Latest news with #ConcertandEventinMalaysiaIncentives
The Star
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Setting the stage for mega concerts in Malaysia
MANY fans in Malaysia know the mixed feelings they get when they see their favourite musicians announce their latest world tour. 'I get all excited at first, but then I'm disappointed because they usually never include Malaysia in their world tour, even though they go to other countries in Asia,' says 33-year-old Jasmine Chang, who lists artists like Lady Gaga, Blackpink and Megan Thee Stallion among those in heavy rotation on her daily playlist. Although Lady Gaga performed in Singapore recently, Chang couldn't justify to herself the cost of attending the concert. 'Like I genuinely considered going for it in Singapore, but it cost too much and the ticket prices are already high,' she laments. 'I did go for Blackpink though,' she adds, referring to the K-pop idol group's concert in Malaysia back in 2023. But these concerts are not just about fulfilling a fan's dream of watching their favourite musicians perform live; they are part of a giant industry of live events that not only contributes directly to the country's GDP but also boosts other sectors of the economy as well. From venue hires to stage production, hotels to restaurants, and transportation services, the ripple effect of a large-scale concert can be substantial, as already proven by reports estimating that the Taylor Swift concert in Singapore in March last year boosted the country's first-quarter GDP by up to S$400mil (RM1.32bil). In Malaysia, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching recently revealed that the 408 concerts held in the country last year had generated an additional RM553mil through high-impact adjacent sectors. And indeed, aside from Blackpink's concert, which saw over 60,000 people attending, Malaysia has seen other high-profile concerts by major artistes in recent years, such as Coldplay, Muse, Ed Sheeran, IU, Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars and Maroon 5. With so much potential for growth in this industry and its ripple effect across other sectors, Malaysia is now making a concerted effort to position itself as the go-to destination for major international live events. Part of their effort includes the Concert and Event in Malaysia Incentives (CEMI) initiative, which is a financial rebate introduced to support large-scale, high-impact concerts and events held in Malaysia with over 15,000 attendees. The deadline to apply for this incentive was July 10, and a source within the Communications Ministry says they have received over 100 applications for CEMI in total. 'Many of which are plans for next year's shows for Q1 and Q2 of 2026. So CEMI actually achieved its purpose,' says the source to Sunday Star. The 'safe' next step Industry players and fans alike welcome the move, but they say more targeted support, regulatory reform, and strategic planning are needed to take the next big leap. Pro tem Music Industry Committee (JK-PTIM) member Joe Lee says he sees CEMI as the 'next step' in the government's grander plan to revitalise the local music scene, specifically live music. The Dana Kandungan Digital grant, which was first introduced five years ago for various disciplines of music, was a promising has since been rebranded as Dana Kandungan Kreatif under Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, with a focus on supporting mid-tier organisers and promoters through grants for live events with a minimum crowd capacity of 2,500. 'CEMI is the next step for those taking on the top tier to address 'high-impact' events for audiences of 15,000 and above. 'High impact meaning the spillover event of the event itself, meaning a boost to other sectors as well, including tourism, covering hotels, F&B, transportation and so on. 'While it may not be as much as what we've seen our neighbours splurge on, it is definitely a step, albeit a 'safe' step, forward,' says Lee, who also runs an entertainment agency. However, he notes that there are only a few 'major players' in the live events category, and thus, he says, CEMI seems to be more of an encouragement to established players to improve and to newer outfits to be more serious in their endeavour. 'It would be easy to say you should just dump a load of cash and bring Taylor Swift or Coldplay or any bankable act. 'The fact remains that there are multiple factors we have to keep in mind.' It is safe to say that every organiser and promoter has a wishlist of acts they want to see in Malaysia that is similar to that of the average music fan, Lee says. 'But whether it be the management, the artist, the cost and so on, we are realistically limited in many ways.' Fingers crossed for next year At the end of the day, he says, even with the boost from CEMI, the development of the live music scene in Malaysia falls back onto the industry players themselves. 'If our promoters and organisers in turn elevate their game, I have no doubt that the proven results will see the government take the live music industry more seriously and invest more in the near future.' On the government's part, the source from the Communications Ministry says they think the ministry has come up with many tweaks to help the industry. They point out that there have been more live venues and performances popping up in Malaysia recently, and that Fahmi had revised Puspal guidelines, implemented since May 1, to revamp accessibility and safety measures at such events. With CEMI setting the stage for more major live acts next year, Lee also adds he knows of many concerts and ongoing negotiations that music fans would be thrilled about, if all goes well. 'Just keep your fingers crossed, if all goes well, 2026 will be an amazing year to save up for starting now.'
Barnama
16-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
37 CEMI Applications Received As Of June 12
SANDAKAN, June 16 (Bernama) -- The Concert and Event in Malaysia Incentives (CEMI), a financial rebate initiative introduced by the Communications Ministry through MyCreative Ventures (MyCV) on May 15, has received 37 applications as of June 12, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. She stated that the government had allocated RM10 million for CEMI to boost the local creative industry through strategic partnerships in concert and event management nationwide. 'I strongly encourage industry players, especially those in Sabah, to take this opportunity and apply for the incentive before the application deadline on July 10, 2025. 'CEMI covers two types of applications for concerts and events featuring international or local artistes. The incentive aims to support the organisation of large-scale concerts and music events for 15,000 people and more,' she told reporters after opening the 'Ask Me Anything' road tour for the 2025 Creative Content Fund (DKK) – Music Industry by MYCV here today. She noted that the growth of the concert industry in Malaysia has generated significant returns for the country, prompting the introduction of the incentive. 'In 2023, a total of 335 international concerts were held in Malaysia, contributing over RM498 million to the national economy. In 2024, this number rose to 408 international concerts, generating RM553 million in returns,' she said. Meanwhile, Teo urged the arts and creative community in Sabah and Sarawak to apply for the DKK provided by the government as part of efforts to develop a competitive and impactful music industry. 'The government has allocated RM6.3 million for DKK. Three DKK programmes are being actively implemented, including the Music Performance Fund, which is open for applications until June 30,' she said, adding the deadline for the International Marketing and Promotion Fund and the Domestic Marketing and Promotion Fund is on Dec 1.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
37 CEMI applications received as of June 12
SANDAKAN: The Concert and Event in Malaysia Incentives (CEMI), a financial rebate initiative introduced by the Communications Ministry through MyCreative Ventures (MyCV) on May 15, has received 37 applications as of June 12, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. She stated that the government had allocated RM10 million for CEMI to boost the local creative industry through strategic partnerships in concert and event management nationwide. 'I strongly encourage industry players, especially those in Sabah, to take this opportunity and apply for the incentive before the application deadline on July 10, 2025. 'CEMI covers two types of applications for concerts and events featuring international or local artistes. The incentive aims to support the organisation of large-scale concerts and music events for 15,000 people and more,' she told reporters after opening the 'Ask Me Anything' road tour for the 2025 Creative Content Fund (DKK) – Music Industry by MYCV here today. She noted that the growth of the concert industry in Malaysia has generated significant returns for the country, prompting the introduction of the incentive. 'In 2023, a total of 335 international concerts were held in Malaysia, contributing over RM498 million to the national economy. In 2024, this number rose to 408 international concerts, generating RM553 million in returns,' she said. Meanwhile, Teo urged the arts and creative community in Sabah and Sarawak to apply for the DKK provided by the government as part of efforts to develop a competitive and impactful music industry. 'The government has allocated RM6.3 million for DKK. Three DKK programmes are being actively implemented, including the Music Performance Fund, which is open for applications until June 30,' she said, adding the deadline for the International Marketing and Promotion Fund and the Domestic Marketing and Promotion Fund is on Dec 1. 'Applications can be submitted via the MyCV portal,' she said. Teo said today's programme is part of an initiative to reach out to the local arts and creative community and encourage them to apply for the DKK. At the event, the Sandakan Creative Arts and Local Musicians Association received RM80,000 under DKK's Music Performance Fund to host the Sandakan Nature City Loud Festival 2025 next month.
The Sun
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Concert organisers encouraged to apply for CEMI
KULAI: The Communications Ministry encourages concert and large-scale, high-impact event organisers to register with the new Concert and Event in Malaysia Incentives (CEMI) initiative to enjoy financial rebates. Its deputy minister, Teo Nie Ching said this initiative not only applies to the organisation of international concerts and events but also involves local artists in large-scale programmes within the country. According to her, RM10 million is allocated annually and applications have been open from May 15 and ends July 10. 'This programme is managed by MyCreative Ventures (MyCV), with the support of the Communications Ministry, focusing on organising concerts and high-impact events, particularly involving capacities exceeding 15,000 spectators with the participation of local and international artists. This is a new initiative introduced by the government to further invigorate the local arts industry,' she said at a press conference after officiating the Kulai parliamentary level SPM 2024 Excellent Student Contribution Programme at the Kulai Parliamentary District Education Office (PPD) here today. She said that there are several main conditions that organisers must comply with to qualify for the incentive, including having experience in organising large-scale events, with a capacity of 15,000 people within three years from the date of application. 'For financing of international artists, organisers need a minimum of 20 per cent of the total Qualifying Malaysian Concert and Event Spend (QMCES) with at least 30 per cent involvement of Malaysians to qualify for 30 per cent of the actual QMCES expenditure or a maximum of RM1.5 million (whichever is lower). The rebate will be fully disbursed after the project is completed and the final report is approved. 'For financing of local artists, on the other hand, the rebate distribution is the same, but the organisers must spend 70 per cent of the total QMCES in Malaysia to qualify for 30 per cent of the actual QMCES expenditure or a maximum of RM1 million (whichever is lower),' she said. In other developments, Teo, who is also the Kulai Member of Parliament, said a total of 107, 687 fraudulent contents or scams were removed by platform providers at the request of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) from January to April 15. She said that among the most frequently removed content were online gambling and scams. 'As of April 15, the takedowns carried out by the platform provider at the request of MCMC amounted to 107,687, with the majority being 57,669 related to gambling and 30,427 related to scams,' she also said. Therefore, she added, the public is advised to be more cautious and not easily be deceived by content or advertisements that promise high returns in a short period to avoid becoming victims of fraud.
Barnama
31-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Concert Organisers Encouraged To Apply For CEMI
KULAI, May 31 (Bernama) -- The Communications Ministry encourages concert and large-scale, high-impact event organisers to register with the new Concert and Event in Malaysia Incentives (CEMI) initiative to enjoy financial rebates. Its deputy minister, Teo Nie Ching said this initiative not only applies to the organisation of international concerts and events but also involves local artists in large-scale programmes within the country. According to her, RM10 million is allocated annually and applications have been open from May 15 and ends July 10. "This programme is managed by MyCreative Ventures (MyCV), with the support of the Communications Ministry, focusing on organising concerts and high-impact events, particularly involving capacities exceeding 15,000 spectators with the participation of local and international artists. This is a new initiative introduced by the government to further invigorate the local arts industry," she said at a press conference after officiating the Kulai parliamentary level SPM 2024 Excellent Student Contribution Programme at the Kulai Parliamentary District Education Office (PPD) here today. She said that there are several main conditions that organisers must comply with to qualify for the incentive, including having experience in organising large-scale events, with a capacity of 15,000 people within three years from the date of application. "For financing of international artists, organisers need a minimum of 20 per cent of the total Qualifying Malaysian Concert and Event Spend (QMCES) with at least 30 per cent involvement of Malaysians to qualify for 30 per cent of the actual QMCES expenditure or a maximum of RM1.5 million (whichever is lower). The rebate will be fully disbursed after the project is completed and the final report is approved. "For financing of local artists, on the other hand, the rebate distribution is the same, but the organisers must spend 70 per cent of the total QMCES in Malaysia to qualify for 30 per cent of the actual QMCES expenditure or a maximum of RM1 million (whichever is lower)," she said. In other developments, Teo, who is also the Kulai Member of Parliament, said a total of 107, 687 fraudulent contents or scams were removed by platform providers at the request of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) from January to April 15. She said that among the most frequently removed content were online gambling and scams.
