Latest news with #creativeindustry
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
MP urges stronger support for arts, cites South Korea's cultural success
Syerleena Abdul Rashid called for incentives to attract international artistes and productions, and for the government to prioritise protection for Malaysians in the creative industry. KUALA LUMPUR : A government MP has called for stronger institutional and financial support for the creative industry, urging the government to emulate countries such as South Korea that have built global influence through cultural exports. Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) said Malaysian artistes were still forced to plead for what should be rightfully theirs. 'This is not just about entertainment, this is about our national narrative, cultural identity, and economic future,' she said during the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat today. Syerleena cited the case of comedian Amir Raja Lawak, who had to publicly appeal to a local broadcaster for RM18,000 in overdue payments to fund his father's cancer treatment. 'This is a matter of life and death. Why should someone who has entertained us for years have to beg on social media?' she said. She said the incident reflected broader structural issues in the local arts ecosystem, where many creative people lacked formal protection under the Employees Provident Fund and Social Security Organisation, as well as fair payment terms. 'Musicians are paid with 'exposure', writers are sidelined, and independent filmmakers face biased screening policies. Yet we call them our cultural heritage,' she said. Syerleena pointed to examples abroad, including South Korea's K-pop and K-drama industries, and Thailand's tourism boom following an HBO series, saying such outcomes were driven by strategic government policies. 'South Korea didn't achieve the Korean wave by chance. These are deliberate strategies. What is Malaysia's plan?' she said. She called for incentives to attract international artistes and productions, while urging the government to prioritise protection for local creative people, enforce timely payments, and support grassroots infrastructure. Earlier, Malaysiakini reported that Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari had also pushed for greater government backing for the creative sector under the 13MP, saying it must be elevated to global standards. Amirudin (PH-Gombak) told the Dewan Rakyat that countries such as South Korea invested heavily in content development and adopted structured policies to build cultural influence. He also cited South Korea's 2011 Masterplan for the Promotion of the Content Industry, noting that Malaysia lacked a comparable roadmap for the creative sector.
Finextra
22-07-2025
- Business
- Finextra
Monzo and Starling co-founder invests in UK fintech startup Monet
Monet, a financial cashflow startup targetting the creative industry sector, has secured an early-stage funding commitment of £17 million led by prominent UK banking executives ahead of closing its seed round this July. 1 Like 1 Investors include Paul Rippon, co-founder of challenger banks Monzo and Starling, Michael Fischer from Modern Capital Group, and Dan Adler (Railsr, D Squared Capital), alongside specialist fintech VC Force Over Mass and leading angel investors. Monet directly addresses a critical £1.1bn backlog in unpaid invoices, delayed supplier payments, and inadequate financing affecting creative agencies across Britain. With the current raise combining equity and debt, the company has also entered discussions to secure an additional £10 million in debt funding to further bolster growth. Following a two-year R&D phase and a proven market pilot, Monet is already supporting agile creative agencies managing major campaigns in TV, social media, music, and gaming - including Cowshed Collective, the agency behind Footasylum's YouTube hit Locked In. Monet says UK creative businesses experience funding barriers four times more frequently than companies in other sectors, with just 7% accessing bank lending compared to 25% for general SMEs. Monet's platform aims to address the gap, providing a unified system for finance, payments, and workflow management. Jacob Casson, founder and CEO of Monet, comments: 'These teams are high-performing but often underfunded. We've built MONET to deliver financial products that plug directly into campaign operations - making capital, payments, and admin seamless from day one. 'Our typical clients turn over £2-20 million,' added Casson. 'They're lean, fast-growing agencies supporting global brands - and they need financial infrastructure that matches their pace.' Paul Rippon says his interest represent his largest angel investment to date. He says: "Monet is building the kind of infrastructure the creative sector has needed for a long time - one that directly solves the cash flow and operational challenges faced by media entrepreneurs.'
Malay Mail
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Communications Ministry: Proposed Finas Act amendment aligns with technological advancements
KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — The proposed amendment to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Act 1981 was among the matters discussed during a meeting held yesterday between Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, his deputy Teo Nie Ching, and Finas members. In a Facebook post last night, Teo said the proposed amendment to the Act was an important step to keep pace with the evolving technological landscape and current trends in digital content production. 'With the commitment and cooperation of all parties, I am confident that the country's creative industry can grow in a more rapid, inclusive and sustainable manner. 'Finas will continue to play an important role in building an ecosystem that supports local talent, drives innovation and elevates Malaysia as a respected regional content hub,' she said. The meeting was also attended by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa. Teo, in the same post, also congratulated the remarkable success of Ejen Ali The Movie 2, which has now been officially recognised as the highest-grossing animated film in Malaysian film history. She also extended her congratulations to the drama series Bidaah, which has recorded more than 2.5 billion views on digital platforms and social media. — Bernama
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cloud 11 Collaborates with 30 Global Partners to Establish itself as Asia's New Creative Destination & Elevate Thailand's Creative & Entertainment Industry
BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 July 2025 - Cloud 11 announces its readiness to become Asia's new creative destination. Backed by the region's most comprehensive creative ecosystem – spanning production studios, creative facilities, a creative park, and hands-on courses, workshop, and training for creators, Cloud 11 now forges solid collaborations with 30 nationally and internationally recognized partners. These include the New York Film Academy, CJ ENM, prominent organizations in the film and content industry, as well as SM True, 88rising and 1500 Sound Academy from the music and entertainment sectors. Scheduled to open late this year, Cloud 11 in collaboration with its partners aim to drive, empower, and elevate the Thai creative industry to the global stage. Mr. Onza Janyaprasert, Chief Executive Officer of Cloud 11, said, "We see a growing number of talented Thai creatives gaining international recognition. However, at the same time, the industry remains fragmented with opportunities to strengthen collaboration and infrastructure." "Cloud 11 was born from a clear vision – to empower creators and drive the growth of Thailand's creative industry. More than just a property project, Cloud 11 is now emerging as the region's most comprehensive content hub. It offers not only space, infrastructure, and world-class facilities, but also a dynamic ecosystem that connects creators of all levels, from emerging talents to established professionals. Currently, Cloud 11 is over 90% complete and on track for soft opening by the end of this year." Mr. Paul Sirisant, Managing Director of Cloud 11, said, "Cloud 11 is visualizing the 'Creator Commerce' concept, by positioning itself as both a creative space and a commercial platform where creators can bring their ideas to life and grow them into revenue-generating ventures. Our comprehensive creative facilities will support them in every stage, from upstream to downstream, all in one place. Today marks another important milestone for us as we officially announce partnerships with over 30 leading Thai and international organizations from various industries. These include renowned names in film and content production such as the New York Film Academy, Unformat Studio, T&B Media Global, and Beartai; music and entertainment powerhouses like SM True, CJ ENM, The Black Sea, 88rising, 1500 Sound Academy, Kantana Sound, and Cat Radio; as well as cultural and art institutions like Bangkok Kunsthalle and Documentary Club. We also partner with creator-focused and creative community organizations such as THE LEMON SHOT, Online Station, Floc, and Soho House." "Notably, the New York Film Academy - a world-renowned institution in acting, film, and creative media arts - and the globally respected 1500 Sound Academy will each launch their first academy in Southeast Asia at Cloud 11. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to bringing Thailand's film and music industries to the next level," Mr. Paul added. Mr. James Fauntleroy, the singer-songwriter who has won four Grammy Awards and a co-founder of 1500 Sound Academy, said about his institute's decision to partner with Cloud 11 that, "People are at the heart of the creative industry, and creativity flows within everyone. The best place for artists is where their creativity is not only welcomed but also actively nurtured to reach its full potential. I believe Cloud 11's creative ecosystem will be a launchpad for the next generation, empowering young talents to become key forces in not just Thailand's but also the world's music scene. Here, creativity knows no limits. This collaboration is more than just the opening of an academy; it is the laying of long-term foundations for building the 'human capital' of the future." Mr. Michael Young, President and CEO of New York Film Academy, said about his institute's partnership with Cloud 11, which will host his institute's first training and workshop in Southeast Asia, "The New York Film Academy is committed to making film education accessible to students around the world. We chose to launch our first academy in Southeast Asia at Cloud 11 because it not only offers world-class studios, modern equipment, and cutting-edge film technology, but also shares our vision of empowering the next generation of creators through access to meaningful learning and development opportunities. We truly hope that this collaboration will help unlock creative potential and provide a platform for emerging creators in the region to express their perspectives, cultures, and identities—through the language of film—to audiences around the world." Cloud 11's Creative Ecosystem embraces the following concepts: Upstream: Talent Development Cloud 11 aims to cultivate top talent for the creative industry through its academy, where learning, skill development, and capability building are promoted and nurtured. Creators will have access to workshops and programs offered by Cloud 11's world-class partners such as the New York Film Academy and 1500 Sound Academy. Midstream: Creative Production To become a vibrant hub for content creation, Cloud 11 has developed a wide range of creative facilities that support creators in realizing their visions: Creator Studio: Spanning over 2,500 square meters, this fully integrated content creation space is designed by RIOS, the team behind Spotify's Content Campus and Sony Music HQ in Hollywood. The Creator Studio features professional-grade technology and welcomes both emerging creators and seasoned professionals. Visual Production: Advanced studios for film, still photography, video content, and live streaming are equipped with cutting-edge technology and expert teams. Audio Production: World-class audio studios featuring Dolby Atmos, 7.1 Surround, 360 Spatial Audio and Traditional Stereo are ideal to produce high-quality music, podcasts, and immersive sound. Post Production: Comprehensive editing and color-grading services provided by experienced professionals Practice Studio: Rehearsal rooms with professional lighting and sound systems for dances, stage dramas, music ensembles, and all other forms of performances Production Studio: Thailand's first ultra-modern production studio features the latest Gen-2B LED screen technology, offering professional-grade virtual production capabilities. The space is accessible to all and supports Virtual Production, Motion Capture, Volumetric Capture, and more. Creator Village: It presents the ultimate A+ creative space –a horizontal campus designed specifically for creatives with enhanced communication efficiency. It features a flexible air-conditioning system and super high-speed internet connectivity. In addition, Creator Village tenants receive one Creator Credit token for every square meter rented. Tokens can be redeemed for the use of studios and exhibition space. Downstream: Value Creation Cloud 11 seeks to create opportunities for all creators to express themselves and showcase their work by providing a full range of purpose-built spaces and stages. Open Box Theatre, with seating for 200 people, is ideal for debut performances by emerging artists. Cloud 11 Hall, with a capacity of up to 3,000 people, is a multifunctional venue that can host concerts, e-sports and expos. Art Exhibitions and Galleries offer dedicated spaces for artistic displays. Moreover, Cloud 11 has prepared Passion Playground for creators to transform their creative concepts into storefront businesses, ensuring every shop receives the spotlight it deserves. Cloud 11 Park, meanwhile, is designed not just as a recreational space but a vibrant park for exhibitions, events, and other creative activities throughout the year. "Cloud 11 isn't just for creators or organizational content producers, it's for everyone who believes in the power of creativity. From budding artists, marketers and brand owners to creative enthusiasts and people looking for inspiration, Cloud 11 is a hub that fuels creativity and turns ideas into reality. And We believe that advancing Thailand's creative industry forward requires industry-wide collaboration. That's why Cloud 11 continues to seek and welcome partners who share our vision of bringing the Thai creative and entertainment industry to a global stage," Mr. Paul concluded. Cloud 11 is now over 90% complete. With structural construction fully finished, the project is now undergoing interior decoration phase. Schedule to launch at the end of 2025, Cloud 11 will soon unveil a new immersive experience through Cloud 11 Park—Bangkok's largest rooftop park and a new green landmark in the heart of South Sukhumvit. Featuring year-round creative programming, Cloud 11 will serve as a dynamic destination ahead of its full-scale expansion into additional areas next year. Organizations interested in Cloud 11 can find more information about the project from For Cloud 11 updates, please visit Hashtag: #Cloud11 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Cloud 11 Cloud 11 aims to establish itself as a Creative Destination for Creativity of All Kinds to support Creator Economy. Developed based on the 'Empowering Creators' concept, the project focuses on enhancing creators' capabilities and upgrading Thailand's content industry to top global standards. Cloud 11 boasts nine highlights: (1) Creator Village that offers round-the-clock A+ office space with great facilities that are tailored to the creative workforce's needs; (2) Creator Studio that facilitates the works of creators and professionals be they about photo shoots, video production, livestreaming, music production or podcast production; (3) Advanced Production Studio that supports the production of increasingly sophisticated and realistic content with cutting-edge technology; (4) Retail Zone that presents new-style shops in support of creators' businesses and creative & design products from around the world; (5) YOTEL that is a global smart hotel chain; (6) Sangsan Bangkok that will operate under Tribute Portfolio brand of globally renowned Marriott International; (7) Academy Zone that features educational institutes specializing in producing personnel for the creative content; (8) Cloud 11 Hall that is designed to host events and performances, and includes Open Box Theatre and other integrated facilities; and (9) Cloud 11 Park, a 17,000-square-meter rooftop park—the largest of its kind in Bangkok—is set to become a new green landmark in the heart of South Sukhumvit. The space will host creative activities and be open for use by both creators and the public. Cloud 11 spans over 27 rai of land on Sukhumvit Road near BTS Udomsuk and Punnawithi stations. Constructed by Thai Obayashi, the project is now more than 90% complete. Constructions for building structures are already complete, with interior fit-out works now ongoing. Cloud 11 therefore will be ready to spring into operation before the end of 2025. Wholly owned by MQDC (Magnolia Quality Development Corporation), this project is set to contribute to the development of South Sukhumvit as a new innovation district of ASEAN. South Sukhumvit covers areas along Onnut – Udomsuk – Bang Na route. For more information, please visit About 1500 Sound Academy at Cloud 11 Cloud 11 proudly partners with 1500 Sound Academy, co-founded by 4x Grammy-winning producer James Fauntleroy, to launch a music education and artist development hub at Cloud 11, Bangkok. Together, we're bridging global music cultures—connecting Thai and Southeast Asian talent with international mentors, world-class production studios, and career opportunities across the music industry. Through training programs, cross-border collaborations, and full-spectrum artist services, this partnership empowers the next generation of creators to find their voice—and share it with the world. About NYFA Workshop at Cloud 11 Cloud 11 joins forces with the New York Film Academy (NYFA) to launch its first Southeast Asia workshop in Bangkok, focusing on Filmmaking, Cinematography, and Budgeting & Scheduling. This intensive program equips regional filmmakers with practical skills and global production standards—empowering Southeast Asia's creative talents to produce world-class content ready for the international stage. Cloud 11
Forbes
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Neurodivergent Talent Isn't A Trend, It's The Future Of Creativity
The creative industry benefits not just from neurodivergent minds. It needs them to survive what's ... More next. On Neurodiversity Pride Day, Havas didn't just join the conversation around inclusion; they reframed it. Their new global campaign, Beyond the Brief, launched live at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, was designed not to spotlight neurodivergent talent as a token effort, but to reposition it as essential to the future of the creative industry. Helmed by Donna Murphy, Global CEO of Havas Creative and Health Networks, the campaign builds on the foundation of Neuroverse: Powered by Havas, aiming to shift how the industry identifies and cultivates creative potential radically. "We're at a pivotal point of transformation in the creative industry, driven by the rise of AI and the welcoming of new tools and ideas, " Murphy explained. "Yet there remains a clear gap. It's one that Havas believes has a clear resolve by tapping into the immense potential of neurodivergent creative talent. " The message is simple: the creative industry benefits not just from neurodivergent minds. It needs them to survive what's next. Breaking the Mold, Not Fitting Into It The campaign's anchor panel, "Neurodivergent Minds: They Don't Need Advertising. Advertising Needs Them," was held on June 16 at the Palais Lumière Theatre. Moderated by The Daily's Michael Barbaro, the panel featured Murphy, Renee Connolly of Merck KGaA, and British singer-songwriter Lola Young, who brought raw honesty and authenticity to the discussion. Young didn't mince words when describing her place in the creative world. "I'm not here to fit into anyone's idea of what 'creative' should look like," she said. "I'm here because the way my mind works is exactly why my art connects." Diagnosed with ADHD, she added that her diagnosis wasn't a limitation, but a strength. "ADHD isn't a barrier, it's the engine." That ethos echoed throughout the campaign's presence at Cannes. Days before the launch, unbranded digital teaser displays appeared along the Croisette, posing provocative questions like, 'What if the future of creativity doesn't look like the past, and never did?' Each display featured a QR code that led to a dedicated microsite with a full agenda of neurodiversity-focused programming, including featured panels, downloadable insights, and events hosted beyond Havas. The entire rollout sent a clear signal: this is a movement, not a moment. Data Meets Lived Experience It's not just anecdotes driving the need for change. A 2025 study from and the Ad Council reveals that 69% of neurodivergent professionals believe their thinking style gives them a creative advantage, yet only 19% feel supported at work. That gap between potential and understanding is precisely what Beyond the Brief seeks to close. A 2025 study from and the Ad Council reveals that 69% of neurodivergent professionals ... More believe their thinking style gives them a creative advantage, yet only 19% feel supported at work. The campaign also highlighted that neurodivergent people are more than just creative contributors; they're also a critical consumer demographic. A session at the Havas Café titled "The New Creative Alchemy: Neurodivergent Minds & AI as Industry Catalysts" offered a roadmap for how brands and agencies can better support neurodivergent talent and create products and campaigns that resonate with their experiences. "With Beyond the Brief, we're looking to amplify these voices and challenge the industry to rethink the systems in place," Murphy emphasized. By debuting the initiative at the largest creative festival in the world, she made it clear that this wasn't about corporate social responsibility; it was about redesigning the very ecosystem of creativity. Rewriting the Rules, Not Just the Résumés Too often, neurodivergent candidates are excluded not because they lack ideas, but because the hiring systems weren't designed for them. Job descriptions use vague buzzwords. Interviewers prize eye contact and neurotypical social norms. Creative briefs lack clarity or accessibility. Havas' campaign challenges these defaults. The microsite offers a downloadable insights report along with recommendations on everything from more inclusive hiring practices to designing sensory-friendly work environments. It's about removing the friction that has long kept brilliant, divergent thinkers outside the door. "The campaign calls on everyone in the industry to help shape a future of creativity that's more dynamic and powerful than ever before," Murphy noted. That future requires intentional, actionable change, not just applause from the audience. Neurodivergent Minds Aren't Optional. They're Original For years, the advertising industry has praised the value of thinking outside the box. But as Young and others made clear, neurodivergent creatives never saw the box in the first place. Their brains operate with different rhythms, connections, and cues, and that difference is their edge. To ignore that is to ignore the direction innovation is already headed. Panels like the one at Cannes Lions weren't confined to back corners or check-the-box sessions. They were mainstage moments. They asked the industry to rethink not just who gets hired but what creativity means in an era shaped by AI, global crises, and shifting audience values. Building a Future That Reflects Every Mind We are finally at the precipice of building a world where neurodivergent minds are not just ... More welcomed, but embraced. We are finally at the precipice of building a world where neurodivergent minds are not just welcomed, but embraced. It's not enough to be inspired by their talent. We must adapt our systems to include them from the start. Murphy, Young, Connolly, and the Havas team are showing what that future could look like: one where the industry stops viewing those who are neurodivergent as a challenge to manage and starts recognizing it as a competitive advantage. Because the future of creativity doesn't resemble the past, it never has.
