Kancil Creative Festival back to celebrate talent

PETALING JAYA: The Kancil Creative Festival Conference 2023 is returning as a one-day symposium-style event with the theme “Make It For Malaysia”.

Organised by The Association of Accredited Advertising Agents of Malaysia (4As), the event comprises 15 separate sessions including talks by local and international creatives, hands-on workshops, panels discussing trends, screenings, and exhibitions showcasing some of the best creative work of the past year.

Co-chairperson of the Kancils Creative Council Adam Miranda, who is also co-founder and executive creative director of Fishermen Integrated, said in a statement: “The Kancils have always been significant as a festive occasion for us advertising folks. So rightfully, and officially, it has become a Festival of Creativity.

“The talks, workshops, and award show are here to inspire us to truly make it in, and for Malaysia. While the the event is a great platform to network and exchange ideas, it’s also a reunion of friends who love this industry.

“We want to see our brand of Malaysian creativity celebrated beautifully. And that’s what makes this festival special.”

Some of the highlights in the festival sessions include “Story telling Made for Malaysia” by Jared Lee, chief executive and founder of Grim Film; “Brand Activism” by Thomas Hong-tack Kim, chief creative office Paulus and International board director, The One Club; and “Building Brands Made in Malaysia and the World” by Bryan Loo, founder and chief executive of Loob Holdings.

The penultimate session of the Festival Conference will be a panel on diversity, “Make It Inclusive for Malaysia” moderated by radio DJ Yasmin Yusuff, featuring Zeen Chang, co-founder of Kwai Chai Hong; Sarina Sundara Rajah, rhythmic gymnastics gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games and Sea Games; and founding president of Safe Sport Malaysia; and Tiara Jacquelina, founder of Enfiniti Creative Universe.

Kancils jury chairperson, Graham Drew, chief creative officer of Grey Malaysia and Singapore, said: “We creatives are equal parts excited and intimidated by the possibilities of AI. Right now, the jury might be out, but this Kancil jury won’t be looking for faster. cheaper ways of how technology can replace human creativity.

“Rather, we want to see how AI enables us to creatively explore humanity, to show what Malaysians are made of, that simply weren’t possible before.”

Speaking about this year’s festival theme “Make It For Malaysia”, co-chairperson of the Kancils creative council Emir Shafri, chief creative officer of Publicis Groupe Malaysia said: “One sometimes feels that the advertising grass seems greener on the other side.

“But history has shown countless made-on-Malaysian-grass talents making it on the world stage with campaigns bought by brass-balled Malaysian clients. All Malaysians who probably sparked that flame with a first win at the Kancils.

“As Malaysia’s top creative awards and festival, we felt it was our duty to keep that burning belief that we can make it in Malaysia by embracing the very best of our identity and talents, alive and kicking.”

The event would be capped by the presentation of the Kancil Awards, Malaysia’s longest running and most prestigious advertising awards competition.

The Kancil Creative Festival Conference 2023 takes place at EX8, Subang Jaya on Nov 24.