Malaysia has officially launched the Startup ASEAN platform, a bold regional initiative designed to unify and empower Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and executed by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), the platform marks a major milestone under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.
The platform serves as a comprehensive digital gateway, offering startups across ASEAN direct access to regional markets, funding opportunities, investor networks, talent development programmes, and real-time ecosystem insights.
“Startup ASEAN is more than a digital platform—it is a strategic enabler developed in collaboration with all ASEAN Member States to address fragmented access to markets, capital, talent, and data,” said YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of MOSTI.
The launch event, held in Cyberjaya, featured remarks from H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, who hailed the initiative as a transformative step toward deeper regional integration through innovation and technology.
Key Highlights:
- Regional Collaboration: Developed in partnership with all ASEAN Member States, the platform fosters cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- ASEAN CrossConnect: A regional market access programme debuted at the launch, pairing 10 global mentors with emerging startups from across ASEAN.
- Multi-Phase Rollout:
- Phase 1 (2024): Platform development and pre-launch
- Phase 2 (2025): Full platform launch, regional startup programmes, and the Startup ASEAN Summit
- Phase 3 (2026 onward): Establishment of the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for Early-Stage Startups
“Cradle is proud to lead this effort and contribute to ASEAN’s growth through innovation. This platform is about creating opportunity, strengthening regional partnerships, and unlocking the collective potential of ASEAN’s startup ecosystem,” said Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle.
Strategic Vision: ASEAN’s Gateway to Innovation
Malaysia’s leadership in launching the Startup ASEAN platform aligns with its broader ambition to become ASEAN’s gateway to innovation. With a youthful population of 680 million and a rapidly growing digital economy, the region is primed for transformation. Malaysia’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and commitment to inclusive innovation position it as a natural hub for regional growth.
The platform also supports the ASEAN Startup Technology Ignite 2025 initiative, reinforcing Malaysia’s role in shaping a digitally cohesive and innovation-driven Southeast Asia.
