Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin (in red) testing out an interactive game at the Todak Academy booth during Selangor Creative Economy Expo 2025. Looking on are (from third left) Mohd Najwan and Zanariah. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
PLANS are afoot in Selangor for entrepreneurship training to help those in the creative economy expand their potential.
Also known as orange economy, it focuses on economic activities that stem from artistic, cultural and innovative actions, such as film, music, fashion, design and technology.
State youth, sports and entrepreneurship committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said the training to start next year would include business development, understanding market realities and refining products for the overseas market.
“Selangor Youth Community (SAY) will work with its strategic partner, Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec), on specific modules.
“It will be similar to entrepreneurship training offered to the agriculture and halal industries,” he said.
As there were many state agencies and subsidiaries involved in entrepreneurship development, and each with their own initiatives, Mohd Najwan said, the state government was considering forming a corporation to streamline entrepreneurship development via a single agency.
Local vendors showcasing their products and projects at the two-day Selangor Creative Economy Expo 2025 (SCEE25). — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star— MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
He was speaking during the launch of Selangor Creative Economy Expo 2025 (SCEE25) by Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.
The two-day event at MBSA Convention Centre in Shah Alam themed “Re:Imagine Selangor – Creativity is the New Economy” aimed to boost the creative sector through showcases, business matching and strategic partnerships.
Mohd Najwan said organisers also used the expo for engagement sessions and a town hall to gather feedback from stakeholders for the Selangor Creative Economy Action Plan.
“The State Economic Planning Unit (Upen) and SAY took about two years to draft the plan.
“It was drawn up following engagements with Sidec, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and MyCreative Ventures, as well as through focus group discussions with stakeholders.
“The action plan will focus on three core pillars: multimedia, cultural and heritage arts.
SCEE25 included colourful cultural performances during the launch (above) and exhibitions of local products such as interactive games (right) and handicraft (far right).
“However, we understand that there could be elements under the creative economy that were not included, such as gastronomy, so we are still gathering feedback to fine-tune it before it is finalised.”
Mohd Najwan said the Selangor Creative Economy Action Plan would be unveiled at the next state assembly sitting in November.
It will include a 10-year roadmap to elevate Selangor as a regional creative hub and for a gross domestic product (GDP) contribution of RM20bil by 2035.
According to SAY, the action plan focuses on three key strategies: sustainable creative growth, inclusive participation and cultural heritage preservation.
To realise this goal, six key enablers have been identified –talent development, digital empowerment, access to financing, infrastructure readiness, market access and strong governance.
Mohd Najwan said the action plan was in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and National Creative Industry Policy announced in 2009.
The Kota Anggerik assemblyman is hopeful that there will be significant funding for the creative economy in Selangor’s Budget 2026 as he believes it can be a key driver of economic growth.
SCEE25 featured four key pillars under the Cre8 umbrella.
Foremost is the Cre8Policy with forums and policy dialogues on financing, intellectual property licensing and creative community hubs.
Next is the Cre8Fund for the financing of creative entrepreneurs.
Cre8Stage involves presentations, pitching sessions, exhibitions and shows that connect culture with the economy, while the Cre8Biz Xchange is a platform for business matching.
Animation and production company Les’ Copaque, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institution Todak Academy, and Mah Meri Cultural Village were among the exhibitors at SCEE25.
The event also featured cultural performances, while present at the launch was Upen sectoral section assistant director Zanariah Zulfandie Osman.
