KUALA LUMPUR – The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) and Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd have announced the soft launch of Startup ASEAN, a new platform aimed at positioning ASEAN as a global leader in the startup ecosystem. The initiative was officially introduced by Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang during the Malaysia-China Summit 2024 last week.
Set for an official launch in Q2 2025, Startup ASEAN is now inviting startups and ecosystem partners from across the region to participate. Entrepreneurs can express their interest by registering at www.startup-asean.org, joining an initiative designed to drive the next wave of innovation in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia to Lead ASEAN Startup Initiative in 2025
With Malaysia set to chair ASEAN in 2025, Cradle has been entrusted to lead the ASEAN Startup Initiative (ASI) under the ASEAN Technology Startup Ignite programme. This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) 2025 for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) and underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening the region’s startup ecosystem.
Startup ASEAN aims to develop startup-friendly policies, enhance ecosystem readiness across ASEAN Member States (AMS), and foster impactful collaborations that will create meaningful partnerships within the region.
The initiative is being spearheaded by a dedicated task force representing all 10 ASEAN member countries—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
A Catalyst for ASEAN’s Innovation Landscape
Speaking at the launch, Minister Chang Lih Kang emphasized that Startup ASEAN is designed to be a gateway to the region’s vibrant startup community by promoting and facilitating innovation-driven growth.
“Startup ASEAN is more than just a digital platform—it is a commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, connecting innovators, and fostering a thriving startup ecosystem that will drive regional growth,” he said.
Cradle Group CEO Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke echoed this sentiment, describing the platform as a catalyst for regional cooperation.
“As Malaysia’s focal agency for the startup ecosystem, Cradle is proud to lead this initiative. Startup ASEAN will not only serve as a hub for startups but also as a driver of sustainable economic growth across the region,” he said.
Upcoming Initiatives and Regional Collaboration
To support the development of the startup ecosystem, Cradle will introduce a series of dynamic programs, including regional hackathons targeting deep tech sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), sustainability, and climate technology.
Additionally, the Startup ASEAN Summit scheduled for next year will spotlight the region’s innovation landscape and unlock new market opportunities for startups.
Deputy Secretary General for the ASEAN Economic Community, Satvinder Singh, highlighted the initiative’s importance in fostering a connected and thriving startup ecosystem.
“The establishment of Startup ASEAN under Malaysia’s Chairmanship marks a significant step in strengthening ASEAN’s startup landscape, which currently boasts over 11,000 startups and an **ecosystem valued at US$131.2 billion (RM589.1 billion),” he said.
“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 startups and investors,” Singh added.
Director of the Sectoral Development Directorate for ASEAN Economic Community, Dr. Kanchana Wanichkorn, emphasized that Startup ASEAN will play a key role in connecting tech startups across the region.
“This initiative will empower founders, enrich the startup ecosystem, and bridge ASEAN’s local and global networks with the full support of all 10 member states,” she said.
Looking Ahead
As ASEAN continues to emerge as a global startup hub, Startup ASEAN is poised to bridge gaps in the regional ecosystem, drive cross-border collaboration, and position Southeast Asia as a leader in science, technology, and innovation. With strong backing from government agencies and ecosystem players, the initiative is expected to accelerate the growth of startups and open new frontiers for investment and expansion.
