[Written in partnership with MRANTI, but the editorial team had full control over the content.]
We already know that Malaysian companies have immense potential. We’re in an age of entrepreneurship where supporting local businesses has become more “in vogue” than ever. There seems to be a new innovative and aspirational founder at every corner.
However, when it comes to scaling abroad, there are still some roadblocks in the way.
That’s where MRANTI’s Global Market-Fit Programme (GMP) steps in.
What is GMP all about?
GMP is a platform for innovative spin-offs or companies to understand ways of commercialisation and gain international market access, helping companies commercialise their products while following their respective industry’s market-fit strategy.
Through this programme, innovators can tap into new customer bases, access valuable insights, and networks.
MRANTI has recognised the importance of global expansion in driving growth, innovation, and competitiveness for Malaysian innovators.
As such, the institution created this collaborative platform between high-achieving innovators, startups, science technology parks, research institutions, and government agencies to identify global market fit and funding opportunities, increase technology commercialisation opportunities abroad, and facilitate gateways into ASEAN markets.
Meet your alum
At this point, you might be wondering about the efficacy of this programme. Well, let’s hear from some alumni of GMP.
EB Tech, which went through GMP Thailand, shared that the programme not only prepared them for expanding into Thailand, but also helped them solidify ties with local agencies and authorities.
PurelyB, which participated in GMP USA, shared that the mentorship was the strongest element of the programme.
“Our mentor has been so helpful and connected us to some renowned key opinion leaders who are very connected in our industry in the US, who love what we are doing at PurelyB, and want to help us expand there,” the founder shared.
“We would not have been able to meet these people or get connected in this way if it were not for the programme.”
Other past participants include ZapZapMath, TixCart, GPS Fleet, Codemax, and Nexagate, among other innovative Malaysian companies.
What the programme entails
This year, there are two iterations of the programme—GMP Singapore and GMP Thailand.
GMP Singapore has been organised in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, while the Thailand programme is hosted via collaboration with True Digital Park (TDPK).
These programmes start with a five-day pre-immersion trip in their respective countries so that participants can get general information of the country’s ecosystem.
During this trip, they will also identify market potential and opportunities for Malaysian innovators, while digesting the business culture in the country. It’s also a great time to build processes, relationships, and networks to leverage opportunities in the target country.
From there, there’s the actual five-day immersion trip. There’ll also be something called VentureX Business Matching, whereby businesses will have matching meetings with inbound international corporates, companies, and industry to explore partnerships.
Next up is a five-day validation trip, which is all about taking that strategic first step to advance business development and entry in a new market.
How to get that fit
For those looking to expand into neighbouring countries, MRANTI’s GMP Singapore and GMP Thailand are both still talking applicants at the time of writing.
Applications for GMP Singapore are open from May 28 to June 20, 2025, with the programme set to take place from August 4 to September 12, 2025.
GMP Thailand will be closing its application June 6, 2025. The programme will take place from June 30 to August 22, 2025.
The programme fees for both programmes are subsidised should your business make the cut.
There are some prioritised verticals that MRANTI is keeping an eye for. Specifically, they are:
- Health tech
- Agritech/Biotech
- Robotics
- Dronetech
- Autonomous Vehicles
In terms of eligibility, MRANTI highlighted that the business should be:
- A high-growth business that is in the expansion stage, or is expansion-ready with a validated business model
- Commercialised with a technology readiness level of 6 (prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment) or has closed series A funding and above
- Majority Malaysian-owned, or has IP based in Malaysia
- Have strong financial records with a minimum of RM1 million revenue
- Have solid traction and secured sufficient local market share with steady transactions
If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to bring your business abroad, MRANTI’s GMP might just be the right programme for you.
- Learn more about MRANTI’s Global Market-Fit Programme here.
Featured Image Credit: MRANTI
