Q: What was the big idea behind launching the ASEAN Startup Initiative?

NMV: When we first envisioned the ASEAN Startup Initiative, it was about realising the vision we set in the Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap: placing Malaysia among the top 20 ecosystems in the world. To achieve this, Malaysia must become a global hub for startups. We started with MYStartup as the center of our national ecosystem. The natural next step is to expand into the regional space and lead in ASEAN. That’s how the ASEAN Startup Initiative came about, and in 2024 it was officially endorsed by the ASEAN Committee of Science, Technology and Innovation. Among the six deliverables entrusted to us in 2025 is the Startup ASEAN Summit, designed as the region’s flagship gathering for startups.

Q: Why do you believe the timing is right for a Startup ASEAN Summit?

NMV: Yes, this is exactly what we need now. Often, people compare individual countries: one has a larger market, another more funding, another stronger talent pool. But ASEAN as a whole has 700 million people, a massive market, and our countries are only a short flight away from each other. There’re strong familiarity and connectivity among us. That closeness is a strength. Malaysians in particular stand to benefit from the shared opportunities across the region. This summit can spark collaboration and truly unlock ASEAN’s collective value.

Q: Where does Cradle fit into this bigger regional picture?

NMV: Cradle is the focal point agency for Malaysia’s startup ecosystem, clear, central, and aligned with everyone in the space. We are the center of gravity, bringing the ecosystem to higher levels. There’s a saying about jaguh kampung (village champion). Our aim is to become jaguh dunia (world champion). The summit helps us showcase Malaysian startups regionally, and eventually globally. First ASEAN, and perhaps next year, why not a global summit?

Q: What makes the Startup ASEAN Summit more than just another conference?

NMV: We want the summit to serve as the region’s key startup gathering, a central platform that encapsulates a year’s worth of activities. It will be the place where startups across ASEAN can come together, interact, and learn from each other. A space not just for showcasing innovation, but for building lasting connections and opportunities.

Q: Beyond the summit, how will digital platforms strengthen ASEAN’s startup connections?

NMV: MYStartup Single Window is the central platform for Malaysia’s ecosystem. The ASEAN Startup Portal will play that role for the region. We are working toward both, building a bridge that connects our startups across ASEAN. It’s about more than networking, it’s about unlocking access to markets, funding, and partnerships. And from there, we want to scale further, linking ASEAN’s ecosystem to the rest of the world.