Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - 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./.
VNA
