KUMPUL, Indonesia’s entrepreneurship ecosystem enabler, and Malaysia’s digitalization agency Digital Penang have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2026–2027 term, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening startup, innovation, and entrepreneurial ecosystems in Malaysia and across the region.

The renewed collaboration builds on a partnership established between the two organizations from 2023 to 2024, which focused on empowering startups, fostering innovation communities, and supporting ecosystem-building initiatives in Penang and beyond.

Expanding Regional Innovation and Startup Collaboration

Under the renewed agreement, KUMPUL and Digital Penang will explore joint initiatives spanning startup ecosystem and community development, innovation and entrepreneurship events, founder and talent development, community engagement, knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, mentorship programmes, startup incubation, venture support, and innovation showcases.

The partnership will also create opportunities for startups, university entrepreneurs, founders, innovators, and technology communities to connect across borders, build stronger networks, and access new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Building Stronger Cross-Border Opportunities

Mega Prawita, Managing Director of KUMPUL, said strong ecosystems enable founders to thrive.

“Through deeper cross-border connections across Southeast Asia, we unlock opportunities, expand access, and reimagine impact to drive more inclusive economic development through entrepreneurship,” she said. “To date, KUMPUL has empowered more than 520 Indonesian and international startups through mentorship and growth opportunities, including supporting them to enter the Indonesian market through our Global Market Access Program. Together with Digital Penang, we look forward to continuing this journey and creating more meaningful cross-border opportunities for founders across the region.”

Ts. Ng Kwang Ming, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Penang, said the renewed partnership reflects Digital Penang’s continued commitment to building a stronger and more connected startup ecosystem in Penang and Malaysia.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to create more meaningful opportunities for founders, startups, and innovators to grow, connect, and scale their ideas into impactful ventures,” he said.

Supporting Penang and the Region’s Innovation Ecosystem

The MoU renewal reflects the shared vision of KUMPUL and Digital Penang to build a stronger pipeline of founders, innovators, creators, and technology-driven ventures that can contribute to Malaysia’s digital economy and the wider regional innovation ecosystem.

Through this continued collaboration, both organizations aim to support innovation-led growth, entrepreneurial empowerment, and sustainable ecosystem development, while strengthening Penang’s position as a regional innovation and startup hub.

Building an AI Economy That Includes More People

An inclusive AI economy cannot be built by technology alone. It requires collaboration between industry, government, communities, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

KUMPUL and KUMPUL Impact believe that the future of AI should create more pathways for participation. By connecting talent, MSMEs, startups, and communities to the right knowledge, networks, and opportunities, we aim to help ensure that innovation is not limited to a few, but becomes a shared opportunity for many.

Learn more about our AI ecosystem through the KUMPUL Impact Report.

For collaboration opportunities on AI ecosystem building, contact us at event@kumpul.id.