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 and executed by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, the platform’s regional launch underscores Malaysia’s commitment under its 2025 ASEAN chairmanship to fostering inclusive innovation and economic dynamism across the region.
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.
“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,” said MOSTI Minister YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang.
“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,” he added, “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.”
“Cradle is proud to lead this effort and contribute to ASEAN’s growth through innovation,” said CEO Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke. “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.
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, improving 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:
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Phase 1, 2024: Development and pre-launch of the Startup ASEAN platform;
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Phase 2, 2025: Launch of Startup ASEAN platform, ASEAN startup programmes, capacity-building efforts and Startup ASEAN Summit; and
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Phase 3, 2026 onwards: Establishment of the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for early-stage startups.
