Malaysia’s Arts Industry Stages Strong Comeback In 2025
By Nurhafizah Tan & Norhidayyu Zainal
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Bernama) — The local entertainment industry continued to display remarkable dynamism throughout the year, recording numerous achievements not only domestically but also on the international stage—signalling a robust resurgence five years after the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This positive momentum was further reflected in the increased organisation of arts-related events spanning music, film, theatre and concerts, bringing renewed income opportunities for artistes while strengthening the creative industry as a whole.
The growth has been reinforced by the MADANI government’s commitment through the Ministry of Communications, which has placed strong emphasis on transforming the multi-billion-ringgit creative industry, with the potential to generate more than 30,000 job opportunities.
This year also marked the revival of large- and mid-scale concerts featuring renowned names such as Datuk M. Nasir, National Songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Sheila Majid, Wings, as well as four siblings—Ziana Zain, Anuar Zain, Ernie Zakri and Syamel.
Equally significant was the comeback of sibling trio KRU, who last performed together in 2018. Their GenKRU 2025 Concert made history by entering the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) after being staged over four consecutive days.
The year also saw greater genre diversity, with an extraordinary resurgence of nasyid music. Popular 2000s-era group In-Team created a phenomenon of its own, prompting organisers to relocate their concert to a larger venue due to overwhelming response.
At the same time, Malaysia continued to remain a preferred destination for international artistes such as Datuk Rossa, Green Day, G-Dragon, Baby Monster, Maroon 5 and Maher Zain, all of whom chose Kuala Lumpur as part of their tour stops.
This rapid growth was further driven by a new initiative introduced by the Ministry of Communications through the Concert and Event in Malaysia Incentives (CEMI), with an annual allocation of RM10 million from May 15 to July 10, which successfully stimulated the organisation of large-scale concerts.
In addition, the implementation of the revised PUSPAL Guidelines (GPP 6.0) has helped streamline the application process for event organisation, making it more transparent, industry-friendly and efficient—aligned with efforts to build a progressive, world-class entertainment ecosystem.
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Media reports previously indicated that Malaysia is on track to host approximately 450 concerts this year, a significant increase compared with 104 concerts in 2022, 335 in 2023 and 408 last year, with projected economic contributions of nearly RM1.7 billion.
To further empower the music sector, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry is currently conducting a Music Industry Development Study to identify issues, challenges and policy recommendations, with a focus on welfare, sustainability and long-term development.
The study also evaluates the need to formulate a dedicated act for the music industry and serves as a reference for proposals to introduce a National Music Day celebration.
In the film industry, Babah emerged as a standout at the 34th Malaysian Film Festival after winning Best Film, followed by victories for Sweet Qismina and Qi Razali in the Best Actress and Best Actor categories respectively. The achievement qualified the production to receive a RM1 million Creative Content Fund (DKD).
On the ASEAN stage, Sweet Qismina won Best Supporting Actress at the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) 2025, while Abang Adik actor Wu Kang Ren was named Best Actor and Tegkang received the Special Jury Award.
In terms of commercial performance, Blood Brothers: Bara Naga topped the box-office list with RM73.13 million in revenue, followed by Ejen Ali the Movie 2 (RM53.39 million) and Money Games (RM9.44 million).
Internationally, Mother Bhumi, directed by Chong Keat Aun, brought pride to the nation after winning three major awards at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan, while The Waves Will Carry Us, directed by Lau Kek Huat, won Best Supporting Actress through Chen Xuenzhen’s performance.
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The expertise of local talent in animation was also recognised when Fly Studio Malaysia, represented by Gao Weiqi, Zhang Kaiqi and Lin Xianmin, won the Best Sound Effects award at the same ceremony.
Chong continued to elevate Malaysia’s profile when Mother Bhumi was selected for the Japan International Film Festival 2025, while Pavane for an Infant is set to represent Malaysia at the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles next year under the Best International Feature Film category.
Amid the industry’s bustling activity, the arts community also mourned the loss of several prominent figures, including veteran actor Roslan Saleh, theatre and drama icon Zakaria Ariffin, renowned composer and singer Adinda Amiro, veteran actor Mano Maniam, and 1980s-era actor Dharma Harun Al Rashid.
Ultimately, this year’s artistic journey not only showcased numerous proud achievements but also underscored the MADANI government’s continued commitment to strengthening the entertainment ecosystem—making it more competitive, sustainable and attentive to the welfare of its practitioners.
-- BERNAMA
