Manager, ASEAN & Global

Summary of the Role

The Manager, ASEAN & Global is responsible for planning and managing Cradle Fund’s international and ASEAN initiatives to support Malaysian startups in expanding into regional and global markets. The role focuses on building strategic partnerships, creating market access and business opportunities, coordinating international programmes and missions, and connecting startups with investors, corporates, government agencies, and global ecosystem partners. The Manager will also oversee selected ASEAN initiatives, including the Startup ASEAN Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE), while identifying new opportunities and partnerships that strengthen Cradle’s international network and contribute to the growth and global competitiveness of Malaysian startups.

Job Description

Global Market Access Strategy & Ecosystem Development

• Lead the development and execution of global market access strategies and internationalisation initiatives that enable Malaysian startups to expand into priority regional and international markets.
• Lead efforts to facilitate strategic business matching, customer acquisition opportunities, commercial partnerships, pilot projects, Proof-of-Concept (PoC) engagements, and investment connections for participating startups.
• Drive flagship ecosystem-building and market access programmes, including Beyond Borders, ASEAN CrossConnect, international business missions, and strategic partner-led initiatives, ensuring strong commercial and ecosystem outcomes.
• Establish, develop, and manage strategic partnerships with international accelerators, corporates, government agencies, innovation hubs, trade organisations, investors, and ecosystem enablers to create sustainable market access opportunities for startups.
• Oversee the design and implementation of startup expansion pathways, including market immersion programmes, landing pad partnerships, soft-landing initiatives, and ecosystem activation activities.
• Monitor global innovation trends, conduct market intelligence and ecosystem mapping, and identify strategic opportunities, emerging markets, and sector-specific growth avenues for Malaysian startups.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of regional ecosystem initiatives, including the Startup ASEAN Platform and other strategic programmes that strengthen regional collaboration and startup connectivity.

Programme Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the end-to-end planning, execution, and continuous improvement of international programmes, ecosystem initiatives, business missions, conferences, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Oversee programme governance, budgets, procurement processes, timelines, contracts, and delivery partners to ensure successful implementation and optimal resource utilisation.
• Establish and monitor programme KPIs, partnership performance metrics, startup outcomes, and ecosystem impact indicators, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and strategic priorities.
• Prepare and present strategic proposals, concept papers, Board and management papers, programme performance reports, and ecosystem impact assessments for senior management and key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with organisational governance requirements, funding guidelines, partnership agreements, and project implementation frameworks.
• Drive programme innovation and operational excellence through continuous evaluation, stakeholder feedback, and data-driven improvements.

Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain high-impact relationships with international investors, corporates, startups, venture capital firms, accelerators, trade agencies, ecosystem leaders, and public sector stakeholders.
• Lead engagement with government agencies, embassies, international organisations, and trade promotion agencies to advance Malaysia's startup internationalisation agenda and strengthen cross-border collaborations.
• Identify and secure strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborative opportunities that enhance programme outcomes and increase global opportunities for Malaysian startups.
• Represent Cradle Fund and Malaysia's startup ecosystem at regional and international forums, conferences, investment events, and strategic engagements.
• Position Cradle as a leading ecosystem builder and market access enabler by strengthening the organisation's presence and reputation within the global innovation ecosystem.
• Manage and influence senior stakeholders across public and private sectors to drive alignment, programme success, and long-term ecosystem partnerships.