Malaysia eyes regional expansion for local films and animation IPs: Fahmi
Published on: Thu, Aug 14, 2025
By: Bernama Text Size: KUALA LUMPUR: The government is strengthening regional cooperation to expand the reach of Malaysia's creative intellectual properties (IPs), including local films and animation, into regional markets, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) is actively forging strategic partnerships to facilitate the entry of Malaysian creative IPs into high-potential Asean markets, including Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia. 'We've seen how Upin & Ipin received tremendous response in Indonesia. Several local films have also successfully penetrated markets like Vietnam and Cambodia. 'These efforts will be intensified to open wider opportunities for our local creative industry players,' he said when asked about the direction of the animation sector following the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which emphasises the creative economy as a new driver of national growth, at the press conference on Riuh Hangout 2025 here today. Also present were Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching and Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa. Fahmi said that both Finas and MyCreative Ventures have been tasked with not only providing funding but also facilitating collaboration between animation creators and corporate banking institutions that are increasingly recognising the revenue potential of the creative industry. 'We want to foster synergy between the corporate banking sector and the creative industry in terms of financing. These ties will be strengthened, while licensing and distribution matters will be handled by Finas,' he said. Fahmi noted that this initiative aligns with the 13th Malaysia Plan's (13MP) focus on developing the creative economy, particularly by expanding into export markets and boosting the global competitiveness of Malaysian creative content. He added that further details on the initiative are expected to be presented during his winding-up speech on the debate on the 13MP in Parliament on Aug 20. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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