MDEC announces US$1.3mil funding for digital creative industry

• Aimed at advancing growth in animation, film, video games and metaverse
• Since 2011 digital creative industry has hit US$19.78bil revenue and created 11.1k jobs

With Malaysia’s maturing digital creative  industry — spanning animations, films and video games — emerging as a key driver  of economic growth, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has  announced a series of incentive programmes aimed at advancing industry development and enhancing the industry’s international competitiveness.

Anuar Fariz Fadzil, MDEC CEO described the digital creative  industry as a strategic economic industry with strong potential that continues to create  high-value jobs, nurture local intellectual property while driving export revenue.

“Through these financial incentive programmes, we aim to strengthen the entire value  chain — from talent development to market access — while positioning Malaysia as a  globally competitive hub for digital content creation,” he said.

“Often driven by passion and creativity, the digital creative industry attracts  professionals who are deeply committed to their craft,” he added. 

MDEC’s programmes are designed to support talent to  build on their strengths, explore innovative ideas and turn their passion into  commercially viable content for local and global audiences.

Malaysia’s digital content market has grown substantially over the years, posting  US$19.78 billion (RM87.25 billion) in revenue and US$2.68 billion (RM11.18 billion) in export sales, while creating employment for some 11,154 Malaysians since 2011.

Anuar was speaking at the Digital Creative Industry Engagement Session 2025, where  MDEC officially launched new funding initiatives aimed at empowering local studios and digital content creators across key segments such as games, animation  and the metaverse. They include:

• The Digital Games Testbed Programme (DGTP) aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s games industry by providing RM3.5 million in funding to at least five  Malaysian game development companies, each eligible for up to RM700,000.  Open to Malaysian-owned games studios with a proven track record and a clear  IP expansion strategy, DGTP encourages new game genres, enhances local  studios, and fosters international partnerships to position Malaysia as a  competitive game development hub. [RM1 = US$0.227]

• The Animation Shorts Challenge programme, a competition-based initiative  designed to strengthen Malaysia’s animation industry by nurturing high-quality  digital content. Through structured competition and industry mentorship, the  programme supports local creators in developing impactful animated short

films, commonly called shorts, with strong Intellectual Property (IP) potential.  The initiative is set to provide selected participants with expert guidance, bridging local talent with industry leaders to enhance skills, creativity and global  market readiness. RM1.2 million will be allocated to  support 12 trained participants and the development of 12 new animation short  IPs.

• Business in Metaverse Programme is designed to help Malaysian  businesses leverage metaverse technologies for brand engagement and  immersive commerce. With a total funding of RM1 million, this programme will  support 200 businesses, each eligible to receive up to RM5,000 to implement  metaverse-based marketing strategies. By integrating digital tools such as  virtual storefronts, gamified marketing strategies, and branded digital assets,  businesses can enhance customer engagement and increase brand visibility in  the evolving metaverse landscape. 

Anuar reaffirmed MDEC’s commitment to advancing all facets of the digital economy,  including nurturing local innovation, supporting local industry players and building a  resilient digital ecosystem while enabling jobs and opportunities. 

“The newly announced incentives are aimed at driving sustainable industry growth,  attracting international investment and positioning Malaysia as a prominent player  within the global digital creative landscape, which we already are,” he concluded.

For more information on these initiatives, including application details and deadlines,  please visit https://mdec.my/