Latest news with #StartupASEAN
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia Launches Full-Scale Startup ASEAN Platform
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 June 2025 - 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 under its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship to fostering inclusive innovation and economic dynamism across the region. Unlike the earlier pre-launch phase, this official launch represents a fully operational rollout, equipped with critical capabilities to serve the ASEAN innovation ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is designed as a comprehensive one-stop hub, offering startups direct access to regional market opportunities, funding, investor networks, talent development and ecosystem insights. YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of MOSTI, said 'Malaysia is honored to chair ASEAN in 2025 and take the lead in building a truly integrated and empowered regional startup ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is more than a digital gateway, it is a strategic enabler designed through collaboration with all ASEAN Member States to address fragmented access to market, funding, talent and data. This launch marks the first major deliverable under the ASEAN Startup Technology Ignite 2025, and I would like to commend Cradle for its focal role in driving this initiative with all other ASEAN Member States. Through this platform, we are not only unlocking new opportunities for collaboration across region but also creating greater access for Malaysian startups to expand, scale and thrive in ASEAN and beyond,' continued YB Chang. 'Today we witness the official launch of Startup ASEAN-a transformative initiative designed to serve as the centralised hub for all startups across our region. By seamlessly connecting entrepreneurs, investors, government institutions, and ecosystem builders across our Member States, this platform embodies ASEAN's unwavering commitment to deepening regional integration while unlocking unprecedented opportunities through technology and innovation,' said H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN. Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle, emphasised 'Cradle is proud to lead this effort and contribute to ASEAN's growth through innovation. The platform is beyond technology itself. It is about creating opportunities within the startup ecosystem, strengthening partnerships and unlocking the potential of our ASEAN startups. In addition to the regional database, the platform will host regional programmes aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration among all ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners such as South Korea and China,' continued Norman. The ASEAN Startup Initiative, approved in 2023, appointed Cradle under MOSTI's mandate to lead its implementation. The initiative focuses on developing startup friendly policies, enhancing ecosystem readiness and driving impactful regional programmes and partnerships. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia's leadership under the ASEAN Technology Startup Ignite programme signals a strategic move to position the country as a regional innovation hub. The multi-phased implementation includes: Phase 1, 2024: Development and pre-launch of the Startup ASEAN platform, Phase 2, 2025: Launch of Startup ASEAN platform, ASEAN startup programmes, capacity-building efforts and Startup ASEAN Summit Phase 3, 2026 onwards: Establishment of the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for early-stage startups. The hybrid launch event featured an immersive Startup ASEAN video tour, highlighting unique startup success stories and cultural diversity from all member states. Coinciding with the launch, Cradle hosted the regional market access session, ASEAN CrossConnect, matching 10 successful global mentors from ASEAN countries with startups from all over the region. Cradle will continue working closely with all ASEAN Member States to enhance the platform's value, ensuring it delivers meaningful impact through improved access to markets, investment opportunities and knowledge exchange. Please visit Hashtag: #MyASEAN2025 #StartupASEAN #MOSTI #CradleFund #Tech #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #Business
Associated Press
26-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Malaysia Launches Full-Scale Startup ASEAN Platform To Drive Regional Growth
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 June 2025 - 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 under its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship to fostering inclusive innovation and economic dynamism across the region. From left: Dr. Zurina Moktar, Head of Science, Technology Division, ASEAN Secretariat, Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor Azman Bin Hassan Deputy Secretary General (Technology Development), MOSTI, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Tuan Fabian Bigar, Secretary General of the Ministry of Digital, and Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle. Unlike the earlier pre-launch phase, this official launch represents a fully operational rollout, equipped with critical capabilities to serve the ASEAN innovation ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is designed as a comprehensive one-stop hub, offering startups direct access to regional market opportunities, funding, investor networks, talent development and ecosystem insights. YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of MOSTI, said 'Malaysia is honored to chair ASEAN in 2025 and take the lead in building a truly integrated and empowered regional startup ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is more than a digital gateway, it is a strategic enabler designed through collaboration with all ASEAN Member States to address fragmented access to market, funding, talent and data. This launch marks the first major deliverable under the ASEAN Startup Technology Ignite 2025, and I would like to commend Cradle for its focal role in driving this initiative with all other ASEAN Member States. Through this platform, we are not only unlocking new opportunities for collaboration across region but also creating greater access for Malaysian startups to expand, scale and thrive in ASEAN and beyond,' continued YB Chang. 'Today we witness the official launch of Startup ASEAN-a transformative initiative designed to serve as the centralised hub for all startups across our region. By seamlessly connecting entrepreneurs, investors, government institutions, and ecosystem builders across our Member States, this platform embodies ASEAN's unwavering commitment to deepening regional integration while unlocking unprecedented opportunities through technology and innovation,' said H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN. Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle, emphasised 'Cradle is proud to lead this effort and contribute to ASEAN's growth through innovation. The platform is beyond technology itself. It is about creating opportunities within the startup ecosystem, strengthening partnerships and unlocking the potential of our ASEAN startups. In addition to the regional database, the platform will host regional programmes aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration among all ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners such as South Korea and China,' continued Norman. The ASEAN Startup Initiative, approved in 2023, appointed Cradle under MOSTI's mandate to lead its implementation. The initiative focuses on developing startup friendly policies, enhancing ecosystem readiness and driving impactful regional programmes and partnerships. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia's leadership under the ASEAN Technology Startup Ignite programme signals a strategic move to position the country as a regional innovation hub. The multi-phased implementation includes: The hybrid launch event featured an immersive Startup ASEAN video tour, highlighting unique startup success stories and cultural diversity from all member states. Coinciding with the launch, Cradle hosted the regional market access session, ASEAN CrossConnect, matching 10 successful global mentors from ASEAN countries with startups from all over the region. Cradle will continue working closely with all ASEAN Member States to enhance the platform's value, ensuring it delivers meaningful impact through improved access to markets, investment opportunities and knowledge exchange. Please visit Hashtag: #MyASEAN2025 #StartupASEAN #MOSTI #CradleFund #Tech #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #Business The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arabian Post
26-06-2025
- 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
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia Launches Full-Scale Startup ASEAN Platform To Drive Regional Growth
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 June 2025 - 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 under its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship to fostering inclusive innovation and economic dynamism across the region. Unlike the earlier pre-launch phase, this official launch represents a fully operational rollout, equipped with critical capabilities to serve the ASEAN innovation ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is designed as a comprehensive one-stop hub, offering startups direct access to regional market opportunities, funding, investor networks, talent development and ecosystem insights. YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of MOSTI, said 'Malaysia is honored to chair ASEAN in 2025 and take the lead in building a truly integrated and empowered regional startup ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is more than a digital gateway, it is a strategic enabler designed through collaboration with all ASEAN Member States to address fragmented access to market, funding, talent and data. This launch marks the first major deliverable under the ASEAN Startup Technology Ignite 2025, and I would like to commend Cradle for its focal role in driving this initiative with all other ASEAN Member States. Through this platform, we are not only unlocking new opportunities for collaboration across region but also creating greater access for Malaysian startups to expand, scale and thrive in ASEAN and beyond,' continued YB Chang. 'Today we witness the official launch of Startup ASEAN-a transformative initiative designed to serve as the centralised hub for all startups across our region. By seamlessly connecting entrepreneurs, investors, government institutions, and ecosystem builders across our Member States, this platform embodies ASEAN's unwavering commitment to deepening regional integration while unlocking unprecedented opportunities through technology and innovation,' said H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN. Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle, emphasised 'Cradle is proud to lead this effort and contribute to ASEAN's growth through innovation. The platform is beyond technology itself. It is about creating opportunities within the startup ecosystem, strengthening partnerships and unlocking the potential of our ASEAN startups. In addition to the regional database, the platform will host regional programmes aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration among all ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners such as South Korea and China,' continued Norman. The ASEAN Startup Initiative, approved in 2023, appointed Cradle under MOSTI's mandate to lead its implementation. The initiative focuses on developing startup friendly policies, enhancing ecosystem readiness and driving impactful regional programmes and partnerships. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia's leadership under the ASEAN Technology Startup Ignite programme signals a strategic move to position the country as a regional innovation hub. The multi-phased implementation includes: Phase 1, 2024: Development and pre-launch of the Startup ASEAN platform, Phase 2, 2025: Launch of Startup ASEAN platform, ASEAN startup programmes, capacity-building efforts and Startup ASEAN Summit Phase 3, 2026 onwards: Establishment of the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for early-stage startups. The hybrid launch event featured an immersive Startup ASEAN video tour, highlighting unique startup success stories and cultural diversity from all member states. Coinciding with the launch, Cradle hosted the regional market access session, ASEAN CrossConnect, matching 10 successful global mentors from ASEAN countries with startups from all over the region. Cradle will continue working closely with all ASEAN Member States to enhance the platform's value, ensuring it delivers meaningful impact through improved access to markets, investment opportunities and knowledge exchange.
Arabian Post
26-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Malaysia Launches Full-Scale Startup ASEAN Platform To Drive Regional Growth
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 June 2025 – 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 under its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship to fostering inclusive innovation and economic dynamism across the region. Unlike the earlier pre-launch phase, this official launch represents a fully operational rollout, equipped with critical capabilities to serve the ASEAN innovation ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is designed as a comprehensive one-stop hub, offering startups direct access to regional market opportunities, funding, investor networks, talent development and ecosystem insights. YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of MOSTI, said 'Malaysia is honored to chair ASEAN in 2025 and take the lead in building a truly integrated and empowered regional startup ecosystem. The Startup ASEAN platform is more than a digital gateway, it is a strategic enabler designed through collaboration with all ASEAN Member States to address fragmented access to market, funding, talent and data. ADVERTISEMENT This launch marks the first major deliverable under the ASEAN Startup Technology Ignite 2025, and I would like to commend Cradle for its focal role in driving this initiative with all other ASEAN Member States. Through this platform, we are not only unlocking new opportunities for collaboration across region but also creating greater access for Malaysian startups to expand, scale and thrive in ASEAN and beyond,' continued YB Chang. 'Today we witness the official launch of Startup ASEAN-a transformative initiative designed to serve as the centralised hub for all startups across our region. By seamlessly connecting entrepreneurs, investors, government institutions, and ecosystem builders across our Member States, this platform embodies ASEAN's unwavering commitment to deepening regional integration while unlocking unprecedented opportunities through technology and innovation,' said H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN. Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle, emphasised 'Cradle is proud to lead this effort and contribute to ASEAN's growth through innovation. The platform is beyond technology itself. It is about creating opportunities within the startup ecosystem, strengthening partnerships and unlocking the potential of our ASEAN startups. In addition to the regional database, the platform will host regional programmes aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration among all ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners such as South Korea and China,' continued Norman. The ASEAN Startup Initiative, approved in 2023, appointed Cradle under MOSTI's mandate to lead its implementation. The initiative focuses on developing startup friendly policies, enhancing ecosystem readiness and driving impactful regional programmes and partnerships. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia's leadership under the ASEAN Technology Startup Ignite programme signals a strategic move to position the country as a regional innovation hub. The multi-phased implementation includes: Phase 1, 2024: Development and pre-launch of the Startup ASEAN platform, Phase 2, 2025: Launch of Startup ASEAN platform, ASEAN startup programmes, capacity-building efforts and Startup ASEAN Summit Phase 3, 2026 onwards: Establishment of the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for early-stage startups. The hybrid launch event featured an immersive Startup ASEAN video tour, highlighting unique startup success stories and cultural diversity from all member states. Coinciding with the launch, Cradle hosted the regional market access session, ASEAN CrossConnect, matching 10 successful global mentors from ASEAN countries with startups from all over the region. Cradle will continue working closely with all ASEAN Member States to enhance the platform's value, ensuring it delivers meaningful impact through improved access to markets, investment opportunities and knowledge exchange. Please visit Hashtag: #MyASEAN2025 #StartupASEAN #MOSTI #CradleFund #Tech #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #Business The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
