Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN)
Peter Wee – President of MBAN
Elain Lockman – Vice President of MBAN
Dato’ Patrick Liew – Chairman of Sarawak Business Angel Network (SBAN)
Alan Lim – Immediate Past President of MBAN (Current Council Member)
The MBAN Summit 2024 concluded with a thought-provoking closing plenary featuring Elain Lockman, Ng Sai Kit, Dr. Daniele Gambero, Peter Wee, Vincent Xu, Alan Ong, and Karen Puah. The panel explored Budget 2025 expectations, the evolving KL20 landscape, and strategic opportunities for investors in the next 12 to 24 months—offering bold insights into the future of Malaysia’s startup ecosystem.
Malaysia is undergoing a bold transformation in its financial and innovation landscape—led by the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN), the official trade association for angel investors and angel clubs in Malaysia. At the heart of this shift is the MBAN Summit 2025, (scheduled for 24 September in Kuala Lumpur), a flagship event that brings together three powerful forces: family dynasties, corporate giants, and disruptive startups. These once-separate entities are now converging to build a future-driven economy.
As MBAN President Peter Wee notes, “This new economy is not just about capital—it is about courage.” With total startup funding in Malaysia reaching RM4.1 billion in 2024—double that of 2022—the shift is real and rapid. Notably, 42% of early-stage deals now involve non-traditional investors, including family offices and corporations. This is the dawn of a new investment era.
Smiles and applause from the front row at MBAN Summit 2024, featuring key figures in Malaysia’s startup and innovation space: Elain Lockman (VP, MBAN), Ts. Ng Kwang Ming (CEO, Digital Penang), Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke (CEO, Cradle), Peter Wee (President, MBAN), and Hazwan Razak (Head of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, SDEC). A moment of shared optimism for the future of angel investing and entrepreneurship.
The MBAN Summit is where this revolution takes form. It is a dynamic platform for collaboration, insight, and deal-making—supported by key partners like Cradle and PayNet. With last year’s attendance surpassing 660 delegates, the summit remains Malaysia’s most influential gathering for investors and innovators. This year promises even deeper engagement, featuring topics such as how family offices are quietly building unicorns, how legacy corporations are adopting startup mindsets, and how corporate acquisitions are outpacing internal R&D in driving innovation.
The summit is just the beginning; MBAN is building a nationwide network of visionary investors and founders. New chapters in Penang and Sarawak are strengthening regional links and fostering cross-border opportunities. As Dato’ Patrick, President of the Sarawak Business Angel Network (SBAN), explains, “MBAN is instrumental in giving us curated access to high-potential founders and investment opportunities. Strengthening these channels—both within Malaysia and across the region—is critical to accelerating cross-border investment and unlocking broader opportunities for angel networks like SBAN.”
Moderated by Kamarul Bahrin Haron, former Editor-in-Chief of Astro Awani, this dynamic session featured Alan Lim, Dr. Sivapalan Vivekerajah, and Rina Neoh as they shared hard-earned insights on achieving outsized returns. From spotting unicorns early to navigating exit strategies, the panellists offered a candid look into what it takes to make 20x returns in angel investing.
With over RM100 million invested by the MBAN community to date, this is a network defined by action and impact. Members are backing startups, mentoring, strategising, and helping shape Malaysia’s innovation agenda.
MBAN Immediate Past President Alan Lim and an active angel investor who has invested in over 50 startups, sums it up: “Legacy is not about what you have—it is about what you build.” The MBAN Summit 2025 offers a chance to do just that.
A powerful moment captured at the MBAN Summit 2024, as VIPs, speakers, and attendees filled the auditorium for a group photo. Taken from the stage, this snapshot reflects the vibrant energy and collective spirit of Malaysia’s thriving angel investing and startup ecosystem.
For details, visit mban.com.my/mbansummit2025
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