With the announcement of Sunway Innovation Labs (Sunway iLabs) as Malaysia's fifth Digital Hub at the TechMatch ASEAN 2017, the non-profit concept is ready to offer startups the opportunity for global expansion.

As a Digital Hub, the facilities and services offered by Sunway iLabs to startups would include ready access to high-speed broadband and fibre optic connectivity, funding and facilitation opportunities, a technologically focused and workforce-ready ecosystem, coupled with a holistic convenience and lifestyle experience.

Said Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) CEO, Datuk Yasmin Mahmood: "Digital hubs provide startups and tech entrepreneurs the connections to achieve rapid growth and help Malaysia establish itself as a digital and tech hub in the ASEAN region.

"MDEC's target in 2017 was to establish three Digital Hubs and we are happy that we have surpassed our target with today’s announcement."

Meanwhile, Sunway iLabs director Matt Van Leeuwen said Sunway iLabs continues to strengthen its position in the startup ecosystem and is expanding its partnership with MDEC.

"We will now be able to link startups to programmes such as the Malaysian Tech Entrepreneur Programme which provides end-to-end support for startup communities beyond Asia who wants to base their business in Malaysia," he said.

Digital Hub is a co-working space that allows the setup of tech and digital startups in a conducive environment. The space provides the opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect to global markets and the digital ecosystem.

The Malaysia Digital Hub is awarded by MDEC to participating partners to catalyse the economy by attracting and maintaining startups and its ecosystems, focusing on high speed broadband and soft offerings.

Sunway iLabs is a not-for-profit concept where Sunway University, Sunway Group, and Sunway Ventures (Sunway's Corporate Venture Capital arm) work closely together in a collaborative space to foster entrepreneurship and stimulate market-driven innovations.