Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

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:

  • 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 www.startup-asean.org
Hashtag: #MyASEAN2025 #StartupASEAN #MOSTI #CradleFund #Tech #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #Business








The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Mobile Patrol Security vs Static Guards: What’s Best for Brisbane Businesses?

Business security is very nuanced; a cookie-cutter approach doesn’t necessarily always work in a city like Brisbane. The bigger the city, the more...

Your Home Needs Regular Maintenance — And More Than Most Think

Why Regular Home Maintenance Is More Important Than Most Homeowners Think For many Australians, the home is more than just a shelter; it is the mos...

Roof Painting Jimboomba: Protect and Transform Your Home

Your roof plays a crucial role in protecting your home from the harsh Australian climate. Over time, exposure to sun, rain, and changing weather con...

Residential Electrical Services: Reliable Solutions for Adelaide Homes

Electrical systems play a vital role in keeping your home safe, comfortable, and functional. From lighting installations to switchboard upgrades and...

Leaking Shower Repair Perth: Fix Hidden Water Damage Before It Gets Worse

A leaking shower might seem like a minor issue at first, but over time it can cause serious structural damage to your bathroom and surrounding areas...

Full Mouth Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Dental Solution for Patients Seeking Advanced Care Abroad

Dental health plays a vital role in overall well-being, confidence, and quality of life. For individuals experiencing extensive dental issues such a...

Fertility Treatment in Australia | Expert Reproductive Care

One of the most significant journeys in life is the formation or the development of a family. To most couples and individuals, conception, however, ...

Professional Bathroom Builders Sydney: What Defines Professional Standards

Professional bathroom builders in Sydney operate within a regulated construction environment that prioritises safety, compliance, and structural durab...

Retail Cleaning Creating Welcoming and Professional Store Environments

First impressions matter in retail, and cleanliness plays a powerful role in shaping how customers perceive a store. Retail cleaning focuses on mai...

Why Year 12 Tutoring Plays A Crucial Role In Academic Success

The final year of school is one of the most demanding periods in a student’s academic journey, which is why year 12 tutoring has become an essent...

Legal Remedies Available in a Breach of Contract Case

When a contract is broken, the consequences can affect cash flow, reputation and ongoing business relationships. A breach of contract may occur when...

Long Weekend Camping in the Yarra Ranges: Three Weekends of High Country Adventure

Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria. Image by Mattinbgn (talk · contribs), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsVictoria’s Yarra Ranges offer keen trav...

Why Waste Management Solutions Are Essential For Modern Businesses

Managing waste responsibly has become a critical priority for organisations of all sizes, which is why waste management solutions play such an impo...

The Importance and Varieties of Ride-On Mower Tyres

Ride-on mowers are built to manage larger lawns with consistency and control. The quality and design of ride on mower tyres play a critical role in ...

Gain Peace Of Mind: The Undeniable Benefits Of A Ready First Aid Kit

Life in our vibrant communities, whether it's the bustling city or the quiet country town, is full of unexpected moments. From a scraped knee on the...

The Most Common Conveyor System Issues in Manufacturing

In modern manufacturing, conveyor systems play a central role in keeping production lines efficient, consistent, and cost-effective. When they operate...

How to Secure a Long-Term Rental in a Competitive Market

The rental market can be unpredictable and may present challenges if you’re not prepared. Initially, you might submit numerous applications and stil...

What Smart Investors Know About Real Estate

Many people think investing in property is just about buying a house and waiting for it to get expensive. While that can happen, the people who actual...