Latest news with #CradleFundSdnBhd
Arabian Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Malaysia Unveils Ambitious ASEAN Startup Hub
Malaysia has officially unveiled the Startup ASEAN platform during its tenure as ASEAN chair, establishing a fully operational digital gateway designed to unite entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem enablers across Southeast Asia. The launch—following a developmental blueprint initiated in 2024—unlocks access to regional markets, capital, talent and data, with an aspirational target of onboarding at least 10,000 startups by year-end. The platform's roll‑out represents phase two of the ASEAN Startup Technology Ignite initiative. Development and a soft launch took place in 2024, while the newly announced phase includes capacity‑building programmes and a Startup ASEAN summit. A third phase commencing in 2026 will see the establishment of an ASEAN Centre of Excellence dedicated to early‑stage ventures. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang described the platform as a 'strategic enabler' born from collaborative efforts among all ASEAN member states. He highlighted its role in bridging fragmented access to finance, talent and market opportunities. At the launch in Putrajaya, he underlined that approximately 5,000 startups have already joined and affirmed the year‑end goal of doubling that number. ADVERTISEMENT ASEAN Secretary‑General Dr Kao Kim Hourn echoed these commitments, stating that the platform exemplifies deeper regional integration and presents 'unprecedented opportunities' through technology. He noted that the platform extends to ecosystem builders and government institutions, reflecting ASEAN's dedication to fostering inclusive innovation. Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, appointed by Malaysia's MOSTI, is spearheading implementation. Its group chief executive, Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, emphasised that the platform transcends mere technology: it is designed to generate meaningful partnerships, foster cross‑border initiatives and catalyse growth across the region. He said it will track metrics such as startup onboarding, investment activity and regional collaboration, aiming to involve 2,000 investors and 500 strategic partners by 2025. Dr Kao highlighted the context underpinning this push. Southeast Asia hosts over 680 million people—more than half under 35—with a combined GDP exceeding US$3.9 trillion and a digital economy projected to surpass US$1 trillion by 2030. Kuala Lumpur's leap into the top 20 emerging startup hubs, ranking 18th in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 by Startup Genome, provided a credible basis for regional leadership. CupTuring beyond connecting stakeholders, the platform is set to host a suite of programmes. Already underway are collaborative initiatives with international partners such as South Korea and China, and plans include additional regional market‑access sessions and mentorship opportunities. The launch event featured a video tour with startup success narratives and a regional market access session, ASEAN CrossConnect, which paired ten seasoned mentors with participating startups. The platform's ecosystem metrics are compelling: as of the launch, more than 4,000 startups and 1,087 investors were registered, contributing to an ecosystem valued at over US$131.2 billion. Governments from less developed ASEAN nations were assured of equal standing on the platform. Chang emphasised its borderless design, allowing any startup with internet access to connect with markets and investors across the region. The Startup ASEAN initiative traces back to 2023, when ASEAN leaders approved a framework empowering Cradle to lead policy development, ecosystem readiness, and cross‑sector partnerships. The recent formal launch marks the first major deliverable of the Ignite initiative under Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship. Experts view the initiative as a timely response to ASEAN's broader economic integration agenda, reflected in recent high‑level declarations such as the Kuala Lumpur Declaration. The new platform aligns with ASEAN Community Vision 2045, aiming to strengthen innovation, connectivity and socio-economic resilience.
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Startup ASEAN Platform a step forward for regional integration – ASEAN sec-gen
PUTRAJAYA: The official launch of the Startup ASEAN platform today marks a transformative step forward in strengthening regional collaboration, serving as a central digital hub for entrepreneurs, investors, governments and ecosystem builders across all ASEAN member states. ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn said the platform reflects ASEAN's strong commitment to deepening regional integration, while opening new opportunities through technology and innovation. 'This platform embodies ASEAN's unwavering commitment to deepening regional integration while unlocking unprecedented opportunities through technology and innovation,' he said in his speech delivered virtually at the launch ceremony here today. Malaysia today launched the Startup ASEAN platform, marking the full-scale rollout of a bold, unified digital gateway to connect and empower startups across ASEAN. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and executed by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), the platform's regional launch underscores Malaysia's commitment as ASEAN Chair this year to fostering inclusive innovation and economic dynamism across the region. Kao highlighted Malaysia's leadership as ASEAN Chair in implementing the ASEAN Technology Startup Ignite programme, one of the region's key economic deliverables this year. The year-long programme has played an important role in driving startup growth across ASEAN, successfully connecting over 11,000 startups with 5,000 investors and supporting a startup ecosystem now valued at more than US$130 billion. He said the newly launched Startup ASEAN platform builds on this momentum and represents a key initiative that brings together all players in the startup ecosystem under one roof. 'The launch stands as a testament to Malaysia's dedication to building a platform that serves every ASEAN member state, one that champions open innovation, deepens access to capital, and positions ASEAN as a dynamic and interconnected innovation powerhouse,' he added. Kao said Kuala Lumpur's entry into the top 20 emerging startup ecosystems for the first time, ranking 18th in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 by Startup Genome, further reflects the strong foundation Malaysia has built for its national ecosystem. He added that this recognition also highlights Malaysia's growing influence in elevating the region's innovation landscape. Looking ahead, the ASEAN Secretary-General expressed confidence that the platform, under Malaysia's leadership, will help shape a more inclusive and future-ready ASEAN by fostering startup-friendly policies, enhancing readiness across member states, and promoting meaningful partnerships across the region. He said the timing of the launch was significant, coming just weeks after ASEAN leaders gathered in Kuala Lumpur and adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, which commemorated the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Community. The declaration reaffirmed ASEAN's commitment to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which aims to build a resilient, innovative and people-centred region based on four strategic pillars – political-security, economic, socio-cultural and connectivity. 'In this context, the Startup ASEAN platform is a timely and tangible step forward in shaping an ASEAN that is enterprising, adaptive and equipped to thrive amid global shifts,' he said. Kao concluded by expressing the ASEAN Secretariat's continued support for the initiative and called on all member states to collectively strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ASEAN must strengthen trade alliances through innovation and diplomacy
CYBERJAYA: The emergence of new trade partnerships among economic blocs is essential for upholding the rule of law and maintaining international trade and order, especially during times of adversity, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said. He said ASEAN plays a pivotal role in this context with its significant economic contributions and strategic engagement. Chang highlighted the need to adapt to shifting global trade dynamics in which ASEAN and its member states have unique opportunities to deepen regional cooperation, diversify trade partners, promote intra-ASEAN trade, invest in innovation and strengthen diplomacy through science and technology. 'These efforts, coupled with initiatives like the ASEAN Startup Year 2025, will help mitigate the potential impact of trade disruptions and foster stable, mutually beneficial trade relations with all global partners,' he said. He was speaking at the Mikro-MyStartup NXT 2025 Conference organised by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), in conjunction with the rollout of ASEAN Startup Year 2025. First announced in December 2024, the ASEAN Startup Year 2025 initiative marks a new chapter in ASEAN's evolution as a globally significant innovation bloc. Chang said ASEAN Startup Year 2025 is not a beginning – it is the next wave of a journey the ministry started since 2024. Malaysia has laid the groundwork to empower entrepreneurs, connect ecosystems, and future-proof ASEAN's economic resilience through innovation. He noted that the initiative builds upon the ASEAN 2025 vision, positioning startups as catalysts for cross-border collaboration, digital growth and socio-economic development. 'Malaysia continues to lead regional innovation efforts, having recently hosted the ASEAN Finance Ministers' and Central Bank Governors' Meeting (AFMGM) and the ASEAN+3 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting (AFCDM+3). 'Upcoming milestones include the launch of the Startup ASEAN platform ( and the inaugural Startup ASEAN Summit,' he said. Chang said ASEAN continues to be a compelling destination for startups and investors. In 2022, the region was home to 52 unicorns, showcasing its real momentum. 'Investment growth in ASEAN has been remarkable, with foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows reaching a record US$230 billion in 2023. This positions ASEAN as a formidable force in the global innovation landscape. 'The ASEAN Startup Year is led by Malaysia, but it consists of regional challenges, capacity building programmes and summits, all aimed at enhancing the regional startup ecosystem as a whole – a reflection of the regions' collective commitment to advancing the startup ecosystem,' he shared. For example, 4,430 startups have registered through the MYStartup Single Window portal, which was implemented to connect founders with potential talents. Cradle group chief executive officer Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke said Cradle is building more than just platforms. It is shaping a region where startups can thrive collectively. 'ASEAN Startup Year is a rallying call for collaboration, resilience and global ambition. In a world increasingly shaped by shifting geopolitical currents – from emerging technologies to trade realignments like the recent tariff moves – ASEAN must rise with a unified front. 'Cradle, through the MYStartup Single Window platform and ASEAN Startup Initiative, is turning regional goals into real opportunities – connecting founders, investors, and markets across borders,' he said. For Malaysian startups, he said this unlocks access to a larger playing field – from funding and partnerships to new markets. We're proud to drive this vision forward and ensure our local startups don't just participate but lead on the global innovation stage. The MYStartup Annual Report 2023/2024, also launched today, showcased Malaysia's growing startup ecosystem, with over 4,300 startups onboarded, RM100 million in investments secured, and strong ASEAN linkages reaffirming Malaysia's role as a regional launchpad.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ASEAN urged to boost trade via innovation and diplomacy
CYBERJAYA: The emergence of new trade partnerships among economic blocs is essential for upholding the rule of law and maintaining international trade and order, especially during times of adversity, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said. He said ASEAN plays a pivotal role in this context with its significant economic contributions and strategic engagement. Chang highlighted the need to adapt to shifting global trade dynamics in which ASEAN and its member states have unique opportunities to deepen regional cooperation, diversify trade partners, promote intra-ASEAN trade, invest in innovation and strengthen diplomacy through science and technology. 'These efforts, coupled with initiatives like the ASEAN Startup Year 2025, will help mitigate the potential impact of trade disruptions and foster stable, mutually beneficial trade relations with all global partners,' he said. He was speaking at the Mikro-MyStartup NXT 2025 Conference organised by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), in conjunction with the rollout of ASEAN Startup Year 2025. First announced in December 2024, the ASEAN Startup Year 2025 initiative marks a new chapter in ASEAN's evolution as a globally significant innovation bloc. Chang said ASEAN Startup Year 2025 is not a beginning – it is the next wave of a journey the ministry started since 2024. Malaysia has laid the groundwork to empower entrepreneurs, connect ecosystems, and future-proof ASEAN's economic resilience through innovation. He noted that the initiative builds upon the ASEAN 2025 vision, positioning startups as catalysts for cross-border collaboration, digital growth and socio-economic development. 'Malaysia continues to lead regional innovation efforts, having recently hosted the ASEAN Finance Ministers' and Central Bank Governors' Meeting (AFMGM) and the ASEAN+3 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting (AFCDM+3). 'Upcoming milestones include the launch of the Startup ASEAN platform ( and the inaugural Startup ASEAN Summit,' he said. Chang said ASEAN continues to be a compelling destination for startups and investors. In 2022, the region was home to 52 unicorns, showcasing its real momentum. 'Investment growth in ASEAN has been remarkable, with foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows reaching a record US$230 billion in 2023. This positions ASEAN as a formidable force in the global innovation landscape. 'The ASEAN Startup Year is led by Malaysia, but it consists of regional challenges, capacity building programmes and summits, all aimed at enhancing the regional startup ecosystem as a whole – a reflection of the regions' collective commitment to advancing the startup ecosystem,' he shared. For example, 4,430 startups have registered through the MYStartup Single Window portal, which was implemented to connect founders with potential talents. Cradle group chief executive officer Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke said Cradle is building more than just platforms. It is shaping a region where startups can thrive collectively. 'ASEAN Startup Year is a rallying call for collaboration, resilience and global ambition. In a world increasingly shaped by shifting geopolitical currents – from emerging technologies to trade realignments like the recent tariff moves – ASEAN must rise with a unified front. 'Cradle, through the MYStartup Single Window platform and ASEAN Startup Initiative, is turning regional goals into real opportunities – connecting founders, investors, and markets across borders,' he said. For Malaysian startups, he said this unlocks access to a larger playing field – from funding and partnerships to new markets. We're proud to drive this vision forward and ensure our local startups don't just participate but lead on the global innovation stage. The MYStartup Annual Report 2023/2024, also launched today, showcased Malaysia's growing startup ecosystem, with over 4,300 startups onboarded, RM100 million in investments secured, and strong ASEAN linkages reaffirming Malaysia's role as a regional launchpad.
