16-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia-Indonesia initiative for stronger startup connectivity
KUALA LUMPUR: A new Malaysia-Indonesia led initiative is setting the stage for stronger startup connectivity across Southeast Asia.
The Creative Exchange Jakarta event marked the launch of a cross-border platform aimed at helping Asean startups scale regionally through collaborative ecosystems, policy insights and curated network support.
The initiative is co-led by Malaysia's Satu Creative and Indonesia's Gerakan 1000 Startup Digital, an agency under Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) focusing on advancing high-impact, purpose-driven innovation across Asean.
In partnership with the Asean Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), themed "Fuelling Asean Digital Startups with Purpose," the half-day forum gathered over 80 key players from the startup ecosystem.
Founders, investors, ecosystem enablers and government representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore were also included in the forum.
Komdigi acting director of the directorate of digital ecosystems development Sonny Hendra Sudaryana shared a new generation of founders is reshaping Southeast Asia's innovation landscape.
"Sustainable innovation requires more than just capital. It depends on trust, shared intelligence, and connected ecosystems. Platforms like Creative Exchange Jakarta help align these forces," he said.
Satu Creative chief executive officer Ahmad Azuar Zainuddin said the initiative is driven by a vision of fostering meaningful and inclusive innovation.
"Innovation should not only be scalable, but also impactful. By building bridges between Malaysia and Indonesia, we are creating a stronger, more resilient regional startup ecosystem," he said.
Jakarta-based Kumpul vice president of programmes Mia Aulia emphasised the importance of ecosystem support beyond funding.
"Founders need more than financial capital, they need the right environments to grow, and Malaysia and Indonesia collaboration is key to developing startups that are sustainable in the long run." she said.
The event also featured a panel discussion led by Telkom Indonesia business analyst and accelerator startup programme officer Saddan Husain.
He highlighted the need for cross-border partnerships, talent pipelines and capital strategies tailored for long-term regional scaling.
