MYStartup NXT has ushered in 2024 by electing Iskandar Puteri, Johor as its novel venue. The gathering is a melting pot of strategic insights, motivational narratives, and financial enrichment resources shared by a spectrum of speakers such as local enterprise founders, public entities and ecosystem connoisseurs.
At the heart of driving this series of micro-conferences is Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd. (Cradle), which operates under Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), promoting a high-calibre, inclusive, and sustainable startup platform in Malaysia.
Johor’s Startup Momentum: A Regional Powerhouse
In the past year, the event series touched down in four locales: Cyberjaya, Sarawak, Penang, and Sabah, attracting upwards of 1,000 participants. The current year marks Johor’s turn, as the program supports the nationwide ambition to forge over 5,000 eminent startups by 2025, offering them extensive support and resources to excel.
Johor’s startup scene is burgeoning, fuelled by its strategic proximity to Singapore, proactive governmental efforts, and a growing reserve of skilled individuals. According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index Report by StartupBlink, Johor Bahru made impressive strides, notably ranking among the top 600 cities globally, securing the third rank in Malaysia and the thirteenth in Southeast Asia for 2023.
Iskandar Investment Bhd. (IIB) joins forces with MYStartup NXT in a one-day micro-conference, presenting entrepreneurs with a forum for learning, networking, and exploring potent associations with corporate entities, tech giants, financiers, and related stakeholders to aid in starting and growing their businesses.
Government officials articulate robust support for startups, with an emphasis on overcoming challenges relating to funding, skills, and infrastructure. Johor is envisioned as a vital component in the economic expansion, mirroring Malaysia’s ambition to be recognised as a global tech and innovation hub in congruence with the Malaysia MADANI vision and the Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap (SUPER) 2021-2030.
Cradle’s Dedication: Empowering Johor’s Diverse Startup Ecosystem
Cradle’s Chief Executive, Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, highlights the company’s steadfast dedication to fostering local startup ecosystems. Over 100 Johor-based startups are now part of the MYStartup Portal, with diverse sectors represented such as robotics, climate tech, agritech, and artificial intelligence.
IIB, playing a significant role in this network, capitalises on the opportunities presented by Medini—Johor’s digital core—underscoring the influence of startups in advancing economic progress. Collaboration with Cradle and MOSTI reinforces a robust environment for startup growth and regional socio-economic development.
The conference opens with a panel discussion titled “Elevating Innovation: Igniting Diversity in Johor’s Startup Culture”, with Cradle, Holistics Lab, and Start iiX contributing, alongside experiences from local startups like Kestrl, Sayur Kita Asia, and Materials in Works. Another key session addresses the challenges in talent acquisition and development, alongside discussions on fostering a resilient ecosystem through collaborative efforts.
