Malaysia Ignites ASEAN Innovation Across Southeast Asia
With a bold vision and strategic foresight, Malaysia officially launched the Startup ASEAN platform on Thursday, a comprehensive digital gateway designed to unify and energize Southeast Asia’s startup landscape.
Malaysia has officially launched the Startup ASEAN platform – a full-scale, strategic digital gateway to connect and empower startups across ASEAN. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and led by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), the platform marks a key deliverable under ASEAN-Malaysia Chairmanship 2025.
In his launch address, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of MOSTI, emphasized Malaysia’s leadership in shaping an integrated regional startup ecosystem. «The Startup ASEAN platform is more than a digital gateway,» he stated. «It’s a strategic enabler, developed in collaboration with all ASEAN Member States to address challenges in market access, funding, talent development, and data availability.»
A Pillar of ASEAN’s Innovation Agenda
This rollout marks the first major achievement under the ASEAN Startup Technology Ignite 2025 framework. YB Chang praised Cradle’s pivotal role in aligning national and regional efforts: «Through this platform, we are not only creating new pathways for regional collaboration but also expanding opportunities for Malaysian startups to scale and compete across ASEAN and beyond.»
H.E. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, reinforced the broader significance of this initiative: «Startup ASEAN is a transformative platform that embodies our region’s deepening commitment to technological integration. It brings together entrepreneurs, investors, institutions, and ecosystem builders in a centralized hub for shared innovation.»
Beyond Technology: Building Cross-Border Synergy
Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle, highlighted that the platform’s value extends well beyond its digital interface. «Startup ASEAN is about enabling opportunities,” he noted, «from strengthening partnerships to unlocking the full potential of our regional startup talent.»
The platform will also host regional programs to promote cross-border collaboration, including engagement with ASEAN dialogue partners such as South Korea and China. A curated regional startup database will serve as the backbone for data-driven decision-making and targeted policy support.
A Strategic Roadmap for Innovation Leadership
The ASEAN Startup Initiative – approved in 2023 – tasked Cradle with overseeing its implementation under MOSTI’s mandate. Its multi-phase rollout includes three key milestones: the platform’s development and soft launch in 2024, a full rollout with startup programs and the Startup ASEAN Summit in 2025, and the future creation of an ASEAN Centre of Excellence for early-stage startups from 2026 onward.
Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship is positioning the country as a central force in driving the region’s digital economy. Under the ASEAN Technology Startup Ignite programme, Malaysia aims to catalyze regional innovation and elevate ASEAN as a globally recognized hub for emerging ventures.
Launch Highlights: Startups, Stories, and Strategic Connections
The hybrid launch event featured an immersive video tour of the platform, showcasing startup success stories and the cultural richness of all ASEAN member states. One of the key highlights was ASEAN CrossConnect, a market access session matching 10 elite global mentors with startups from across the region.
Looking ahead, Cradle remains committed to ongoing collaboration with ASEAN governments and private sector partners. Its goal is to continuously enhance the Startup ASEAN platform to deliver meaningful impact, whether by facilitating investment, opening market access, or fostering cross-border knowledge sharing.
