Finas committed to boost orange economy

New Straits Times

5 days ago

The National Film Development Corporation (Finas) has said the emphasis on the "orange economy" as a driver for future growth shows the Madani Government's dedication to making the local creative industry more sustainable and globally competitive.
Welcoming the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the House of Representatives, Finas chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said as an agency under the Communications Ministry, Finas supports Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil's vision.
This support will be demonstrated through high-impact initiatives designed to strengthen the country's creative industry ecosystem.
"This includes empowering the production of high-value commercial content with export potential for international markets.
"We will also support the development of local intellectual property (IP) through the Creative Content Fund (DKK) and the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI). Furthermore, we will expand access to creative talent development through certification and commissioning.
"Finas also plays a role in strengthening the industry's value chain, from pre-production and production to post-production, distribution, and content monetisation."
In line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's mandate, Azmir said that Finas would place a special emphasis on the animation sector.
"Our efforts will include implementing the DKK, which provides grant support for high-potential animation projects and local IP content.
"FIMI will also be used as an incentive to attract investment in local and international content production, with a focus on exportable IP."
Azmir also highlighted that Finas was focused on implementing accredited certification programmes for local creative talent, ensuring they align with current market and technological needs.
"We are also improving the licensing process for producers of animated feature films for cinema and television screenings. This is to ensure they meet standards and have smoother, more structured market access."
Azmir added that Finas, in partnership with the Communications Ministry, will continue to strengthen policies, programmes, and initiatives that support the 13MP vision.
"This effort focuses on achieving measurable outcomes in job creation, increased local IP value, and industrial competitiveness at regional and international levels."
He also mentioned that Finas, through the DKK fund, has championed IP ownership since its introduction.
"Generating revenue from IP is key to the industry's growth and sustainability. Besides grant support, FIMI rebates are also crucial for local content projects, including animation IP and animation services."
Finally, Azmir noted that Finas' ongoing international market access and export initiatives have garnered significant attention from creative industry leaders and are now "bearing fruit".