- Cradle is appointed by Mosti to lead platform implementation
- Platform serves as one-stop hub connecting startups to regional markets, funding, talent & investors
Malaysia has 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.
According to Mosti, unlike the earlier pre-launch phase, this official rollout represents a fully operational platform, now equipped with the key capabilities needed to support the Asean innovation ecosystem.
The agency added that 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.
Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Mosti, said: “Malaysia is honoured to chair Asean in 2025 and to 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, developed in collaboration with all Asean Member States, to address fragmented access to markets, funding, talent, and data.”
“This launch marks the first major deliverable under the Asean Startup Technology Ignite 2025, and I commend Cradle for playing a pivotal role in driving this initiative together with our Asean partners. Through this platform, we are not only unlocking new opportunities for cross-border collaboration but also creating greater access for Malaysian startups to grow, scale, and thrive in Asean and beyond.”
Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of Asean, said: “Today, we witnessed the official launch of Startup Asean—a transformative initiative designed to serve as the centralised hub for startups across the region. By connecting entrepreneurs, investors, government institutions, and ecosystem builders, this platform embodies Asean’s unwavering commitment to deeper regional integration, while unlocking unprecedented opportunities through technology and innovation.”
Meanwhile, Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle, emphasised: “Cradle is proud to lead this effort and contribute to Asean’s growth through innovation. The platform is more than just technology—it is about enabling opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and unlocking the potential of our Asean startups.”
“In addition to the regional database, the platform will host programmes aimed at enhancing cross-border collaboration among all Asean Member States and dialogue partners such as South Korea and China,” Norman added.
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): Full launch of the platform, Asean startup programmes, capacity-building efforts, and the 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, showcasing unique startup success stories and the cultural diversity of Asean Member States. Coinciding with the launch, Cradle also hosted a regional market access session, Asean CrossConnect, which matched 10 successful global mentors from Asean countries with startups from across the region.
Cradle stated that it 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.
To join the regional startup ecosystem, visit: www.startup-asean.org
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
