Malaysia Must Leverage Skills, Diversity To Globalise Homegrown Digital Companies - Wilson

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) – Malaysia would like to see more local digital creative companies develop their own intellectual property (IP), build successful franchises and reach international markets, said Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong.

He said the country’s next step is to translate its creative talent and cultural diversity into commercially successful products, globally competitive companies and high-value jobs.

“Our success should not be measured only by what we help produce for others, but also by what we create and own ourselves,” he said in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of LEVEL UP KL 2026 here today.

He said the Digital Creative Ecosystem Roadmap to position Malaysia as a global digital creative hub focuses on four priorities — empowering human capital, strengthening intellectual property commercialisation and financing, attracting high-value investments, and building Malaysia’s national brand through exports.

Over its five-year implementation period, the roadmap targets RM9 billion in digital creative industry revenue, RM6 billion in exports, RM6 billion in strategic investments and 10,000 high-value jobs by 2030.

Wilson said achieving these targets will require close collaboration among the government, industry players, investors, educators and creators.

He said Malaysia has a strong foundation for talent development, with more than 45 higher learning institutions offering creative courses. But graduates and industry professionals must be equipped with relevant skills, practical experience and opportunities to pursue high-value careers.

He also stressed the importance of protecting intellectual property and respecting creators’ rights as technology continues to transform the industry.

“Our goal is not simply to develop a more technologically advanced industry, but one that continues to value its people and the work they create,” he said.

He said platforms such as LEVEL UP KL could help Malaysian studios connect with investors, publishers and international markets, enabling local companies to expand their reach and build globally recognised businesses.

Organised by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), LEVEL UP KL is a regional platform that brings together game developers, publishers, investors and technology leaders from around the world to foster business opportunities, international collaboration and talent development.

-- BERNAMA