Malaysia’s digital creative industry has been maturing over the years, with a myriad of iconic animations, films, and video games over the years. Think iconic cartoons like Upin and Ipin, heart-wrenching movies like Abang Adik, exciting video game IPs like Gigabash, and countless other indie projects.
A “strategic economic industry with strong potential that continues to create high-value jobs, nurture local intellectual property, while driving export revenue”—that’s how the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil described our local digital creative industry.
The potential they see is why MDEC is launching financial incentive programmes aimed at amping up industry development, strengthening the entire value chain from talent development to market access.
With this, they seek to position Malaysia as a globally competitive hub for digital content creation.
Specially devised programmes
It’s true that Malaysia’s digital content market has grown substantially over the years, but don’t take it from us. Just look at the figures.
The industry has posted RM87.25 billion in revenue and RM11.18 billion in export sales, while creating gainful employment for some 11,154 Malaysians within this industry since 2011.
“MDEC’s programmes are designed to support these talents by encouraging them to build on their strengths, explore innovative ideas, and turn their passion into commercially viable content for local and global audiences,” the CEO shared.
It was at the Digital Creative Industry Engagement Session 2025 where MDEC officially launched the new funding initiatives aimed at empowering local studios and digital content creators in key segments such as games, animation, and the metaverse.
The initiatives include:
1. The Digital Games Testbed Programme (DGTP)
Aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s games industry, RM3.5 million in funding has been set aside to go to at least five Malaysian game development companies, each eligible for up to RM700,000.
This programme is open to Malaysian-owned games studios with a proven track record and a clear IP expansion strategy.
DGTP is designed to encourage new game genres, enhance local studios, and foster international partnerships to position Malaysia as a competitive game development hub.
2. The Animation Shorts Challenge programme
A competition-based initiative, this challenge is designed to strengthen Malaysia’s animation industry by nurturing high-quality digital content.
Through structured competition and industry mentorship, this programme supports local creators in developing impactful animated short films with strong Intellectual Property (IP) potential.
The initiative will provide selected participants with expert guidance, bridging local talent with industry leaders to enhance skills, creativity, and global market readiness.
A total project fund of RM1.2 million will be allocated to support 12 trained participants and the development of 12 new animation short IPs.
3. Business in Metaverse Programme
This programme is designed to help Malaysian businesses leverage metaverse technologies for brand engagement and immersive commerce.
With a total funding of RM1 million, this programme will support 200 businesses, each eligible to receive up to RM5,000 to implement metaverse-based marketing strategies.
By integrating digital tools such as virtual storefronts, gamified marketing strategies, and branded digital assets, businesses can enhance customer engagement and increase brand visibility in the evolving metaverse landscape.
Readying Malaysia for the future
Announcing these programmes, Anuar reaffirmed MDEC’s commitment to advancing all facets of the digital economy, including nurturing local innovation, supporting local industry players, and building a resilient digital ecosystem while enabling jobs and opportunities.
Being tech-forward and future-ready is critical in keeping Malaysia on the global playing field, especially with so many changes happening in the world.
“The newly announced incentives are aimed at driving sustainable industry growth, attracting international investment and positioning Malaysia as a prominent player within the global digital creative landscape, which we already are,” the CEO concluded.
More information on the above initiatives, including application details and deadlines, can be found on the MDEC website, mdec.my.
Featured Image Credit: MDEC
