Cradle launches MYSTARTUP NXT Micro Conference that will go nationwide

Cradle launches MYSTARTUP NXT Micro Conference that will go nationwide
  • Inaugural MYStartup Annual Report unveiled with three strategies to hit its targets
  • Conference for founders, developers will head to Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu

MInister of Science,Technology & Innovation Chang Lih Kang (left) with Ahmad Kashfi Alwi of Cradle wearing their VR units to enter the virtual world created for the MyStartup annual report launch with other guests joining them.

Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) through Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle) yesterday launched a series of micro-conferences, MYSTARTUP NXT, as part of its efforts to drive the startup ecosystem in Malaysia further. 

The event also saw the launch of the MYStartup Annual Report, which highlights the organisation’s achievements and impact on the Malaysian startup ecosystem in its first year. 

The Annual Report outlines MYStartup’s goals and the three strategies to achieve this – MYStartup Portal, strategic initiatives and community outreach. The launch was done in the metaverse with the virtual world designed by ecosystem partner DNA. 

Cradle launches MYSTARTUP NXT Micro Conference that will go nationwide

Ahmad Kashfi Alwi (pic), senior vice president of Ecosystem Development at Cradle, in his opening speech to the 250+ audience, expressed how MYStartup has changed its target from creating unicorns to looking at the impact of startups.

According to the report, the MYStartup portal had 55,102 worldwide visitors since its launch on 22 February 2022. It has also onboarded 2,741 startups and held bespoke programmes that have benefited 5,750 startups and individuals.

Through it, MYStartup matched nine national problem statements with solutions.

“MYStartup NXT series will enable and grow the country’s startup ecosystem equally and ensure that every local startup community, whether from the Klang Valley, Northern or Southern region, East Coast or even East Malaysia, do not miss out on receiving benefits from programmes organised by MYStartup. MOSTI through Cradle reaffirm the commitment to create an ever-sustainable ecosystem that is inclusive, to see all local startups flourish and scale at a competitive level,” added Kashfi.

“MyStartup will become a movement, for Malaysia today, for Asia tomorrow,” he said, hence the conference tagline “Empowering The ASEAN Startup Ecosystem”.

In addition, MYStartup also introduced MYStartup Dev, a data-centric, community-driven platform exclusively designed to connect tech talents with talent development partners and upskilling programmes. MYStartup Dev will guide and teach new skills for career advancement, nurture networking with industry experts, and stay current with the latest skills and technologies, ultimately unlocking the full potential of young local tech talents in Malaysia.

“MYStartup NXT is part of the government’s effort to cultivate accessible innovation and support long-term startup development, in line with Malaysia MADANI’s aspirations, one of which is to build an innovative and high-tech nation. Thus, the launch of the MYStartup Annual Report will assist the Government to realise these aspirations through high-impact programmes,” said Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang.

As part of the goal to cultivate accessible innovation and support long-term startup development MyStartup NXT has partnered with Maxis Bhd, Cyberview Sdn Bhd, Air Asia Academy Sdn Bhd, and Petronas Bhd for the benefit of the startup ecosystem in Malaysia with the MoU exchange during the event. Expect more such partnerships says Ahmad Kashfi, stressing “we all own this ecosystem together.”