To support the Malaysian startup ecosystem, Microsoft Malaysia will be supporting the various accelerator programs launched by the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC), Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) and Sunway iLabs, to fast-track the ecosystem’s growth and innovation.
With cloud technology becoming a critical enabler for success in the digital economy, Microsoft will be supporting participating startups through skilling efforts incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data. Participants will gain access to global resources and training paths. Additionally, local startups will be able to learn and build a solid cloud foundation, whilst training on data migration and infrastructure building. The software giant will also offer 1-on-1 consultation on technology architecture for selected entrepreneurs, assisting startups to embrace and accelerate cloud transformation.
“Startups play an essential role in supporting the growth of our nation’s economy,” said K Raman, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia. “Every successful business began as a startup, creating disruption through rapid innovation and paving the way for waves of transformation. As part of our Bersama Malaysia commitment, we’re excited to help our local entrepreneurs and startups further innovate and succeed. Our collaboration with MaGIC, Sidec and Sunway iLabs will provide Malaysian entrepreneurs with the opportunity to compete on a level playing field, whilst tapping into cloud technology and the possibilities it unlocks in the digital economy.”
Partnering National Technology & Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) which provides facilities that allows startups and entrepreneurs to innovate and test products, Microsoft provides a secure cloud environment for startups to develop and test their products in a sandbox under the programme.
“At its core, MaGIC’s DNA is comprised of creativity and innovation – with a proven track record in the tech startup ecosystem to accelerate the realisation of Malaysia’s innovation policy agenda. Through the collaboration with Microsoft, we can push our innovative solutions beyond local shores. Adopting a perspective of creating solutions for the world is paramount, as we focus on a more holistic approach through our Global Accelerator Programme (GAP) which includes technological interventions, sustainability and adaptability. This is to ensure that our GAP startups, both local and foreign, are able to survive the challenging economic climate or any other crisis while gearing to expand into the global market,” said Amiruddin Abdul Shukor, Acting Chief Executive Officer of MaGIC.
“We are delighted to have Microsoft as one of our partners in our iLabs Super Accelerator program, as their mission is aligned with ours: building the startup ecosystem in Malaysia,” said Matt van Leeuwen, Chief Innovation Officer of Sunway Group. “We believe that giving entrepreneurs access to the right ingredients to succeed such as funding, market access, mentorship, and technology tools in a structured format is especially crucial in this day and age. It will not only speed up the development of pertinent solutions to address big problems that we are facing today, but will also contribute to building a robust talent pool to make Malaysia a leading digital nation in the region”.
Meanwhile, Sidec has been nurturing 90 startups since the Selangor Accelerator Programme (SAP) was launched in 2018. Out of the 90 startups, 43% received funding which is considered a high success rate for startups.
“We greatly appreciate Microsoft’s decision to be our strategic partner for our accelerator programme, providing mentors and extra workshops for our startups,” said Yong Kai Ping, Chief Executive Officer of Sidec. “This year’s SAP will focus on opportunities created under the new norms such as Agritech, Fintech, Greentech, e-Commerce and Smart City Solutions (Proptech, Mobility & Logistics). While traditional brick and mortar companies have been hit hard by the lockdowns, businesses related to these solutions are booming.”
