Latest news with #BurhanuddinMdRadzi
New Straits Times
3 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.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Upin & Ipin Universe game marks milestone in Malaysia's rise as regional hub for animation and gaming
For nearly two decades, the Malaysian cartoon Upin & Ipin has entertained and inspired audiences with its cheeky adventures and meaningful messages about friendship, respect, and community. Now, the launch of the Upin & Ipin Universe game marks the next chapter in the brand's evolution—from a beloved animated series to a fully interactive digital world. Speaking at the launch in Kuala Lumpur, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the project is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and collaborative spirit that define Malaysia's journey to becoming a regional hub for animation and gaming. 'This transition marks a significant step for Malaysian animation intellectual properties as they cross over into games. It also places Malaysia firmly within the global digital content economy,' he said. Among those present were Les' Copaque Production managing director Burhanuddin Md Radzi, National Film Development Corporation Malaysia chairman Datuk Hans Issac, and Stefan Baier, director of Global Studios and co-founder of Streamline Studios. In 2023, the global entertainment and media industry was valued at US$2.8 trillion. According to the PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2024, this figure is projected to grow to US$3.4 trillion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9 per cent. 'Malaysia has also seen tremendous progress in recent years. In 2023 alone, our creative digital industry generated RM5.3 billion in revenue, with exports valued at RM800 million,' Gobind said. 'More importantly, these achievements created over 10,000 high-value jobs across the ecosystem. Riding the wave of global digitalisation, the games sector continues to thrive.' He said the government, through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation's (MDEC) Digital Creative Ecosystem Roadmap (DICE), is committed to growing the digital creative sector and aims to position Malaysia as a regional and global hub for digital content by 2030. 'DICE is not just an initiative – it's a holistic strategy to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports talent development, market access, investment, and innovation. 'The Digital Ministry is further strengthening this effort by making animation and games a key focus of our mission to drive Malaysia's digital progress. Supporting innovation and growth in the digital creative sector isn't just an agenda – it is the backbone of our national transformation,' he added. To reinforce the government's commitment, MDEC has launched two new programmes: Animated Shorts Challenge – an initiative to encourage the creation of original short animations by local talents. It provides opportunities for creators to produce high-impact work that can be showcased regionally and globally. Digital Games Testbed – an initiative offering incentives for local game developers to explore new products or genres while securing publishing deals. This enables indie developers and established studios to access technical support and market feedback essential for continuous improvement and commercialisation. 'These initiatives complement DICE and play a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of Malaysia's digital creative industry, expanding intellectual property creation, market access, and talent development,' Gobind said.
