KUALA LUMPUR: Over 100 Asean policymakers, researchers, and creatives converged for a symposium to advance the region’s cultural and creative industries and foster sustainable development within the Asean Creative Economy (ACE).
The Asean-UK Symposium on the Development of Asean Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, held from Feb 20 to 21, fueled the exchange of ideas and evidence-based approaches to promote the creative industry with insights from UK experts and practitioners.
The pivotal symposium is a collaboration by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) together with the Asean Secretariat, the United Kingdom Mission to Asean, the British Council and Cultural Associates of Oxford.
Its goal is to create a framework outlining a shared vision and strategic directions for advancing the ACE by leveraging expertise and insights shared during the two-day event.
This event highlights creativity and culture economy as vital economic drivers of growth, social cohesion and environmental sustainability while positioning the ACE as a global leader in cultural exchange and innovation.
Motac deputy minister Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan, who opened the symposium, said the creative economy is a catalyst for innovation, bridging cultures and driving sustainable development.
Also present at the event were Motac secretary-general Datuk Wira Roslan Abdul Rahman, deputy secretary-general Datuk Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff, Ambassador of United Kingdom Mission to Asean Sarah Tiffin and representatives from the Asean Secretariat.
In his speech, Khairul said, the creative industry is globally considered one of the fastest-growing with an estimated value of US$2.5 trillion, equivalent to 6.1% of global gross domestic product (GDP).
“In 2022, Malaysia's creative goods exports reached $12.5bil, making it the 8th largest exporter among developing economies.
“Malaysia, along with Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, and the Philippines, is among the top 50 global exporters of creative goods and services and one of the top 10 exporters of creative goods, he said, adding in 2022, the creative economy in the region generated over $150bil in revenue.
Khairul also pointed out that in Asean, creativity in fields like film, animation, music, design, fashion, digital content, and gaming is transforming industries, empowering communities, and driving inclusive growth.
By 2030, the creative economy has the potential to contribute over $300bil to Asean's GDP, he added.
Meanwhile, Tiffin said the UK is proud to support Asean’s effort to establish a robust and sustainable creative sector.
“Creative and innovation are at the heart of the UK’s industrial strategy, driving economic growth, digital innovation and cultural exchange.
“By sharing our expertise and collaboration on the Ace Sustainability Framework, we are not only strengthening Asean creative industries but also fostering a future where it serves as a cornerstone for inclusive growth,” she said.
The two-day event will feature panel discussion from Asean and UK experts with workshop sessions that are set to deliberate the desired cultural, economic, environmental and social outcomes to be achieved in developing the Ace as well as identifying priorities and mechanisms to drive regional development.
