Corporate-creative collaborations vital to boost Malaysian IPs, says Teo

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said strategic collaborations between corporate entities and homegrown creative teams allow local artists, animators, performers, and production personnel to showcase their skills on a wider stage. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 9:41 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Collaborations between corporate entities and local creative talent are vital in driving the growth of Malaysia’s creative sector and showcasing homegrown intellectual properties (IPs) to a broader audience.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said such strategic collaborations between corporate entities and homegrown creative teams allow local artists, animators, performers, and production personnel to showcase their skills on a wider stage.

“Usually, when we speak about local animation and creative content, we think of something we watch on television, in the cinema, or on our phones. Today, we get to walk into the story, meet its characters, and experience the world our own creators have imagined,” she said.

Speaking at The Haunted Highlands 2026 Press Conference and Exclusive Media Preview at Pavilion Hall, Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park here today, Teo praised Resorts World Genting for investing in Malaysian talent.

“For our creative industry to grow, we need businesses willing to believe in Malaysian talent and give Malaysian stories room to develop,” she said.

She explained that transforming animated IPs into physical attractions demonstrates how the creative and tourism sectors can mutually reinforce each other.

“An animated character that audiences first meet on screen can become part of a family’s holiday experience. Visitors may discover the attraction first, then go home and look up the series. That connection helps our creative industry and our tourism industry grow together,” Teo said.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to developing the nation’s Orange Economy, she outlined key allocations under Budget 2027 aimed at driving growth across the creative sector.

“These include allocating over RM130 million to support the creative industry, providing incentives for film and animation productions, exempting local film screenings and theatre performances in the Federal Territories from entertainment duty starting in 2027, and aiming to create 20 new animation intellectual properties (IPs),” she said.

Additionally, she pointed out that funding agencies such as MyCreative Ventures provide financial support through grants, loans, and equity investments across various creative pillars.

She added that eligible local animation film productions can also benefit from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia’s (FINAS) Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI).

“Successful applicants may receive a 30 per cent cash rebate on qualifying Malaysian production expenditure (QMPE), with an additional rebate of up to five per cent for productions that meet the Malaysian Cultural Test, subject to the applicable terms and conditions,” she said. — Bernama