- Taiwan-Malaysia Startup Challenge 2025 boosts cross-border tech collaboration.
- Taiwanese startups create smart library and low-carbon data centre solutions.
- Projects strengthen Selangor’s sustainability and innovation ecosystem.
Taiwan and Malaysia are deepening their technological collaboration through the Startup Challenge 2025, organized by Taiwan’s Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA). Four top Taiwanese startups advanced to the City Category final, partnering with Selangor’s tech ecosystem to drive innovation and sustainability.
SMESA stated that the initiative fosters technological advancements for social well-being and sustainability, enabling Taiwanese startups to explore cross-border opportunities in Selangor’s dynamic market. After rigorous preliminary, semi-final, and final rounds, the selected startups arrived in Selangor in mid-August. They installed systems, tested solutions, and collected data, culminating in a final pitch on Oct 15. Results will be announced in Taiwan next month.
The challenge, supported by the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC), focused on two themes: a Library Control System for the Raja Tun Uda Public Library and a Low-Carbon Data Centre at the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park. These projects aim to enhance public facilities and promote sustainable data infrastructure, solidifying Selangor’s role as a regional innovation hub.
James Chang, director of the Economic Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, highlighted the robust economic ties. “Last year, Taiwan surpassed Japan to become Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner, and this year’s trade is expected to perform even better with a 36 percent increase from January to August,” he said. Chang praised SIDEC’s support, calling the Startup Challenge “a meaningful platform to deepen collaboration and attract more investments to Selangor.”
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SIDEC’s chief operating officer, Loo Chuan Boon, emphasized the shared vision with the Taiwan Computer Association (TCA). “Initiatives such as enhancing the public library experience and addressing the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects of data centres reflect a shared vision to build a more dynamic and sustainable tech ecosystem,” he said.
In the Green Smart Library category, Gotspeed IT Service developed a smartphone app-based library terminal system, reducing energy and maintenance costs. Skyverge Innovations introduced a paperless RFID asset-tracking system, streamlining book borrowing and location with energy-efficient, child-friendly designs. For the Low-Carbon Data Centre, Meta Intelligence Ltd’s simulation technology optimizes airflow, cutting energy use by 20-30 percent. Chimes AI’s machine learning model enhances data centre efficiency, reducing carbon footprints through real-time analytics.