Malaysia Doubles Down on Digital Creativity with Fresh Funding for Games, Animation and the Metaverse

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15, 2025 — Malaysia is charging ahead with ambitious plans to amplify its footprint on the global digital stage, announcing a new wave of funding programmes aimed at supercharging the country’s games, animation, and metaverse sectors.

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) unveiled the initiatives at its Digital Creative Industry Engagement Session 2025, marking a strategic push to elevate local talent and intellectual property to global prominence.

Speaking at the event, MDEC Chief Executive Officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil underscored the digital creative industry’s growing role as an economic engine, highlighting its ability to generate high-value jobs and export revenue, while cultivating homegrown innovation.

“The digital creative industry is a strategic pillar of our economy. It’s an ecosystem built not just on innovation, but on passion, and it continues to prove its ability to contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s digital future,” said Anuar. “With these new financial incentives, we’re looking to strengthen the entire value chain—from nurturing talent to unlocking new global markets.”

Malaysia’s digital content industry has experienced robust growth, contributing RM87.25 billion in revenue and RM11.18 billion in export sales since 2011. It has also provided employment for over 11,000 Malaysians—numbers that MDEC believes will grow as these new programmes take shape.

Bolstering Malaysia’s Games Ecosystem

Among the initiatives announced is the Digital Games Testbed Programme (DGTP), a RM3.5 million fund designed to accelerate the growth of Malaysia’s gaming industry. A minimum of five Malaysian game development studios will be selected, with each eligible for up to RM700,000 in funding.

The programme targets studios with a strong track record and a clear roadmap for expanding their intellectual property. Beyond financial support, the DGTP also aims to catalyse new genres, encourage international collaborations, and enhance the global competitiveness of Malaysia’s gaming industry.

Nurturing Local Animation Talent

Also launched was the Animation Shorts Challenge, a competition-style initiative with a RM1.2 million project fund to support 12 participants in developing new animated shorts with strong IP potential.

Structured to combine mentorship with hands-on production, the challenge aims to bridge the gap between local animators and industry veterans—laying the groundwork for internationally viable content.

“This is more than just a competition—it’s a platform to spotlight the best of Malaysian animation talent and prepare them for the global market,” Anuar said.

Taking Local Brands into the Metaverse

Rounding out the announcement is the Business in Metaverse Programme, which sets aside RM1 million to support 200 local businesses in integrating metaverse tools into their marketing and brand engagement strategies.

Each participating business will receive up to RM5,000 to experiment with virtual storefronts, branded digital assets, gamified campaigns and more—essentially offering SMEs a pathway to tap into the growing metaverse economy.

“The metaverse isn’t just for tech giants. With the right tools and support, even small and medium businesses can reimagine how they engage with customers,” said Anuar.

Charting the Future of Malaysia’s Digital Creative Economy

The latest initiatives reflect MDEC’s broader ambition to transform Malaysia into a global leader in digital content creation, while ensuring local creators are equipped with the resources and recognition they deserve.

“Our vision is long-term and deeply rooted in creating a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem,” Anuar said. “These incentives are not just about short-term gains—they’re about creating a sustainable foundation for growth, investment, and innovation in the years to come.”

As Malaysia continues to ride the momentum of its growing digital economy, these programmes mark a bold step towards reinforcing its position on the world stage—where local creativity meets global opportunity.