Microsoft supports accelerator programmes launched by multi-party group

  • Joins accelerator programs by MaGIC, Sidec, & Sunway iLabs as a strategic partner
  • Aims to help advance local startup’s digital capabilities and cloud transformation

Microsoft supports accelerator programmes launched by multi-party groupMICROSOFT Corp, together with the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC), Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) and Sunway iLabs is forming an alliance aimed at supporting the Malaysian startup ecosystem in their pursuit of success.

In a statement, Microsoft said 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 offered by Microsoft and it will help local startups to learn and build a solid cloud foundation with Microsoft Azure, whilst providing training on data migration and infrastructure building, it said.

This is in addition to 1-on-1 consultations on technology architecture for selected entrepreneurs, assisting them to embrace and accelerate cloud transformation, it added.

“Startups play an essential role in supporting the growth of our nation’s economy,” said K Raman, managing director of Microsoft Malaysia. 

“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.”

Microsoft said it is also expected to be an official technology partner of the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), where it will provide a secure cloud environment through Microsoft Azure for startups to develop and test their products in a sandbox.

“By collaborating with Microsoft, we can push our solutions beyond local shores. Adopting a perspective of creating solutions for the world is paramount, as we focus on a holistic approach through our Global Accelerator Programme (GAP) that includes technological interventions, sustainability and adaptability,” said Amiruddin Abdul Shukor, acting chief executive officer (CEO), MaGIC.

“We are delighted to partner with Microsoft as their mission aligns with ours. Providing entrepreneurs with access to funding, market access, mentorship, and technology tools will contribute to building a robust talent pool and making Malaysia a leading digital nation in the region,” said Matt van Leeuwen, chief innovation officer of Sunway Group. 

Meanwhile, Sidec has been nurturing 90 startups since the Selangor Accelerator Programme (SAP) was launched in 2018. Out of the 90 startups, 43% have received funding which is considered a high success rate for startups, Sidec said.

“This year’s SAP focuses 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,” said Yong Kai Ping, chief executive officer (CEO) of Sidec.  

Microsoft has been actively partnering with ecosystem enablers in recent years. In 2020, the company launched the 'Highway to a 100 Unicorns' programme in partnership with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), MaGIC, and Cradle Fund.

Microsoft also supported MaGIC as its technology partner via the MyStartup Hub 2021 programme, and most recently with PixaLabs for the Kuala Lumpur Startup Summit 2021.

 

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