Salesforce Expands Startup Program to Malaysia and Philippines to Fuel AI Growth

Salesforce officially expanded its specialized Startup Program into Malaysia and the Philippines on January 20, 2026. This strategic initiative integrates regional tech founders into the company's global AI and CRM ecosystem. With these additions, the program now operates across five key markets in South and Southeast Asia, joining existing hubs in India, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.

Participating startups receive direct access to AI-powered products, mentorship, and joint go-to-market opportunities. The program helps young companies build enterprise-grade solutions by utilizing the Salesforce AppExchange marketplace. This creates a clear pathway for local entrepreneurs to reach a worldwide audience of corporate clients through a recognized platform.

In Malaysia, the expansion supports the government's KL20 vision to establish the country as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030. The nation offers a strategic location and a diverse talent pool that serves as a premier gateway to Southeast Asian markets. Local organizations like the University of Nottingham Malaysia already utilize these technologies to drive digital transformation. The Philippines launch builds on the opening of a dedicated Salesforce office in Manila in late 2025. This move coincides with the Innovative Startup Act, which provides billions in funding to help local firms produce tech unicorns. By offering advanced AI tools, Salesforce positions itself at the center of the country's push toward becoming an "Agentic" enterprise leader.

Since launching in 2021, the program has grown to support over 435 companies, with more than half focusing on AI-first technologies. Success stories from previous cohorts include firms like Yellow.ai and CloudFiles, which scaled their operations to reach international success. The focus remains on identifying startups that can solve business challenges using autonomous AI agents.

Arundhati Bhattacharya, CEO for South and Southeast Asia at Salesforce, noted that these markets are ideal launchpads for local ideas seeking global impact. Founders in the region can apply via the official program website for rolling weekly evaluations. This commitment highlights the increasing role of ASEAN in the global technology innovation landscape.