Malaysia is stepping up its game in the global digital arena with a bold move to fund its fast-growing creative industries. The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has unveiled a suite of new financial incentives to boost the development of local talents and position the country as a world-class hub for digital content creation.
Speaking at the Digital Creative Industry Engagement Session 2025, MDEC Chief Executive Officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil described the digital creative sector encompassing games, animation, and immersive experiences as a strategic industry with long-term economic potential. “This is a high-value ecosystem that generates skilled jobs, exports, and local intellectual property,” he said.
He added that the newly launched programmes are tailored to strengthen the entire creative pipeline from nurturing talent and producing original content to enabling market expansion at the global level. “The industry is driven by passion and creativity, and our role is to support these creators in turning their ideas into viable, world-class products,” Anuar noted.
Over the past decade, Malaysia’s digital content industry has recorded RM87.25 billion in revenue and RM11.18 billion in export value, while employing more than 11,000 Malaysians. These figures, MDEC believes, underscore the importance of further empowering the sector with targeted support.
Among the new initiatives announced are three flagship programmes that focus on key creative segments:
- Digital Games Testbed Programme (DGTP): With RM3.5 million in funding, this initiative supports at least five Malaysian-owned game development companies. Each studio is eligible to receive up to RM700,000 to innovate, expand their IPs, explore new genres, and establish international collaborations. DGTP aims to solidify Malaysia’s position as a competitive force in global game development.
- Animation Shorts Challenge: Aimed at amplifying Malaysia’s animation capabilities, this competition-based initiative will support 12 local animators in producing original short films with strong IP potential. With RM1.2 million in total funding, the programme offers industry mentorship, technical support, and a platform to scale local talent to international recognition.
- Business in Metaverse Programme: Targeted at 200 Malaysian businesses, this RM1 million programme offers up to RM5,000 per company to explore immersive branding using metaverse technologies. From virtual storefronts to gamified marketing and branded digital assets, the initiative is designed to help local businesses future-proof their marketing strategies and boost digital engagement.
Anuar reiterated MDEC’s mission to grow a robust and inclusive digital economy that nurtures innovation, attracts global investment, and creates jobs for Malaysians. “These incentives are more than just funding they’re about building a sustainable ecosystem that gives our creators and businesses the tools they need to thrive globally,” he said.
For more information on how to apply for these programmes, visit https://mdec.my.