Latest news with #MalaysiaPavilion
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ejen Ali a highlight of Malaysia's creative talent at Osaka World Expo
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's beloved animated character, Ejen Ali, continues to make history, having been honoured with the opportunity to represent Malaysia at the prestigious World Expo 2025 currently taking place in Osaka, Japan. Symbolising the aspirations of Malaysian youth in the digital era and the future of technology, Ejen Ali's involvement on this international stage not only brings immense pride to the local animation industry but also showcases the growing global recognition of Malaysia's creative talent. Ejen Ali and Ejen Alicia's presence at the Malaysia Pavilion has proven to be an extraordinary draw. Visitors from various countries have been observed queuing for long periods just for the chance to meet and take photos with these animated heroes. The enthusiastic reception demonstrates the global appeal of this homegrown intellectual property (IP) by Primeworks Studios and Wau Animation. Representing the strength of Malaysia's creative industry, Ejen Ali conveys universal messages rooted in courage, integrity, and loyalty – values that are easily understood and embraced across different cultures. A statement from the creators highlighted that even though many visitors in Osaka were encountering the character for the first time, the dynamic visuals and spirited narrative on display immediately captured their attention. "Among the most heartwarming moments was when a Japanese child returned to the booth after watching a trailer and excitedly declared, 'I want to be like him!' "This moment perfectly illustrates Ejen Ali's subtle yet effective ability to convey Malaysian aspirations, inspiration, and identity," it said. Ejen Ali The Movie 2 director and Chief Content Officer of Wau Animation, Usamah Zaid Yasin, also visited the Malaysia Pavilion on July 21 and 22. He also took part in a special sharing session, revealing the creative process behind the development of the Ejen Ali franchise and WAU Animation's vision for producing world-class animated content. The session received an overwhelming response from visitors of diverse backgrounds, including Japanese creative industry professionals who expressed keen interest in learning more about the IP, thereby opening doors for future international collaborations and partnerships. The World Expo 2025, currently running until Oct 13, is expected to welcome over 28 million visitors from across the globe. As a platform that unites international ideas, technology, and cultures, Ejen Ali's participation strengthens Malaysia's position in creative content, digital education, and cultural diplomacy on a global scale.
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Hit movie 'Ejen Ali' goes international - unlocks successful mission at World Expo 2025 in Osaka
The nation's most famous animated character, Ejen Ali, continues to create history of his own when he has been given the honour of representing Malaysia at the prestigious World Expo 2025 currently taking place in Osaka, Japan. As a symbol of the aspirations of young Malaysians in the digital and technological era of the future, Ejen Ali's involvement on the international stage not only makes the local animation industry proud, but also symbolizes the progress of the country's creative talent, which is increasingly gaining a place in the eyes of the world. The presence of Agent Ali and Agent Alicia at the Malaysian Pavilion highlighted the extraordinary attraction as visitors from various countries were seen lining up for a chance to meet and take pictures with these animated heroes. The response received clearly illustrates the global appeal of this local IP. Representing the strength of Malaysia's creative industry, Ejen Ali comes forward with a universal message based on the values of courage, integrity and loyalty that is easily understood and accepted across cultures. Although many visitors to Osaka were new to the character, the dynamic visuals and passionate narrative on display immediately captured their attention. In fact, many continued to search for more information about the series online, reflecting the rapid and profound impact that Agent Ali had on th local comic fans. Usamah Zaid Yasin, the director of "Ejen Ali The Movie 2" and Chief Content Officer of WAU Animation, also attended the Malaysia Pavilion on 21 and 22 July 2025. His presence was followed by a special sharing session that revealed the creative process behind the development of the Ejen Ali franchise as well as WAU Animation's vision in developing world-class animated content. The session received an encouraging response from visitors from various backgrounds, including Japanese creative industry activists who expressed interest in learning more about this IP, thus opening up space for cooperation and the possibility of international collaboration in the future. The prestigious World Expo 2025 event runs from April 13 to October 13, 2025, and is expected to welcome more than 28 million visitors from around the world. As a platform that brings together international ideas, technology and culture, Ejen Ali's participation strengthens Malaysia's position in the fields of creative content, digital education and cultural diplomacy at the global level. For the record, Ejen Ali 2 grossed more than RM60 million at the box office and was officially crowned as the highest-grossing animated film in the history of Malaysian cinema, surpassing all local and international animated works that have ever been screened in the country. It also returned impressive numbers in Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore before achieving the limelight in Osaka.
The Star
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Korea Import Fair 2025 boosts trade opportunities for Malaysian exporters
The People & Pixel team connecting with Matrade officer Ainul Zahra Ahmad Razei (left) at the Korea Import Fair 2025. Following its successful ventures into Germany, Indonesia, Brunei and Thailand, the company is now looking to expand into South Korea. MALAYSIA made a notable debut at the Korea Import Fair 2025, held from July 7 to 9 at COEX, Seoul. Spearheaded by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), the Malaysia Pavilion showcased 12 companies and one government agency, securing over RM120mil in exports prospects. Malaysia recorded the highest participation among Asean nations, highlighting its commitment to strengthen its foothold in the Korean market. The participation followed a strategic collaboration between Matrade and the Korea Importers Association (Koima), supporting efforts to boost exports under the Look East Policy and ahead of the anticipated Malaysia-Korea Free Trade Agreement (MKFTA).
New Straits Times
18-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MITI concludes probe into Osaka Expo pavilion dispute
KUALA LUMPUR: The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) has concluded its internal investigation into allegations of creative appropriation involving the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. In a response to Business Times, the ministry said it has also initiated contact with Current Media Group (CMG) for further engagement, although it did not disclose the findings of its inquiry. "MITI has completed its investigation on this matter. We have contacted CMG and will engage them further," the ministry said. The update follows a statement by CMG announcing that it had served MITI with a formal letter of demand. The company said the move came after "more than two months of silence" from MITI, despite the ministry's earlier pledge to investigate claims that the pavilion's concept, theme and narrative closely resembled a proposal submitted by CMG prior to the official tender process. CMG founder Fey Ilyas first raised the issue publicly on April 25, highlighting alleged similarities between its proposal and the final design adopted for the Malaysia Pavilion. The post drew public attention and prompted MITI to announce, on April 26, that it would conduct an internal inquiry. However, CMG claimed that since that announcement, there had been no follow-up from MITI in the form of document requests, interviews or progress updates. The company said it resorted to legal action after exhausting informal channels. "After exhausting all informal avenues for dialogue and giving MITI ample time to act in good faith, CMG instructed its counsel to formally issue a letter of demand on July 17 seeking formal acknowledgment of CMG's contributions and fair compensation," it said. "Should MITI fail to respond satisfactorily within the statutory period, CMG will pursue every legal remedy available under Malaysian law. "CMG reiterates its willingness to engage in constructive mediation at any time, so long as that process is undertaken in good faith, recognises the value of creative labour, and upholds equitable terms," it added.
New Straits Times
18-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Miti served LOD over alleged use of creative firm's pavilion design
KUALA LUMPUR: The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) has been served a letter of demand from a creative consultancy company who is seeking acknowledgement and compensation for use of the firm's designs for the Malaysian pavilion at the Osaka World Expo in Japan. In a statement, Current Media Group (CMG) said should Miti fail to respond satisfactorily within the statutory period, it would pursue every legal remedy available through the law. "After exhausting all informal avenues for dialogue and giving Miti ample time to act in good faith, CMG instructed its counsel to formally issue a Letter of Demand on July 17 seeking formal acknowledgment of CMG's contributions and fair compensation. "Should Miti fail to respond satisfactorily within the statutory period, CMG will pursue every legal remedy available under Malaysian law. "CMG reiterates its willingness to engage in constructive mediation at any time, so long as that process is undertaken in good faith, recognises the value of creative labour, and upholds equitable terms," it said. On April 25, CMG's founder Fey Ilyas claimed that the concept, theme, and narrative structure of the Malaysia Pavilion bore clear similarities to the proposal CMG developed and presented to Miti before the official tender process. The post quickly garnered attention, prompting Miti to issue a statement on April 26 indicating that an internal investigation was under way.
