Riuh Merdeka 2025: A Catalyst For Development Of Local Creative Industry

By Thivyamalini Ramalu

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- The 2025 RIUH Merdeka programme, to be held in conjunction with the National Day celebration, is set to be a catalyst for the development of the local creative industry through the convergence of the elements of arts, culture, entrepreneurship and community on one inclusive platform.

MyCreative Ventures (MyCreative) Industry Development vice-president Zainol Haqim Zainol Rashid said the programme, which is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors, is not just an entertainment platform but also serves as an edutainment approach encompassing all the elements.

"RIUH plays the role of a catalyst for the arts and entrepreneurship ecosystem, where creative industry players get to interact, grow and generate continuous streams of income.

"At the same time, the hosting of RIUH also supports the creative industry's post-pandemic rehabilitation by giving space to local brands and creative entrepreneurs to interact directly with the community, thus strengthening the resilience of the country's creative industry,” he told Bernama.

The Communications Ministry, through MyCreative, will host the RIUH Merdeka programme in conjunction with the 2025 National Day celebration for 30 hours non-stop, starting from 12 noon on Aug 30 to 6 pm on Aug 31 at the Millennium Monument car park here.

The programme aims to invigorate the spirit of patriotism and love for the country through arts, culture and creativity.

Zainol Haqim said that this year's edition would also include the participation of various agencies, such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and MyDigital ID, as well as corporate companies like Telekom Malaysia, MYTV and Honor.

He added that, generally, RIUH is a MyCreative initiative aimed at becoming a creative platform to showcase local talent, arts and culture, food and lifestyle.

"RIUH Merdeka, meanwhile, is a special edition in conjunction with the 2025 National Day celebration. It is chosen because its concept encompasses entertainment, arts, culture and community, thus reflecting the nation's spirit of independence and unity,” he said.

Asked if the programme will be a permanent feature at every National Day celebration, he said MyCreative sees a huge potential in making RIUH Merdeka an annual affair, provided there is constant support from the ministry and strategic partners.

"If there is continuous support from the ministry, agencies and strategic partners, we intend to make RIUH Merdeka an iconic annual event that celebrates the spirit of Malaysia creatively and inclusively,” he said.

Apart from performances by artistes and the screening of local movies, other RIUH Merdeka programmes include weaving workshops, Chinese, Tamil and Arabic calligraphy and tye-die bandana workshops.

RIUH Merdeka will also feature the participation of over 25 vendors of local brands, from fashion items to perfumes and accessories, as well as the sale of food and beverages.

More details are available via Instagram and Facebook at @riuhinthecity and @mycreativeventures.

-- BERNAMA