MYStartup Launches ‘NXT JOHOR’ to Empower Local Startups

MYStartup is kicking off 2024 with the introduction of ‘NXT JOHOR,’ a part of its MYStartup NXT series of micro-conferences, set to take place in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. This event aims to leverage the potential of Singaporean and Malaysian startups in the state by offering strategic insights, inspiring stories, and wealth-building tools through discussions led by a diverse range of speakers. 

Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd. (Cradle), Malaysia’s primary agency for nurturing the startup ecosystem under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), has played a pivotal role in spearheading MYStartup NXT.

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal, expressed confidence in the upcoming event organized by Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd. (Cradle) in collaboration with Iskandar Investment Bhd. (IIB). 

Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), partnering with MOSTI via Cradle, is enthusiastic about supporting MYStartup as the Southern chapter partner, recognizing the crucial role startups play in driving economic development.

The one-day micro-conference plans to serve as a dynamic platform, providing aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with opportunities to learn, network, and engage with corporates, technology giants, investors, and other pertinent stakeholders to initiate and expand their ventures.

Johor’s startup ecosystem is near Singapore, a bustling tech hub; Johor serves as a strategic gateway for startups, offering ample opportunities for networking, collaboration, and talent acquisition. With the selection of Johor as the inaugural location for MYStartup, NXT aims to support over 5,000 high-quality startups by 2025, providing them with comprehensive support and resources to thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, CEO of Cradle Group, highlights the agency’s commitment to nurturing innovation and supporting startup ecosystems nationwide. MYStartup NXT exemplifies the collaborative efforts essential for fostering a robust entrepreneurial environment. 

NXT Johor commences with an insightful panel discussion titled “Elevating Innovation: Igniting Diversity in Johor’s Startup Culture,” featuring representatives from Cradle, Holistics Lab, and Start iiX, alongside sharing sessions from local startups such as Kestrel, Sayur Kita Asia, and Materials in Works. 

The event also includes a spotlight session on “Tackling the Talent Challenge: From Skill Set to Mindset,” addressing the future workforce’s demands by nurturing essential skills and fostering a mindset conducive to innovation and continuous learning. A fireside chat titled “Ecosystem Resilience: Revolutionizing Johor through Collaborative Initiatives” further explores collaborative efforts in driving innovation and economic growth in the region.

Meanwhile, according to StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index Report, Johor Bahru witnessed a significant leap in its global startup ecosystem ranking in 2023. Rising 404 places, the city secured a position among the top 600 cities worldwide, solidifying its status among the global top 1,000 cities. 

Johor Bahru also climbed nine spots in Southeast Asia, ranking 13th and maintaining its position as the 3rd most vibrant ecosystem in Malaysia, underscoring its growing significance as a hub for startup innovation and development. 

Also Read:

• iFLYTEK, Zense Entertainment, & Chulalongkorn University Sign MoU to Accelerate the Advancement of Thai Speech Recognition
• GoTo and TikTok Nearing Full Compliance with Indonesia’s Social Media Transaction Regulations
• Singaporean Fintech Enabler FLUID Raises $5.2M to Revolutionize B2B Purchase Financing
• Ad-Shield Leads the Charge in Restoring Publisher Revenue Amidst Rising Ad Blockers
• Vietnamese EdTech Startup NativeX Secures $4 Million in Funding