Tech in Asia held its first Tech in Asia Conference at the Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur from July 24 to 25, 2024. Partnering with MyStartup by Cradle and Amazon Web Services (AWS), the event drew over 1,600 attendees from across the region.
Themed “Malaysia on the Rise,” the conference highlighted Malaysia’s growing presence in the Southeast Asian tech scene. With 10 partner booths and 50 Startup Factory booths, the event fostered vibrant exchanges of ideas and showcased innovative solutions. Tech leaders gathered to discuss unlocking Malaysia’s potential.
Maria Li, COO of Tech in Asia, remarked, “Malaysia’s startup scene is experiencing a surge. The KL20 Action Plan signals strong government support, making it a fertile ground for innovation. We’re thrilled to be part of this journey, connecting the brightest minds in the region.”
Despite global funding shifts, Malaysian startups secured over US$86 million in 2023, reflecting investor confidence in the country’s tech ecosystem. The conference featured key speakers like Khailee Ng of Global 500, Stephanie Sitt of Pixlr, and industry leaders Dione Song of Love, Bonito, and Moses Lo of Xendit.
Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Chang Lih Kang discussed Malaysia’s plans to become a startup powerhouse and announced the ASEAN Startup Initiative to foster regional growth. Eric Cheng of Carsome and Kamarulazaman Muhamed of Aerodyne shared insights on leading successful tech ventures.
Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, CEO of Cradle, noted, “Malaysia is a unique tech hub, attracting established players and ambitious startups. We’re excited to sponsor Tech in Asia Conference 2024, supporting Malaysia’s dynamic ecosystem.”
The conference featured popular programs like Investor Hour, Startup Factory, and Startup Arena Pitch Battle, providing a platform for startups to connect with investors and showcase their innovations. The event concluded with the Startup Arena Pitch Battle, featuring top mentors and judges from the investment world.
