- Empower companies, connect innovators, and develop a growing ecosystem
- Startup-friendly policies, improve ecosystem readiness, generate effective collaboration
The Soft Launch of Startup ASEAN, a platform that aims to position ASEAN members as key players in the global startup landscape, was announced by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation ( MOSTI ) and Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd. The program was officiated by Chang Lih Kang, secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation, during the Malaysia-China Summit 2024 held next week
Startup ASEAN is inviting companies and habitat lovers from all ASEAN nations to meet the system forward of its official release in Q2 2025. Companies can now register their attention at website. startup-asean. nonprofit and be part of the state’s second jump in innovation.
Cradle has been given the task of leading the ASEAN Startup Initiative ( ASI) within the ASEAN Technology Startup Ignite as Malaysia prepares to take office of ASEAN in 2025. This initiative highlights Malaysia’s commitment to bolstering the regional startup ecosystem, aligning with the nation’s Priority Economic Deliverables ( PEDs ) 2025 for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).
The program aims to promote startup-friendly policies, promote habitat preparation among ASEAN member states, and encourage meaningful collaborations to foster regional synergies and partnerships.
The second program under the ASEAN Technology Startup Ignite is a program curated by a work force from all 10 ASEAN Member States: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Chang Lih Kang, Minister of MOSTI, emphasised,” Business ASEAN is designed to encourage and promote science, engineering, and innovation within the ASEAN startup ecosystem, serving as a gateway to the vivid ASEAN startup community. Through this program, we aim to empower companies, connect entrepreneurs, and develop a growing ecosystem that drives provincial growth and innovation”.
Describing Startup ASEAN as more than just a digital system, Chang added,” It is a testament to our collective responsibility to nurturing creativity, strengthening engagement, and building a solid foundation for modern advancement”.
Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle, said,” As Malaysia’s primary level company for the company habitat, Cradle is pleased to direct Startup ASEAN. This system serves as a catalyst for regional cooperation and creativity, enabling startups to grow and promote sustainable economic growth in the area.
Through a phased approach, he said Cradle will introduce dynamic programmes, including regional hackathons targeting deep tech sectors such as Artificial Intelligence ( AI), sustainability, and climate tech. Also, the Startup ASEAN Summit in 2019 will highlight regional innovation and open up new markets for startups.
” The establishment of Startup ASEAN under Malaysia’s Chairmanship is a significant step in strengthening the region’s vibrant startup ecosystem, which currently boasts over 11, 000 startups and an ecosystem value of US$ 131.2 billion ( RM589.1 billion ). With ASEAN’s GDP projected to reach US$ 4.5 trillion ( RM20.2 trillion ) by 2030, the region remains a dynamic hub for innovation, offering vast opportunities for companies and investors alike”, said Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General for ASEAN Economic Community.
” Startup ASEAN may be essential in connecting tech companies across the region, empowering members, enriching the ecosystem, and bridging ASEAN’s local and global network with the complete support of all 10 associate state”, said Dr Kanchana Wanichkorn, Director of Sectoral Development Directorate for ASEAN Economic Community.