Some of the organising committee members of Selangor Creative Economy Expo 2025 (from left) Mohamad Nor Imran, Aiman Syafiq, Mohd Najwan and Zanariah at the press conference.
SELANGOR is aiming for the state’s creative economy to generate RM20bil in output by 2035, positioning the sector as a new growth engine.
Its creative economy will span three sectors – culture, multimedia and heritage arts.
“Although there are no official calculations so far, Selangor’s creative economy was estimated to generate RM2bil in output in 2022,” state youth, sports and entrepreneurship committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said at a press conference on an event called Selangor Creative Economy Expo 2025 (SCEE25).
The event themed “Re:Imagine Selangor – Creativity is the New Economy” is being held today and tomorrow at MBSA Convention Centre, Shah Alam.
“With the global trend that we are seeing now, the creative economy is expected to be a major contributor to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and a new driver of Selangor’s economy,” he said.
Acknowledging the opportunities and importance the creative economy offered, he said the state government would also be launching the Selangor Creative Economy Action Plan at the next state assembly sitting scheduled for November.
The state government is organising SCEE25 in collaboration with Selangor Youth Community (SAY).
“Beyond an exhibition, SCEE25 is also a movement to build a sustainable and inclusive creative ecosystem in Selangor,” said Mohd Najwan.
“It will bring together some 400 representatives across government agencies, corporate sector, investors, non-governmental organisations, academia and creative talents to stimulate strategic collaborations as well as showcase Selangor’s creative talents, products and platforms.
“There will also be a town hall session to discuss the action plan before it is finalised and announced.”
He said the expo features four key pillars under the Cre8 (pronounced create) umbrella: Cre8Policy with forums and policy dialogues on financing, intellectual property licensing and creative community hubs, Cre8Fund to provide funding and financing opportunities for creative entrepreneurs, Cre8Stage featuring presentations, pitching sessions, exhibitions and shows that connect culture with the economy, as well as Cre8Biz Xchange platform for business matching.
“The creative micro fund (under Cre8Fund) offers a total pool of RM80,000,” said SAY manager Mohamad Nor Imran Mat Shah.
“Ten finalists, shortlisted from 200 applicants, will be selected for a final pitching, with the top winner receiving RM20,000 to fund their project.”
He said Cre8Fund featured several themes, including using creative solutions to solve social, educational or community issues, digital media and content creation as well as creative enterprise by highlighting creativity in local products and businesses.
Also present at the press conference were SAY chief executive officer Aiman Syafiq Nazri and State Economic Planning Unit sectoral section assistant director Zanariah Zulfandie Osman.
As SCEE is the first event of its kind, Mohd Najwan said it was targeting a modest crowd of 1,000 to 2,000 people, with a focus on engagement sessions with key industry players.
The organisers hope to make it an annual event.
Mohd Najwan said SCEE25 and the action plan were also in line with the orange economy as outlined in the 13th Malaysian Plan and National Creative Industry Policy announced in 2009.
The orange economy, or creative economy, focuses on economic activities that stem from artistic, cultural and innovative actions, such as film, music, fashion, design and technology.
“Through the expo, we hope to engage directly with stakeholders to identify issues that need to be addressed.
“We also want to determine how the state government can facilitate matters to ensure healthy competition and significant income generation for the economy from this sector,” said Mohd Najwan.
Admission to SCEE25 is free and open to the public.
For details, visit selangorcreative.com
