Malaysia Launches Unicorn Golden Pass to Attract Global Tech Giants and Foster Innovation
Malaysia launches Unicorn Golden Pass initiative to attract global tech giants, offering incentives for setting up in the country. The KL20 Action Plan outlines measures to accelerate the startup ecosystem, focusing on capital, talent, and quality of startups. 22 April 2024 – Malaysia is set to launch the Unicorn Golden Pass initiative, aiming to attract global unicorns and create high-skilled, high-value jobs, as announced by...
Malaysia Commits RM1 Billion to Boost Start-ups and Innovation: KL20 Summit Unveils Ambitious Plans
Malaysia earmarks RM1 billion for a “National Fund-of-Funds” to support start-ups and drive innovation. Additionally, agreements with 25 entities from various sectors aim to foster cutting-edge technology ventures, while plans for a city-to-city connection between Kuala Lumpur and Hangzhou are set to enhance Malaysia’s connectivity and access to major economies. 22 April 2024 – In a bid to drive innovation and...
Malaysia’s KL20 Summit: Ambitious Reforms to Drive Investment and Tech Growth
Malaysia’s KL20 Summit introduces reforms to attract investments and empower local entrepreneurs amidst global challenges. 22 April 2024 – Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, unveiled ambitious reforms at the KL20 Summit 2024, aimed at attracting high-quality investments and empowering local entrepreneurs. Anwar emphasized Malaysia’s stable government, good governance, and pro-trade legacy,...
ACE Programme Produces New Generation of Contractor Entrepreneurs in Sarawak
The ACE Programme in Sarawak celebrates the graduation of 11 successful participants, marking a milestone in nurturing knowledgeable and competitive contractor entrepreneurs for Malaysia’s construction industry. Officiated by Deputy Minister Ahmad Maslan, the ceremony underscores the programme’s effectiveness in driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurship, with plans for its continuation in June 2024. 16 April 2024...
Malaysia Unveils Single Window Initiative to Enhance Startup Ecosystem Ahead of KL20 Summit
Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation unveils the Single Window Initiative to simplify processes and provide comprehensive support for startups, aligning with the objectives of the upcoming KL20 Summit to propel the country’s startup ecosystem to new heights. 13 April 2024 – Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) has announced the launch of the Single Window...
Singapore Emerges as Top Startup Investment Hub in Southeast Asia, Attracting US$6.1 Billion in Funding in 2023
Singapore emerges as the leading startup investment hub in Southeast Asia, attracting a record US$6.1 billion in funding in 2023, as reported by Enterprise Singapore. Early-stage funding dominates the investment landscape, showcasing Singapore’s resilience amidst a global decline in startup funding. 5 April 2024 – Singapore solidified its position as the premier destination for startup investments in Southeast Asia, with a...
Mavcap Unveils Ambitious Plan to Elevate Malaysia’s Venture Capital Landscape to US$1.4 Billion by 2030
Mavcap sets an ambitious goal to increase Malaysia’s venture capital funding to US$1.4 billion by 2030, citing robust growth potential despite current disparities with Singapore. The Malaysia Venture Capital Roadmap (MVCR) aims to enhance VC penetration and regulatory environment while fostering an inclusive ecosystem for sustainable growth and innovation. 2 April 2024 – Malaysia Venture Capital Management Bhd (Mavcap) has...
WORQ Launches Eighth Co-Working Outlet at Sunway Putra Mall with Full Occupancy
WORQ launches its eighth co-working outlet at Sunway Putra Mall in Kuala Lumpur with full occupancy, offering diverse amenities and fostering sustainability. Positioned near public transportation hubs, WORQ’s strategic expansion aims to meet the growing demand for collaborative workspaces in Kuala Lumpur’s bustling city center. 26 March 2024 – WORQ, a leading provider of co-working and flex space solutions,...
TalentCorp Launches RM30 Million Initiative to Support SME and Startup Internship Placements
TalentCorp allocates RM30 million for LiKES initiative to support SME and startup internship placements, benefiting around 30,000 interns. The program aims to level the playing field for SMEs, constituting 97% of total businesses in Malaysia. 20 March 2024 – Training Matching Grant Initiative for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (LiKES), with a substantial RM30 million earmarked to support internship placements in SMEs and...
Kinabalu Startup Bootcamp Ignites Innovation in Sabah’s Tech Landscape
The Kinabalu Startup Bootcamp provided a platform for Sabah’s tech startups to develop their businesses and secure funding. The Sabah government and Cradle are collaborating to foster a thriving startup ecosystem in the state. 12 March 2024 – In a significant boost for Sabah’s entrepreneurial landscape, the recent Kinabalu Startup Bootcamp marked a milestone for tech startups in the state. Organized by the Sabah...
Singapore FinTech Association Launches Project Tapir to Facilitate Expansion of FinTechs into Malaysia, Fostering Cross-Border Collaboration and Economic Growth
The Singapore FinTech Association (SFA) launches Project Tapir in collaboration with Artem Ventures and OSK Ventures International Berhad, aiming to facilitate the expansion of Singaporean FinTech companies into Malaysia. With support from venture capital firm 1337 Ventures, the initiative provides selected FinTechs with a comprehensive ecosystem to ensure successful market entry into Malaysia, fostering bilateral ties and promoting...
MYStartup NXT Lights Up Johor, Aiming to Spark Local Startup Boom
MYStartup launched its 2024 program, MYStartup NXT, in Johor, aiming to support the state’s growing startup ecosystem through knowledge sharing, networking, and addressing key challenges faced by startups. 5 March 2024 – MYStartup, a Malaysian organization dedicated to fostering startup development, officially launched its 2024 program, MYStartup NXT, in Johor. This strategic move signifies their commitment to supporting...
Malaysian Innovators Develop Revolutionary Wireless Charging Tech for Satellites, Set for Lunar Testing
A trio of 29-year-old Malaysians has developed a wireless power bank for satellites, demonstrating Malaysia’s technological prowess. The technology, using radio signals for wireless charging, is set to be tested on the moon in collaboration with lunar rover developer Astrolab. The team aims to dispel the notion that Malaysians are only technology users, encouraging more innovation within the country. 1 Feb 2024 – A group...
Zurich Insurance Group Launches Fifth Innovation Championship, Paving the Way for Global Collaboration with Startups in Insurance and Digital Transformation
Zurich Insurance Group launches the fifth edition of the Zurich Innovation Championship, inviting startups worldwide to collaborate locally and globally. With a unique matchmaking approach and global reach, the championship aims to pioneer groundbreaking partnerships in the insurance industry. The program, spanning from May to September 2024, will see ten winning startups working closely with Zurich teams, showcasing joint solutions,...
Antler Announces Record Pre-Seed Investment of US$5.1M, Backing Southeast Asia’s Tech Innovators
Antler, a global venture capital firm, announces its largest pre-seed investment round of US$5.1M, supporting 37 startups in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. The diverse portfolio spans 19 sectors, reflecting Antler’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and addressing regional challenges. 31 January 2024 – Antler, the renowned global early-stage venture capital firm, has announced a...
AI Startup ElevenLabs Achieves Unicorn Status with $80 Million Series B Funding
ElevenLabs, the AI startup based in London, has achieved unicorn status with a $1.1 billion valuation following an $80 million Series B funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz. The two-year-old company specializes in AI-generated voices and plans to expand its workforce from 40 to 100 employees by the end of the year. With a growing customer base, including partnerships with Storytel and The Washington Post, ElevenLabs aims to...
Malaysian Food Startup, Meals in Minutes, Secures $1.5 Million in Seed Funding to Fuel Expansion
Meals in Minutes, a Malaysian food startup, secures $1.5 million in seed funding led by 500 Global, aiming to expand its innovative frozen meal kit concept across Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. The funding will also support research and development and enhance marketing efforts for broader market reach. 18 January 2024 – Malaysian-based food startup, Meals in Minutes, has recently closed a successful seed funding...
Depa Launches Million-Baht Boost for Thai Digital Startups
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) is offering financial support to Thai digital startups across key sectors, allocating up to 1 million baht per project. The “D-startup” initiative, functioning as an “angel fund,” targets early-stage startups, with an application window open until June 30, aiming to boost Thailand’s digital industry and enhance competitiveness. 9 January 2024 – In a...
Plug and Play’s Malaysia Accelerator Sparks Innovation Frenzy with Inaugural Expo Day and Key Industry Collaborations
Plug and Play’s Malaysia Accelerator program celebrated its inaugural Expo Day, showcasing pitches from 10 selected startups and reinforcing the commitment of key industry players, including Khazanah Nasional, CelcomDigi, Sime Darby Plantation, and EDOTCO Group, to advance Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem. The program focuses on critical themes such as Digital Society, Sustainability, and Food Security. Executives from...
Alcon, Novo Nordisk, and Fujitsu Lead the Best Places to Work in Asia Pacific for 2023
The Best Places to Work organization has released its list of the top 20 workplaces in the Asia Pacific for 2023, with Alcon, Novo Nordisk, and Fujitsu securing the top positions. Recognizing outstanding employers with a focus on exemplary HR practices and workplace cultures, the program emphasizes companies committed to fostering a people-first culture and supporting employee career goals. 19 December 2023 – The Best Places to...
