“Together, we shall continue to build a nation where creativity is ‘currency’ and where our collective imagination and inspiration even rise above AI to define who we are and what we contribute as a nation to the world,” said Anuar.
KUALA LUMPUR: The global rise of the Orange Economy — spanning creative industries such as film, animation, games and digital content — is reshaping how nations grow and express identity.
In Malaysia, this creative engine is fast becoming a cornerstone of the digital economy, contributing to exports, jobs and national branding on the world stage.
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil said the country’s creative industries have moved firmly into the mainstream as a recognised pillar of national growth.
“Anchored in the 13th Malaysia Plan, our journey forward is guided by a clear mandate to further grow the creative tech agenda. As a nation, we are focused on expanding export networks and markets, strengthening local intellectual property (IP) ownership and empowering creative workers with artificial intelligence (AI) tools,” he said.
He added that by aligning government policy with global demand, Malaysia is laying down the foundations of a competitive ecosystem where local studios and talent can thrive internationally.
“These efforts serve to extend Malaysia’s reach across the world, embedding creativity, talent and technology into global value chains,” he said, noting that digital games and animation are now officially recognised as part of the Orange Economy and written into the 13th Malaysia Plan as a national growth engine.
The government projects that Malaysia’s Orange Economy will contribute RM32bil to gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
Reiterating the cultural significance of the sector, Anuar said: “Let us always remember that every story we tell adds to our nation’s cultural capital and every partnership we form strengthens Malaysia’s position in the global creative network.
“Together, we shall continue to build a nation where creativity is ‘currency’ and where our collective imagination and inspiration even rise above AI to define who we are and what we contribute as a nation to the world.”
Malaysia’s standing as South-East Asia’s creative games hub was most recently reinforced with the conclusion of the Level Up KL 2025 international conference, which drew a record turnout of more than 2,500 participants from over 20 countries to Kuala Lumpur.
The event generated RM150mil in export opportunities, hosted 70 global exhibitors, facilitated over 350 targeted B2B meetings and staged the SEA Game Awards — underscoring Malaysia’s growing influence in the regional creative ecosystem.
Malaysian studios have also gained strong international traction, including Les’ Copaque Production and Streamline Studios’ Upin & Ipin Universe, Passion Republic Games’ Gigabash featuring Ultraman, Metronomik Studio’s collaboration with Japan’s Shueisha Games on No Straight Roads 2 and Magnus Games Studio’s new IP, Project Survival.
“Malaysia’s creative industry is entering an exciting era — one where artistry meets technology and where Malaysian talent is being recognised on the world stage,” said Hasnul.
“Malaysia’s creative industry is entering an exciting era — one where artistry meets technology and where Malaysian talent is being recognised on the world stage,” said PlayStation Studios Malaysia head Hasnul Hadi Samsudin.
Established in 2020, PlayStation Studios Malaysia stands as Sony Interactive Entertainment’s first studio in South-East Asia and has since played a pivotal role in supporting the development of world-class PlayStation titles for the global market.
“We’ve witnessed first-hand how the right blend of policy support, skilled talent and visionary leadership can create an ecosystem where creativity truly thrives.
“With strong government commitment to digital transformation, a rich pool of creative professionals and an environment that encourages innovation, Malaysia is fast becoming a key player in the global games and digital content landscape,” added Hasnul.
He emphasised that MDEC’s continued engagement and facilitation have been instrumental in this growth — from nurturing talent pipelines to aligning national policies with industry needs.
Hasnul also said that, under Anuar’s leadership, MDEC has positioned the creative games industry not only as a driver of jobs and exports but also as a pillar of Malaysia’s digital identity.
“Anuar’s vision has helped the creative ecosystem mature with purpose. It is this alignment between policy, talent and imagination that positions Malaysia as a leading hub for creative excellence in South-East Asia and beyond,” Hasnul said.
“As part of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s global family, PlayStation Studios Malaysia is proud to contribute to this transformation — connecting local talent to international opportunities and showcasing how creativity, collaboration and innovation can elevate Malaysia’s presence in the global Orange Economy,” he shared.
“Together with our education and industry partners, we remain committed to cultivating the next generation of Malaysian creators who will define the future of interactive entertainment on a global stage.”
