Malaysia has officially unveiled the Startup ASEAN platform during its tenure as ASEAN chair, establishing a fully operational digital gateway designed to unite entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem enablers across Southeast Asia. The launch—following a developmental blueprint initiated in 2024—unlocks access to regional markets, capital, talent and data, with an aspirational target of onboarding at least 10,000 startups by year-end.
The platform’s roll‑out represents phase two of the ASEAN Startup Technology Ignite initiative. Development and a soft launch took place in 2024, while the newly announced phase includes capacity‑building programmes and a Startup ASEAN summit. A third phase commencing in 2026 will see the establishment of an ASEAN Centre of Excellence dedicated to early‑stage ventures.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang described the platform as a “strategic enabler” born from collaborative efforts among all ASEAN member states. He highlighted its role in bridging fragmented access to finance, talent and market opportunities. At the launch in Putrajaya, he underlined that approximately 5,000 startups have already joined and affirmed the year‑end goal of doubling that number.
ASEAN Secretary‑General Dr Kao Kim Hourn echoed these commitments, stating that the platform exemplifies deeper regional integration and presents “unprecedented opportunities” through technology. He noted that the platform extends to ecosystem builders and government institutions, reflecting ASEAN’s dedication to fostering inclusive innovation.
Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, appointed by Malaysia’s MOSTI, is spearheading implementation. Its group chief executive, Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, emphasised that the platform transcends mere technology: it is designed to generate meaningful partnerships, foster cross‑border initiatives and catalyse growth across the region. He said it will track metrics such as startup onboarding, investment activity and regional collaboration, aiming to involve 2,000 investors and 500 strategic partners by 2025.
Dr Kao highlighted the context underpinning this push. Southeast Asia hosts over 680 million people—more than half under 35—with a combined GDP exceeding US$3.9 trillion and a digital economy projected to surpass US$1 trillion by 2030. Kuala Lumpur’s leap into the top 20 emerging startup hubs, ranking 18th in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 by Startup Genome, provided a credible basis for regional leadership.
CupTuring beyond connecting stakeholders, the platform is set to host a suite of programmes. Already underway are collaborative initiatives with international partners such as South Korea and China, and plans include additional regional market‑access sessions and mentorship opportunities. The launch event featured a video tour with startup success narratives and a regional market access session, ASEAN CrossConnect, which paired ten seasoned mentors with participating startups.
The platform’s ecosystem metrics are compelling: as of the launch, more than 4,000 startups and 1,087 investors were registered, contributing to an ecosystem valued at over US$131.2 billion.
Governments from less developed ASEAN nations were assured of equal standing on the platform. Chang emphasised its borderless design, allowing any startup with internet access to connect with markets and investors across the region.
The Startup ASEAN initiative traces back to 2023, when ASEAN leaders approved a framework empowering Cradle to lead policy development, ecosystem readiness, and cross‑sector partnerships. The recent formal launch marks the first major deliverable of the Ignite initiative under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship.
Experts view the initiative as a timely response to ASEAN’s broader economic integration agenda, reflected in recent high‑level declarations such as the Kuala Lumpur Declaration. The new platform aligns with ASEAN Community Vision 2045, aiming to strengthen innovation, connectivity and socio-economic resilience.
