Corporate-creative collaborations vital to boost Malaysian IPs, says Teo

Malaysia's creative sector can flourish through strategic collaborations between corporations and local creative talent, according to Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. Speaking at The Haunted Highlands 2026 Press Conference and Exclusive Media Preview, Teo highlighted the importance of these partnerships in showcasing homegrown intellectual properties (IPs) to a wider audience.

She emphasized that collaborations provide local artists, animators, performers, and production personnel with the opportunity to display their skills on a larger platform. Teo praised Resorts World Genting for investing in Malaysian talent, noting that for the creative industry to grow, businesses must have faith in Malaysian talent and provide space for Malaysian stories to develop.

She elaborated on how transforming animated IPs into physical attractions can foster a mutually beneficial relationship between the creative and tourism sectors. As the government remains committed to developing the nation's Orange Economy, Teo outlined key budget allocations in Budget 2027 to drive growth within the creative sector.

These include over RM130 million for the creative industry, incentives for film and animation productions, exemption from entertainment duty for local film screenings and theatre performances in the Federal Territories starting in 2027, and plans to create 20 new animation intellectual properties. Additionally, funding agencies such as MyCreative Ventures offer financial support through grants, loans, and equity investments across various creative fields.

Local animation film productions can also benefit from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia's (FINAS) Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), with potential rebate options of up to 30% cash rebate on qualifying Malaysian production expenditure, and an additional 5% rebate for productions that meet the Malaysian Cultural Test.