Latest news with #Asean2025


The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Animation industry shows potential, funding likely
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's animation industry could soon get a boost, with the government set to unveil fresh initiatives in Parliament next week. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil ( pic ) said the initiatives, involving the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) and MyCreative Ventures (MyCV), will be revealed during his winding-up speech in the Dewan Rakyat. 'My instructions to MyCV and Finas are that, aside from preparing funds, we must also look into several aspects of production such as funding from the corporate banking sector,' said Fahmi at a press conference after announcing the Riuh X Asean event yesterday. According to Fahmi, the corporate banking sector sees the creative industry, especially animation, as a profitable venture. 'We want synergy between the corporate sector and the creative industry. God willing, MyCV and Finas will help facilitate this,' he said. Fahmi added that Finas is also working to strengthen intellectual property (IP) rights in Malaysia's film industry to help local productions penetrate Asean markets. 'Among the efforts is establishing a network to elevate local IPs to the Asean level,' he said. On the Riuh X Asean 2025 event, Fahmi said it will be held from Oct 17 to 26, with the venue to be announced later. The event is expected to draw 20,000 to 30,000 visitors and will showcase arts, music, creativity and entrepreneurship in line with the Asean 2025 theme of unity, inclusivity and sustainability. Highlights include the Riuh X Asean Marketplace, from Oct 22 to 26, and featuring over 40 stage performances, 30 interactive workshops and 100 food vendors from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. Another event is FrequenSEA, the first Asean music conference, set for Oct 21 and 22 in Kuala Lumpur. Admission is free, with more than 200 musicians, publishers and industry leaders expected to attend.

The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Fahmi hints at new initiatives for animation sector
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has hinted that new initiatives will be announced for the animation sector. The Communications Minister said the new initiatives would involve the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) and MyCreative Ventures (MyCV). "Next week, I will give a wrapping-up speech in Parliament and there may be a few questions which I will answer officially at the Dewan Rakyat. "My instructions to MyCV and Finas is that aside from preparing funds, we have to look into several aspects of production such as funding from the corporate banking sector," he said at a press conference after announcing the Riuh X Asean event on Thursday (Aug 14). Fahmi said the corporate banking sector is of the view that the creative industry, particularly the animation sector, is profitable. "We want a synergy between the corporate sector and the creative industry. God-willing, MyCV and Finas will facilitate this," he said. At the same time, Fahmi said Finas is currently working hard to strengthen Malaysia's film industry's intellectual property (IP) rights. "Among Finas' efforts are setting up a network which will facilitate locally produced IPs to be brought to the Asean level," he added. Meanwhile, Fahmi said the Riuh X Asean 2025 event would take place from Oct 17 to 26 at a venue to be announced later. Fahmi is expecting 20,000 to 30,000 to attend the event, which is the first of its kind. "This will gather all elements of art, creativity, music and entrepreneurship from Malaysia and Asean, which is true to the theme of Asean 2025 that emphasises unity, inclusivity and sustainability," he said. Among the fringe events taking place over the 10 days is the Riuh X Asean Marketplace. Fahmi said there will be, among others, over 40 stage performances, 30 interactive workshops, 100 food vendors from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. Other events include FrequenSEA, said Fahmi, which is the first Asean music conference that will be held on Oct 21 and 22. Fahmi said admission to the music conference is free and he is targeting over 200 participants including musicians, publishers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of the music industry in South-East Asia. More information about Riuh X Asean can be obtained at and its official channels on Facebook and Instagram.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Mayor showcases Lucknow's urban development vision at Asean 2025
Lucknow: Mayor Sushma Kharkwal presented the progress of the state capital and plans for sustainable urban development at the Asean 2025 conference in Kuala Lumpur drawing international attention. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Representing India alongside delegations from Indore, Surat and Panaji, she outlined initiatives in cleanliness, expansion of green spaces, smart waste management and the drive to position Lucknow as a "Knowledge City." In her address, Kharkwal said: "The city's vision extends beyond infrastructure upgrades, aiming for a cleaner environment, a knowledge-based economy and a stronger presence on the global stage." She highlighted achievements including smart waste management projects, growth of green areas, cleanliness drives under the Swachh Bharat Mission and securing third place in the national cleanliness rankings. She also pointed to smart city projects that improved public services and citizen engagement. A panel discussion on challenges in city-to-city cooperation, focusing on legal, financial and institutional barriers was also held. During the conference, the mayor met representatives from several countries and shared Lucknow's experiences in community participation, citizen-led development and environmental protection. She participated in the session "Strengthening the DC Partnerships for Sustainable Urban Development" with leaders from Türkiye, Philippines, the United Nations and Indian officials. Kharkwal said representing Lucknow at Asean 2025 was a matter of pride for the city and credited citizens and the administration for the progress achieved. Additional municipal commissioner Arvind Kumar Rao was also part of the delegation.


The Star
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Art gallery extends Asean exhibition to Dec 31
PETALING JAYA: Due to overwhelming public interest for the upcoming Asean Summit in October, the National Art Gallery has decided to extend the 'A Gift from Asean Exhibition' until Dec 31. 'Launched on Feb 17, the exhibition features 33 unique artworks presented to Malaysia by Asean members and Asean+6 nations such as South Korea, Japan, China and India, between 1960 and 2009,' said the National Visual Arts Development Board in a statement yesterday. It said the exhibition was initially scheduled to end on July 31. 'This initiative reflects Malaysia's commitment to making art and culture a core pillar in strengthening regional ties and promoting art as an effective medium of cultural diplomacy. 'These works reflect strong diplomatic relations and a shared cultural heritage through diverse visual art expressions. 'This exhibition supports Asean 2025 aspirations to promote unity in diversity by using visual arts as a catalyst for knowledge sharing,' the statement said. It also said artworks by prominent artists included those from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, China and India. According to the website of the National Art Gallery of Malaysia, the artworks on display 'clearly show that while art from this region has many different styles and histories, these differences are also somehow linked, and influences are still present and even blend with the modern art being created in the region today'. The public is invited to visit the exhibition, which is open daily from 9am to 5pm at the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.

The Star
24-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean must defend 'centrality' for regional prosperity, says Tok Mat
KUALA LUMPUR: It is crucial for Asean to defend the foundation of Asean centrality to ensure the continued prosperity and well-being of the regional bloc, said Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that losing this crucial foundation would weaken Asean on the global stage. Asean centrality refers to the concept that Asean serves as the leader and hub of regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. " It (Asean centrality) is our strength, characterized by mutual understanding among its members, unmatched by other blocs. "We must safeguard this as best as we can. "If the foundation of Asean centrality is threatened by any party, it will weaken Asean," he said in response to a question from Manndzri Nasib (PN-Tenggara) in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (July 24). As Asean Chair, Mohamad stated that Malaysia is playing its role as the permanent shepherd for Asean Vision 2045 to further cultivate Asean centrality. "That is why the theme of Asean 2025 is inclusivity and sustainability. "We chose inclusivity as the lead for the theme to demonstrate the inclusivity of all Asean members as one big family," he added. Due to this strength, many countries and regional blocs want to become dialogue partners with Asean. Currently, there are 11 dialogue partners, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and China. "Before becoming dialogue partners with Asean, countries must sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). "Uruguay and Algeria recently became dialogue partners with Asean after signing the treaty. "The upcoming Asean Summit this October will see Italy, Sweden, and Lithuania signing the treaty," he added. Currently, 57 nations have signed the TAC, which was drafted in 1976 to ensure that the Asean region remains conflict-free and neutral.