Chang (left) and Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Aminuddin Hassim speaking at a press conference at the KL20 Summit. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) has officially launched the MYStartup Single Window, a centralised platform aimed at bridging the gap between founders, investors, talents and government agencies within the startup ecosystem, at the KL20 Summit.
With a vision to nurture a vibrant startup culture, Minister Chang Lih Kang said MYStartup offers an abundance of resources including mentorship, funding avenues and regulatory support, empowering entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed.
“MYStartup will serve as the foundation for a seamless business environment by providing a single platform for all things related to startups in Malaysia,” he said before officially commencing day two of the KL20 summit.
Powered by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, an agency under Mosti, Chang said MYStartup stands as a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive startup environment.
He said that through MYStartup, founders can gain access to comprehensive data, insights, and networking opportunities essential for starting and scaling their ventures.
Meanwhile, Chang revealed that he was once a startup founder, although his venture ultimately did not succeed.
Drawing from his first-hand experience, he recognised the numerous obstacles startups encounter, from securing early-stage funding to marketing the end product.
“With this single-window platform providing all the insights and resources, this portal eases, mitigates and addresses some of the problems that industry players have been facing,” he said.
He noted that by consolidating everything under one comprehensive platform, it streamlines the process of doing business in Malaysia, particularly within the startup ecosystem.
Speaking of the uniqueness within MYStartup, Chang pointed to the platform’s integration of artificial intelligence, which ensures prompt and personalised assistance, addresses queries and provides guidance with unmatched efficiency.
“MYStartup aims to unite founders, investors, tech talents, government agencies and ecosystem players while offering comprehensive data, insights and resources on starting and scaling a business, navigating funding options and accessing essential support services within Malaysia’s startup ecosystem,” he said.
According to him, a total of 14 government agencies dedicated to fostering the growth of the startup ecosystem have joined forces to facilitate this seamless journey for founders, investors and tech talents alike.
“The Malaysian government’s vision is clear – we want every startup to thrive,” Chang noted.
Chang pointed out that the ecosystem thrives with nearly 4,000 startups, accounting for a total valuation of over US$5bil to date.
In 2021, Mosti launched the Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap (SUPER) 2021-2030 that aims to lead Malaysia into the ranks of the top 20 global startup ecosystems by 2030 with 5,000 self-sustaining and successful startups by 2025.
The unveiling of MYStartup not only signifies a milestone in Malaysia’s journey towards becoming a global innovation hub but also underscores the government’s unwavering support for the startup community.
“Let us seize the opportunities that lie ahead and make the KL20 Summit a catalyst for transformative impact,” he added.
Launched in 2022, the MYStartup portal has garnered more than 140,000 visitors worldwide, with nearly 7,000 registered users, connecting over 4,000 startups.
The MYStartup Single Window can be accessed online through www.mystartup.gov.my.
