6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Strengthen digital creative industries
In a recent announcement, Burhanuddin Md Radzi, the founder of Les' Copaque Production, the studio behind the animated series 'Upin & Ipin', lauded the government's introduction of a Matching Fund and a Joint Production Fund.
These initiatives, he believes, will strengthen talent development and encourage investment in creating world-class content.
Burhanuddin welcomed the government's recognition of the creative industry as a high-return sector.
"Companies are grateful that the creative industry is now seen as a sector capable of generating huge returns.
"We welcome this government assistance and hope that these initiatives will be sustainable and effective."
While appreciative, Burhanuddin also called for a more comprehensive long-term plan to support the industry. He believes the government should focus on the marketing and distribution of digital products created by local talent.
He highlighted the reluctance of local television stations to air expensive animated shows in favour of syndicated content.
"If local people produce digital content just for our market, it will be hard for them to survive. If we produce more content, where will we distribute and sell it?"
He urged local creators to emulate his company's strategy: win over the domestic audience first before targeting international markets.
"We have to become famous in our own country first, and then we can sell it abroad."
This news follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's presentation of the 13th Malaysia Plan, where he announced the government's commitment to driving "orange economic" growth through the digital creative industry.
Anwar revealed that the industry generates a total income of RM6.3 billion with an export value of RM850 million, and he cited successful animated productions like 'Mechamato' and 'Upin & Ipin' as proof of local talent's international acclaim.
