Malaysian Digital Games Shine At Ministry Of Digital Week, Osaka Expo

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Local digital game products, including Upin & Ipin Universe by Les' Copaque, GigaBash by Passion Republic Games, and No Straight Roads by Metronomik, received an encouraging response from visitors at the Ministry of Digital Week in conjunction with the Osaka Expo 2025 in Japan.

With the theme "Weaving a Future in Harmony," the event, led by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), was officially launched virtually by Minister Gobind Singh Deo on Aug 11.

The Ministry of Digital in a statement, said the event provided a key platform to showcase Malaysia's potential in the digital creative sector, including animation, digital games, immersive technology, and the development of local intellectual property (IP)-based content.

The five-day event, which concluded on Aug 15, featured local digital creative companies participating in exhibitions and interactive activities to highlight their innovative and immersive works.

"In line with efforts to strengthen the digital creative industry and promote local expertise globally, Business Pocket Talk and Fireside Chat sessions were held on Aug 13, featuring notable figures from MDEC, Metronomik, OMG Studios, Kezerk, and others," the statement read.

The sessions focused on investment opportunities in Malaysia, culturally-based content production, educational transformation through technology, content innovation with Generative AI, virtual production, and strategies for developing Southeast Asian digital game studios.

A business matching session was also held on Aug 12 in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), connecting 14 local companies with international industry partners to promote local IP to global buyers and partners.

"This business matching session was a crucial platform to expand business networks and investments between Malaysia, Japan, and other countries, with potential investments estimated at RM134 million," the ministry said.

Other activities that drew attention to the Malaysia Pavilion included appearances by popular animated characters Upin & Ipin, Boboiboy, and Ejen Ali, along with screenings of local animation series and a special colouring activity for children.

Digital Ministry Week, which took place in the 18th week of Osaka Expo 2025, attracted more than 100,000 visitors throughout the event," the statement added.

The opening ceremony also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Unbound and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Faculty of Economics and Management.

-- BERNAMA