Paris, 2–3 December 2025 — Digital Penang was honoured with the Startup Ecosystem Rising Star 2025 – Best-in-Class Startup Program award, presented by the International Chamber of Commerce and Mind the Bridge. This recognition reflects Digital Penang’s commitment to nurturing startups and developing the 0–1 early-stage ecosystem in line with the State’s Penang 2030 vision, which aims to support 500 startups by 2030.
Digital Penang extends its sincere thanks to the international panel of judges for this recognition and dedicates the award to all stakeholder partners and startups in Penang whose collaboration and dedication have made this achievement possible. The award motivates Digital Penang to continue enhancing support for local startups, foster regional growth, and attract international startup participation.
Visit to 42 Paris
On 3 December 2025, Digital Penang’s management team, represented by CEO Ts. Ng Kwang Ming and Director of Ecosystem Development Mr. Cseng Lim, visited 42 Paris. They were received by Ms. Veronique Da Costa, International Head of Campus Development for the 42 Network.
The delegation was briefed on the global operations of 42 Network and its campus programs in Paris. Discussions focused on leveraging collaboration with 42 Paris to deepen talent integration into local industries, promote women’s participation in tech, and nurture startups through 42 Penang.
Digital Penang witnessed firsthand the innovative programs at 42 Paris, which include AI development, specialised hardware and software coding, and structured pathways to prepare students for the global tech workforce. Insights gained during the visit will help strengthen Digital Penang’s initiatives and programmes in Penang.
Digital Penang thanks 42 Paris and Ms. Veronique Da Costa for hosting the team, and 42 Penang and Jeff Sandhu, CEO of 42 Malaysia, for facilitating the visit.
Visit to Station F
Later the same day, the team visited Station F, the world’s largest startup campus in Paris, and was received by Ms. Joanna Gruau Buldón, New Partnership & Business Development Associate.
Digital Penang was briefed on Station F’s operations, programmes, and initiatives, which accelerate over 1,000 early-stage startups annually. The team learned about Station F’s partnerships with global technology companies such as Google, AWS, Huawei, as well as major brands in fashion and other industries, including LVMH.
Station F’s world-class facilities, concentration of mentors, and community of startup founders inspired discussions on building strong 0–1 innovation ecosystems. Digital Penang looks forward to applying the learnings from this visit to enhance programmes and support the growth of startups in Penang.
Digital Penang thanks Station F and Ms. Joanna Gruau for hosting the team, and 42 Paris and Jeff Sandhu for facilitating this engagement.
Looking Ahead
The award recognition and the visits to 42 Paris and Station F highlight Digital Penang’s dedication to building a vibrant startup ecosystem. By learning from global innovation hubs and implementing best practices locally, Digital Penang aims to nurture talent, strengthen the 0–1 startup ecosystem, and position Penang as a regional hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
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