adminKUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30, 2026 — Malaysia’s digital creative industry continues to strengthen its role as a key economic and cultural driver, recording significant revenue growth while elevating Malaysian-made content and talent on the global stage, according to the Ministry of Digital.
The sector has generated a cumulative RM92.5 billion in revenue and RM12.1 billion in exports, created more than 11,000 high-value jobs, and attracted RM85.7 billion in investments to date. Growth has been driven by sustained government support and industry leadership, particularly in high-growth segments such as animation and digital games.
Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo said the industry’s progress reflects Malaysia’s long-term national vision and the strength of its creative talent.
“From animation and games to emerging creative technologies, Malaysians continue to demonstrate that our creativity can compete at the highest global level,” he said.
The industry is led by the Ministry of Digital and anchored by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), which coordinates policy alignment, industry development programmes, infrastructure readiness, and talent pipeline development. Malaysia has increasingly positioned itself as a trusted base for global studios and publishers seeking access to ASEAN’s fast-growing consumer markets.
Malaysia’s animation sector has seen rapid expansion, attracting international studios and co-production partners. Collaborations with global players have strengthened local talent development, enhanced production capabilities, and accelerated the creation of original intellectual properties (IPs).
Homegrown animation titles such as Upin & Ipin, Didi & Friends, Ejen Ali, and Mechamato have achieved regional and international recognition. Most recently, Papa Zola the Movie became the highest-grossing Malaysian animated film to date, drawing nearly four million viewers and generating over RM60 million in box-office revenue across Malaysia and Brunei.
The digital games sector has also emerged as a fast-growing pillar of the creative economy. Malaysian studios are contributing to both independent and large-scale productions, including AAA (Triple-A) games. Studios such as 7th Beat Games, Passion Republic Games, and Kurechii Studios have benefited from government-backed digital content grants, international showcases, and industry development initiatives.
Malaysia’s reputation as a digital creative hub has been further reinforced by major international investments. Among the most notable is Sony’s decision to establish its first-ever expansion outside Japan in Malaysia, citing the country’s talent pool, production capabilities, and digital infrastructure.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of MDEC, which has played a central role in nurturing and advancing Malaysia’s digital creative ecosystem. To support continued growth, the Digital Creative Ecosystem (DICE) Roadmap 2026–2030 is currently being finalised and is expected to be announced soon.
The digital creative industry remains a vital pillar of Malaysia’s innovation landscape, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and global cultural influence while showcasing Malaysian identity and creativity worldwide.
