Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd announces the appointment of Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) effective November 23, 2023. Cradle is Malaysia's focal agency for startups under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 30, 2023 -- The Board of Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), Malaysia’s focal point agency for Malaysian startup ecosystem under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), is pleased to announce the appointment of Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), effective 23 November 2023.
Born of Malay and Belgian descent, Norman has been the acting GCEO of Cradle since 1 June 2022. Prior to joining Cradle in 2020 and initially serving as its Head of Finance and Corporate Services, he began his professional career as an auditor at KPMG and has since held various key Strategy, Financial and Management positions in both local and multinational oil & gas related companies and government agencies. He holds a degree in Accounting from University of Queensland, Australia, and a degree in Software Engineering from Multimedia University, Malaysia. His deep interest in technology and innovation grew from his experiences and educational background, igniting his passion to drive local Malaysian tech companies to become more competitive compared to their global counterparts.
In brief
Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd says Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer, effective November 23, 2023. He had served as acting GCEO since June 1, 2022, and joined Cradle in 2020 as Head of Finance and Corporate Services. Before Cradle, he worked as an auditor at KPMG and held strategy, finance and management roles in oil and gas companies and government agencies. Cradle Chairman Datuk Yvonne Chia described the appointment as an internal promotion and said Vanhaecke’s leadership had made a significant impact. Cradle is Malaysia’s startup agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The company also cited cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and MOSTI in supporting the country’s startup ecosystem.
Key takeaways
- Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke’s appointment as Cradle GCEO took effect November 23, 2023.
- He had served as acting GCEO since June 1, 2022, after joining Cradle in 2020.
- Cradle Chairman Datuk Yvonne Chia called the appointment an internal promotion.
- Cradle says cooperation with MOF and MOSTI supports Malaysia’s startup ecosystem.
Cradle Chairman Datuk Yvonne Chia lauded the appointment, stating that the Board is very excited as it is an internal promotion that reflects the strength of Cradle’s internal talent and effective succession planning. “Over the past 18 months, Norman has proven his leadership skills as the acting GCEO, significantly impacting the organisation under his guidance. With his solid background and expertise, and his demonstrated track record of success, I’m assured that Cradle will continue to spearhead the nation's startup agenda bringing positive impact to society, individuals and businesses, as well as the country as a whole, echoing the objectives of Malaysia MADANI,” Datuk Yvonne said.
Cradle expresses deep appreciation for the unwavering support provided by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and MOSTI since its inception. The robust collaboration between Cradle and both ministries has played a pivotal role in shaping an inclusive, impactful and sustainable startup ecosystem aligned with the Government’s target to rank Malaysia in the Top 20 Global Startup Ecosystem by 2030. MOF and MOSTI’s steadfast commitment have fuelled startups growth and contributed significantly to the broader economic landscape.
For more information about Cradle, please visit www.cradle.com.my.
Contact Info:
Name: Elmy Fairuz Azmi
Email: Send Email
Organization: CRADLE FUND SDN BHD
Website: https://cradle.com.my/
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Questions around this news
Who is Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke?
Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke is the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, effective November 23, 2023. He had served as the organisation’s acting GCEO since June 1, 2022. Before joining Cradle in 2020, he worked in strategy, finance and management roles at local and multinational oil and gas companies and government agencies.
What is Vanhaecke’s professional and educational background?
Vanhaecke began his career as an auditor at KPMG and joined Cradle in 2020 as Head of Finance and Corporate Services. His earlier roles included strategy, financial and management positions in oil and gas businesses and government agencies. He holds an accounting degree from the University of Queensland and a software engineering degree from Multimedia University.
What startup ecosystem goal does Malaysia have for 2030?
The release says the government aims to place Malaysia among the world’s top 20 startup ecosystems by 2030. It connects this goal with cooperation between Cradle, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, describing that collaboration as part of efforts to support startup growth and a more inclusive and sustainable ecosystem.
