border innovation experience in the 701 Gallery. Learn more ↗
Moderated by Daniela "Dani" Terminel (Kauffman Fellows)
Keynote: Chris Do (The Futur) + 1-minute startup lightning showcase
Moderated by Ruth Hughs, Former Texas Secretary of State
Where creativity meets commerce. Exploring the booming creator ecosystem and the intersection of Asian talent with local and global brands — how Asian personalities and creative startups are leveraging Austin-area platforms to go viral and go global.
A pan-Asian pop-culture takeover as the Summit shifts from the boardroom to the skyline. Blending the immersive cinematic magic of South Asian storytellers Indie Meme with live DJs, cross-continental performers, and interactive brand activations overlooking Austin's skyline. Also features the Born Global Awards ceremony.
REALTORS®
Open in Maps ↗
- Short walk from "Palmer Circle Drive" and "Rollins Theater" stops on the Orange line
- SXSW "Getting Around Downtown" guide ↗
- Preferred entrance: Riverside Drive & South First Street — Google Maps ↗
- Road closures will impact driving approaches — see the parking map
- 📄 Parking Map PDF
- More parking at Long Center website ↗
- Main entrance: Through the HEB Terrace, up the outdoor stairs
- ADA entrance: Through the Rollins Theatre Lobby (first floor doors from the PEC Garage)
- 📄 Entrance Map PDF
- Outside food or drinks
- Weapons of any kind (firearms, pocketknives, pepper spray, etc.)
- Professional cameras with detachable lenses or video cameras (except credentialed photographers and Asia × Austin vendors/partners)
- Illegal or illicit items of any kind
- Animals and pets (except identified Service Animals)
Your voice shapes the future of Asia × Austin. Every response helps our team understand what resonated, what we can improve, and how to make the next Summit even stronger for Austin's global business community. Please take a few minutes to share your honest experience — we read every single response.
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The Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC) is the leading voice for Austin's Asian-American and Pacific Islander business community — a network of thousands of dynamic entrepreneurs, professionals, and civic leaders across Central Texas.
Our mission: Advocacy. Connection. Education. We serve local, think global, and ensure our community is heard.
The Asia × Austin Summit is GAACC's flagship annual event — now an official SXSW 2026 event and a premier platform for exploring the "two-way highway" of opportunity between Asia and the Greater Austin region.
Website: austinasianchamber.org ↗
Phone: (512) 407-8240
Email: [email protected]
Address: 8001 Centre Park Drive, #160, Austin TX 78754