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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.
Zawya
26-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
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. Please visit Hashtag: #MyASEAN2025 #StartupASEAN #MOSTI #CradleFund #Tech #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #Business The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd
Malay Mail
26-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia Launches Full-Scale Startup ASEAN Platform To Drive Regional Growth
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. 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 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., 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 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," saidemphasised "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 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 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 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 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 visit Hashtag: #MyASEAN2025 #StartupASEAN #MOSTI #CradleFund #Tech #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #Business The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Malay Mail
25-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's Startup Asean platform aims to connect 10,000 firms regionwide by year-end, says Chang
PUTRAJAYA, June 25 — Malaysia is targeting to onboard at least 10,000 startups by the end of this year under the newly launched Startup Asean platform. The platform serves as a regional digital gateway to connect and empower startups, investors and talents across Southeast Asia. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Chang Lih Kang, said the platform currently hosts about 5,000 startups and is showing encouraging progress since becoming fully operational. 'We are targeting at least 10,000 startups by year-end, and we have already reached around half of that. 'This shows promising development, and we hope the platform will help the entire region to grow together. The benefits are not limited to a single country but extend to all Asean member states,' he told reporters after officiating the launch of the platform here today. Malaysia, as the Asean chair in 2025, is spearheading the initiative through MOSTI, with implementation by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd. The platform was developed in collaboration with all 10 Asean member states. In his speech at the launch, Chang said the Startup Asean platform reflects Malaysia's commitment to lead with purpose, adding that it represents the first major deliverable under the Asean Startup Initiative. 'As chair of Asean in 2025, Malaysia has taken on a bold responsibility to shape a future-oriented startup ecosystem. Through this initiative, we are proud to introduce the Asean Technology Startup Ignite 2025,' he said. Chang noted that Southeast Asia is home to more than 680 million people, with over half of the population aged below 35. The region has a combined gross domestic product of more than US$3.9 trillion, while its digital economy is projected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2030 (US$1=RM4.233). The platform's launch today marks the second phase of a longer regional roadmap. The first phase, completed in 2024, focused on developing the platform and engaging stakeholders. The third phase, expected in 2026, will see the establishment of the Asean Centre of Excellence for early-stage startups to further elevate the region's innovation ecosystem. Asked how MOSTI will ensure inclusivity for startups in less developed Asean member states, Chang said the platform was designed to be borderless and accessible to all. 'This regional platform is one of the ways we can assist startups from less developed countries. As long as you have internet access, you can come on board. Your company can be seen by investors and talent from anywhere in the region. This is how we help increase their visibility and chances of success,' he said. Tracking Impact and Regional Collaboration Cradle group chief executive officer Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke said the platform comes with clear performance indicators, including startup participation, investment outcomes, and regional collaboration. 'In 2025, we aim to onboard 10,000 startups, 2,000 investors and 500 strategic partners. We are also planning to run five regional programmes through the platform. These efforts will support an ecosystem valued at around US$131.2 billion,' he said. Vanhaecke said the platform is not just a database but a regional tool for inclusive impact. 'We will track the number of investments, the emergence of new startups, and collaborations between founders from different countries. Two regional programmes are already in place through our dialogue partners from Korea and China. These are open to all startups across Asean,' he said. Vanhaecke said three more regional programmes will be introduced this year, with more to follow in the future. 'This is just the beginning. With strong participation from Asean countries, the platform has the potential to become a key enabler for innovation, growth and cross-border cooperation,' he said. — Bernama
