As ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia places cross-border innovation at the center of its regional agenda. The country has been expanding its digital ecosystem through national initiatives such as Malaysia Digital (MDEC), MRANTI Park, and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), all of which emphasize collaboration in technology, sustainability, and creative industries.
In this context, KUMPUL strengthened its engagement with Malaysian ecosystem leaders to learn from their integrated approach to innovation and ecosystem governance. From 10 to 15 July 2025, Ester Widya, VP of Business and Marketing, met with MDEC, Petronas Ventures, BEAMSTART, SIDEC, MRANTI, and Digital District to exchange insights on how public institutions, corporations, and ecosystem builders can jointly accelerate innovation across Southeast Asia.
Learning from Malaysia’s Ecosystem
At MDEC’s headquarters in Cyberjaya, we observed how Malaysia’s digital economy strategy connects export readiness, ecosystem funding, and regional partnerships. Through initiatives such as DEX Connex, MDEC has facilitated cross-border business linkages for more than 180 technology companies across ASEAN since 2024. The agency’s structured support and data-based policymaking offer a reference point for how national digital programs can integrate with regional markets.
At Petronas Ventures, Malaysia’s corporate venture arm, discussions centered on the role of industry in advancing innovation aligned with sustainability goals. Managing around USD 350 million in assets, Petronas Ventures invests in energy transition, mobility, and industrial automation. Its collaborative accelerator model illustrates how large corporations can engage early-stage innovators to co-develop solutions for future industries.
BEAMSTART shared insights into Malaysia’s entrepreneurship media ecosystem and the evolution of digital platforms that connect founders, investors, and corporations. Meanwhile, SIDEC has built long-term public programs such as the Selangor Accelerator Programme, which supports startups in emerging sectors like AI, green mobility, and bio-solutions. Both organizations show how ecosystem literacy and consistent local support can sustain entrepreneurial momentum beyond capital access.
Engagement with MRANTI (Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation) highlighted Malaysia’s ongoing effort to bridge research and commercialization. Its transformation into Technology Innovation Park Malaysia (TiPM) reflects a policy shift toward applied innovation in food security, health, and renewable energy. Digital District, which operates in both Malaysia and Indonesia, provided complementary perspectives on how regional consultancies help governments and corporates design local innovation infrastructure.
Building a Connected Innovation Corridor in ASEAN
Malaysia’s experience highlights how ecosystem growth depends on coordination between policy, industry, and grassroots innovation communities. Its integrated model balances long-term national direction with regional openness, enabling startups to access networks, capital, and knowledge beyond their domestic markets.\
For KUMPUL, the engagement provided valuable insight into how a collaborative ecosystem can operate at scale while maintaining local relevance. These learnings inform KUMPUL’s ongoing mission to build a connected innovation corridor across Southeast Asia, one that supports inclusive growth through shared knowledge and partnership.
Grow Locally, Expand Globally with KUMPUL
KUMPUL accelerates growth by connecting entrepreneurs with strategic networks, exclusive resources, and expert insights. As Indonesia’s leading entrepreneurship ecosystem enabler, KUMPUL strengthens local communities while facilitating two-way global market access, helping international businesses tap into Indonesia’s dynamic ecosystem and supporting local entrepreneurs in expanding worldwide. Through impactful collaborations with key industry players, KUMPUL empowers entrepreneurs to scale efficiently, compete globally, and drive meaningful impact.
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