Malaysia promotes ASEAN Startup Year 2025 initiative

First announced in December 2024, the ASEAN Startup Year 2025 initiative marks a new chapter in ASEAN’s evolution as a globally significant innovation bloc.

Malaysian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang
 (Photo: Bernama)

The emergence of new trade partnerships among economic blocs is essential for upholding the rule of law and maintaining international trade and order, especially during times of adversity, Malaysian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang said.

According to The Sun, at the Mikro-MyStartup NXT 2025 Conference organised by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, an agency under the Malaysian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), in conjunction with the rollout of the ASEAN Startup Year 2025, Chang said ASEAN plays a pivotal role in this context with its significant economic contributions and strategic engagement.

He highlighted the need to adapt to shifting global trade dynamics in which ASEAN and its member states have unique opportunities to deepen regional cooperation, diversify trade partners, promote intra-ASEAN trade, invest in innovation, and strengthen diplomacy through science and technology.

These efforts, coupled with initiatives like the ASEAN Startup Year 2025, will help mitigate the potential impact of trade disruptions and foster stable, mutually beneficial trade relations with all global partners.

First announced in December 2024, the ASEAN Startup Year 2025 initiative marks a new chapter in ASEAN’s evolution as a globally significant innovation bloc.

Chang said the ASEAN Startup Year 2025 is not a beginning – it is the next wave of a journey the ministry started in 2024. Malaysia has laid the groundwork to empower entrepreneurs, connect ecosystems, and future-proof ASEAN’s economic resilience through innovation.

He noted that the initiative builds upon the ASEAN Vision 2025, positioning startups as catalysts for cross-border collaboration, digital growth and socio-economic development.

As Chair of ASEAN this year, Malaysia continues to lead regional innovation efforts, having recently hosted the ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) and the ASEAN+3 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting (AFCDM+3), he added.

Upcoming milestones include the launch of the Startup ASEAN platform (www.startup-asean.org) and the inaugural Startup ASEAN Summit, he said, stating that ASEAN continues to be a compelling destination for startups and investors.

Parliaments

Vietnam-China trade poised for new heights
Parliaments

Vietnam-China trade poised for new heights

Bilateral business relations have witnessed remarkable progress, especially in recent years, with Vietnam introducing key national strategies such as the National Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030, vision towards 2050; the National Strategy on R&D and Application of Artificial Intelligence; and the National Strategy for 4th Industrial Revolution.

Thailand revises tourism strategy after earthquake
Parliaments

Thailand revises tourism strategy after earthquake

Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong said that a tourism risk and crisis management team will be established to support the industry, with representatives from organisations in the tourism supply chain, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Roads Authority.

Laos aims for sustainable infrastructure development
Parliaments

Laos aims for sustainable infrastructure development

Laos' Enabling Environment Roadmap for Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM EE) outlines strategies for the effective management of public infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, with a focus on resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Cambodia strengthens cross-border crime control
Parliaments

Cambodia strengthens cross-border crime control

In 2024, Cambodia cracked down 197 cases relating to human trafficking and sexual exploitation, an increase of over 20% compared to the previous year. The authorities identified 523 victims and arrested 273 suspects and sent them to court, including 30 foreigners.

Indonesia rolls out people's schools initiative
Parliaments

Indonesia rolls out people's schools initiative

Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs has identified over 200 potential sites for the establishment of people’s schools (Sekolah Rakyat), a programme designed to provide free, quality education to children from economically disadvantaged families.

Indonesia to convert waste into fuel, power in 30 big cities
Parliaments

Indonesia to convert waste into fuel, power in 30 big cities

Indonesian Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung said each city can produce around 20 megawatts of electricity. The products obtained from waste processing will not be limited to electricity but also include fuel oil, which will be produced using pyrolysis technology.