[Profile] Goh Chee Kiong: The Architect of Malaysia's Startup Globalisation

The Profile Snapshot

In the dynamic ecosystem of Southeast Asian startups, few figures operate with the quiet, strategic influence of Goh Chee Kiong. While founders chase the spotlight, he builds the runways. As the Chief Commercial Officer of the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI), Goh is the pivotal connector, the deal-maker who translates visionary ideas into tangible cross-border opportunities.

• 👨‍💼 Name: Goh Chee Kiong
• 🏷️ Role: Chief Commercial Officer, Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI)
• 🔑 Key Superpower: Ecosystem Orchestrator & Global Bridge-Builder

The Catalyst: Why It Matters

Goh is making headlines as the driving force behind a powerful new narrative for Malaysian startups: looking beyond Singapore. With initiatives like the groundbreaking collaboration between MRANTI and Singapore's own accelerator, Antler, he is actively dismantling the psychological and logistical barriers that have long confined local entrepreneurs. His message is clear and timely: "Dear Startups: Singapore Too Small For You? Now You Can Get Out Of The Country." He is not just offering advice; he is providing the concrete pathways—market access, investor networks, regulatory navigation—that turn regional ambition into global reality.

The Leadership Dialogue: Inside The Mindset

Speaking from MRANTI's sprawling park in Bukit Jalil, Goh’s demeanour is that of a seasoned architect rather than a cheerleader. He reflects on the regional mindset with analytical clarity. "There's an ingrained perception," he notes, leaning forward, "that to 'make it,' a startup must first conquer Singapore. It's seen as the ultimate validation." He doesn't dismiss Singapore's merits but challenges the notion of it as a finish line. "We must reframe it," he emphasizes with conviction. "Singapore is not the endgame; it's a superb launchpad. The real game is the vast, unsaturated markets beyond—Indonesia, Vietnam, the Middle East, and further."

His strategy is deeply empathetic to the founder's journey. He understands that fear of the unknown—foreign regulations, cultural nuances, finding trustworthy partners—is the true bottleneck. "Our role," he explains, his hands mapping out an invisible network in the air, "is to de-risk that expansion. We are the connective tissue. When we partner with an entity like Antler, we're not just signing an MOU; we're integrating two ecosystems. We're giving a Malaysian deep-tech founder a trusted entry point into Singapore, and conversely, bringing global startups from Antler's portfolio into Malaysia's vibrant market for scale-up." For Goh, it’s a symphony of strategic alliances, where MRANTI conducts access to a broader stage.

Career Milestones & Achievements

• Spearheading the landmark partnership between MRANTI and Singapore's Antler, creating a fluid two-way pipeline for startups between Malaysia and Singapore, and from there, to the world.
• Architecting MRANTI's commercial and globalisation strategy, transforming the agency from a domestic research facilitator into a central hub for international tech collaboration and market expansion.
• Playing a key leadership role in establishing MRANTI Park as one of Southeast Asia's largest integrated innovation parks, a physical testament to Malaysia's scale-up ambitions.
• Leveraging extensive experience from prior roles in investment promotion and tech ecosystem development to craft pragmatic "go-global" playbooks for Malaysian startups.

The Editor's Take

Goh Chee Kiong represents a critical evolution in Malaysian business leadership: the ecosystem enabler. In an age of charismatic founder-CEOs, his power lies in facilitation, network effects, and strategic diplomacy. He is the backbone supporting the region's entrepreneurial ambitions, proving that true impact often comes from empowering others to succeed on the world stage.

• 👁️ Visionary Thinking: 8/10 – Sees beyond borders to a globally interconnected startup landscape.
• ⚡ Execution Capability: 9/10 – Excels at turning high-level MOUs into operational pipelines and real deals.
• 🌟 Industry Influence: 8/10 – A respected nodal figure whose partnerships shape the region's startup mobility.

"Don't just visit a market; embed yourself into its ecosystem. The real opportunity isn't in selling a product, but in becoming a part of the solution for that new geography."