Malaysia
MYStartup NXT, the latest venture from MYStartup, has kicked off its inaugural event in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, setting the stage for a promising year ahead in the realm of startups. This one-day micro-conference, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd. (Cradle) and Iskandar Investment Bhd. (IIB), is poised to provide a dynamic platform for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike, offering them invaluable opportunities to learn, network, and engage with key stakeholders.
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal, expressed his confidence in the event’s potential to fuel entrepreneurial growth in Johor and beyond. “MYStartup remains steadfast in its mission to empower startups across the nation, and events like MYStartup NXT are instrumental in overcoming the challenges faced by startups, including access to capital, talent, and infrastructure,” he affirmed.
Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, CEO of Cradle Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem. “We are committed to supporting startups nationwide through initiatives like MYStartup NXT, which underscore the pivotal role of collaboration in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship,” he emphasized.
With over 100 Johor-based startups already onboarded on the MYStartup Portal, including notable ventures like DF Automation & Robotics, Materials in Works, Sayur Kita Asia, and Imagine AI, Cradle is dedicated to propelling the growth of the local startup landscape.
As the host of MYStartup NXT, IIB President and CEO Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim underscored the significance of startups in driving economic development. “Medini’s emergence as Johor’s digital hub, coupled with its strategic location and robust infrastructure, positions it as a prime destination for startups and technology-driven enterprises,” he noted. Through collaboration with Cradle and other stakeholders, IIB is committed to fostering a dynamic ecosystem where startups can thrive and contribute to the region’s socio-economic progress.
The choice of Johor as the inaugural location for MYStartup NXT aligns with the national objective of nurturing over 5,000 quality startups by 2025. Johor’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, propelled by strategic initiatives and a growing talent pool, has positioned it as a key player in the global startup landscape. With its proximity to Singapore and a thriving tech hub, Johor offers fertile ground for networking, collaboration, and talent acquisition, further solidifying its status as a vibrant startup hub.
In a testament to its rapid ascent, Johor Bahru recently climbed an impressive 404 places in StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index Report, securing a spot among the top 600 cities worldwide. Additionally, it maintained its position as the 3rd most vibrant ecosystem in Malaysia, underscoring its growing prominence on the global stage.
