Hashtag
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.

Business News

Professional Removalists for Smooth, Secure, and Well-Organised Moves

Choosing reliable professional removalists is one of the most important decisions when planning a move, whether it involves a family home, an apartment, or a commercial space. Relocation is not just...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

High Definition Plasma Cutting And Why Precision Matters In Steel Processing

An HD plasma cutter represents a major step forward in how steel is shaped for construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. In environments where accuracy, speed, and clean finishes are...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Why Cardboard Boxes Remain Essential For Storage And Transport

Across industries and households alike, cardboard boxes continue to play a vital role in storage, packing, and transportation. Their practicality, affordability, and adaptability make them one of th...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Creating a Backyard Memorial Garden: A Peaceful Space to Remember Loved Ones

Setting aside a corner of your backyard as a memorial garden is a meaningful way to honour the memory of a loved one — human or animal — while adding beauty and reflection to your outdoor space. Wheth...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Office Painting – The Right Painting Contractor Will Save You!

Planning to refurbish your Perth business and looking to select the right commercial painting contractor? An office space is probably the number one place where having high-quality paintwork and pro...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Why Commercial Fit Outs Melbourne Businesses Depend on for Efficient Workspaces

A well-executed commercial fit outs Melbourne solution is essential for businesses that want their workspace to support productivity, brand identity, and long-term growth. The internal environment o...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Health & Wellness

Why NDIS Cleaning Services Boost Health, Safety & Independence

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

For many Australians living with a disability, maintaining a clean and safe home can be challenging. Everyday cleaning tasks-like vacuuming, mopping, sanitising kitchens, or bathrooms-may pose physica...

Why Choosing a GP Bundoora Is Key to Consistent and Preventive Healthcare

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Access to dependable primary healthcare is essential for maintaining long-term wellbeing. Choosing a trusted GP Bundoora allows individuals and families to receive ongoing medical support close to h...

What Does an NDIS Support Coordinator Actually Do?

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

The role of a support coordinator is often mentioned in NDIS conversations, but it isn’t always clearly understood. Many participants wonder what a support coordinator actually does day to day, and ho...