Startup ASEAN Platform Boosts Regional Innovation, Links 8,600 Startups Across ASEAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Startup ASEAN platform has emerged as a key catalyst for ASEAN’s innovation ecosystem, connecting more than 8,600 startups and over 1,700 investors across the region since its introduction last year.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang said Malaysia’s introduction of the ASEAN Startup Initiative last year stemmed from a strong belief that unity and innovation are the twin forces that could bring ASEAN nations closer together.

He said from the beginning, the mission has been to strengthen regional collaboration, build capacity and create opportunities that transcend national boundaries towards regional growth.

“The Startup ASEAN journey is not just about technology or entrepreneurship, it is about people. It is about empowering every founder, dreamer and innovator across our region with the opportunity to create change and make a lasting impact on lives.

“Malaysia is committed to being not only a contributor but also a connector by linking ecosystems, sharing expertise and building bridges between entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Cradle LIVE! Startup ASEAN Summit 2025 at Zepp KL here today.

Also present were ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Secretary-General Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad and Cradle Fund Group CEO Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke.

Chang said the initiative calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, where policymakers, industry leaders, academia and communities work hand in hand to build a more connected and resilient region.

He said Startup ASEAN embodies the vision of an ASEAN that is collaborative, united, future-ready and driven by innovation.

“Throughout ASEAN, we have seen successful and innovative startups born from collaboration among founders across the region, such as the Funding Societies, an SME digital lending platform founded by a Malaysian and an Indonesian,

“As well as Carro, an online used-car marketplace founded by a Singaporean, a Thai and an Indonesian,” he added.

Moving into 2026, Chang said the ministry’s main focus will be to deepen cooperation in innovation policy, investment and talent mobility to ensure that no country, startup or innovator is left behind.

Malaysia, through MOSTI and Cradle, he said, will continue to engage closely with ASEAN counterparts, ecosystem partners and the private sector to ensure that Startup ASEAN continues to grow as a sustainable and impactful regional movement.

“Our collective aspiration is clear, to position ASEAN among the top global startup ecosystems, and to build a region recognised not only for its market potential but also for its ingenuity, creativity and resilience,” he added.

-- BERNAMA