Media Innovation Fund First Phase Opens From Jan 1 To 14 - Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- The first phase of the Media Innovation Fund (Dana Inovasi Media) will be open from Jan 1 to 14, 2026, aimed at supporting the transformation of the country’s media industry to ensure it remains relevant, competitive and resilient in the digital era.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said this followed the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration in June on the provision of RM30 million in funding assistance.

“This fund aims to encourage the production of creative, interactive and high-impact media content, while enhancing the competencies of media practitioners through training.

“In addition, it seeks to support the transformation of the media industry through the development of innovative projects encompassing content, media technology and digital strategies, as well as to strengthen the competitiveness of media organisations in delivering accurate, relevant and beneficial information to the public,” he said at a weekly press conference at Angkasapuri here today.

Fahmi said further details and application forms can be downloaded from the website www.komunikasi.gov.my starting Jan 1, 2026.

To ensure that the disbursement of funds is carried out with integrity and effectiveness, Fahmi said eligibility requirements include local media companies or organisations.

Eligibility requirements include applicants being registered with the Information Department (JAPEN), with their employees holding valid media accreditation cards.

According to Fahmi, the Media Innovation Fund covers four main areas, beginning with training for media practitioners. Under this component, companies or organisations may choose to conduct in-house training, send media workers to attend courses and training organised by external parties, or adopt a combination of both approaches.

The second scope involves software and technology adaptation, with the fund available for the purchase or rental of certified software to support the production of high-quality content in line with rapid global developments in media technology.

The third scope covers equipment, hardware and support facilities, allowing funds to be used for the purchase or rental of technical equipment, including hardware, studio facilities and recording equipment, to enhance the production of high-quality content.

The fourth scope involves research and development (R&D) in content production, with the fund supporting R&D activities, including the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the latest digital innovations.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said he would convey the Prime Minister’s views and recommendations to the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) regarding the council’s role in strengthening and advancing the country’s media industry.

He said the move was not only aimed at ensuring the media industry remains independent, competitive and sustainable, but also at addressing challenges faced by the sector, including economic issues.

“Insya-Allah, I will hold a meeting with the Media Council in the first week, or at the latest the second week, of January. So far, I have not been informed whether the board members have appointed a chairman,” he said.

“There are several aspects, including the distribution of funds, office arrangements and administrative matters, that I believe need to be properly managed,” he said.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister said the MMC could play an important role in advising the government on efforts to strengthen media freedom, including by identifying specific laws or provisions that may affect press freedom.

Anwar said that the council should also outline clear parameters regarding media freedom and recommend where appropriate limits should be drawn, particularly within a multiracial and multireligious society such as Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA