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

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

See more

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, speaks at the dialogue. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam reaffirms continued contributions to UNGA President’s Office

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang called on the UNGA President candidate to promote the issues of Vietnam’s concern during her tenure, including the upholding of and respect for international law and the UN Charter, and ensuring a transparent UN reform process with the full participation of all member states.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand outlines strategy for trade talks with US

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Pichai Chunhavajira detailed the strategy, which includes restructuring the agricultural processing sector to address domestic supply shortages and identify areas where US imports can complement Thailand's production chains.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra meets with fruit traders at Government House. (Photo: Thai Government House)

Thai PM announces comprehensive support plan for fruit farmers

The initiative involves direct procurement from farmers through four key channels, namely purchase with intent to distribute domestically, corporate social responsibility initiatives, purchase for consumption in organisations, and procurement by government agencies like the Department of Corrections.

Medicines for malaria treatment (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia builds AI model for malaria diagnosis

The National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN) is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to support malaria diagnosis, toward warding off the disease by 2030.

Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra holds a press conference after the cabinet meeting on March 13. (Photo: Government House)

Thailand sends trade proposal to US

Thailand is among the Southeast Asian nations hardest hit by measures introduced by US President Donald Trump, facing a tariff of up to 36% on its exports if a reduction cannot be negotiated before a global moratorium expires in July.

Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri (R) speaks in a meeting on the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Upgrade in Jakarta on May 9. (Photo: VNA).

Indonesia committed to promoting ATIGA Upgrade

The upgrade seeks to modernise the the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) framework, making it more facilitative for businesses and responsive to regional and global challenges.