KUCHING: Sarawak wants to build a digital creative industry that develops local talent, attracts investment and turns the state’s stories into intellectual property for global markets.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak’s ambition was not merely to host creative events, but to build an industry with opportunities for creators, studios and investors.
“Sarawak’s ambition is not just to host events. Our ambition is to build an industry,” he said in his speech delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the opening of the Borneo Animation and Games Festival (BAGFest) 2026 at Pullman Hotel here today.
He said Sarawak needed to strengthen the creative industry’s full value chain, from talent development and production to commercialisation, intellectual property, marketing and global distribution.
“We want Sarawak to be known as a place where creators can develop their ideas, where studios can collaborate, where investors can discover new talent and where communities can participate in the digital creative economy,” he said.
Abang Johari said animation, games, films, immersive media and digital content were no longer simply entertainment products, but could create jobs, attract investment, generate intellectual property and promote culture.
He said BAGFest supported Sarawak’s aspiration to become the next digital creative hub, not only for Malaysia but also for the wider region.
Under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), he said Sarawak aimed to become a developed and high income region driven by data and innovation, with the creative industry playing an important role in creating new economic opportunities.
Abang Johari said achieving this required talent development, industry exposure, platforms for collaboration and access to employers, investors and markets.
He said BAGFest provided young talents with opportunities to meet industry leaders, studios, publishers and potential employers, while giving local creators a platform to showcase their work.
The Premier also called for stronger partnerships between the government, industry, academia and the community to develop the sector.
He said collaboration between the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), together with industry and community partners, demonstrated the type of partnership needed to create real opportunities for talent and businesses.
“This is the kind of partnership that we need more of, practical, industry facing and focused on creating real opportunities for our talents and businesses,” he said.
Abang Johari urged young talents to take advantage of BAGFest by showcasing their portfolios, attending talks and workshops, and building connections with industry players.
“Do not see yourselves only as consumers of games, films and animation. See yourselves as future creators, producers, founders and industry leaders,” he said.
He also called on industry partners to invest in local talent, work with Sarawakian studios, mentor creators and bring projects to the state.
“Invest in our talent. Work with our studios. Mentor our creators. Bring projects here. Build long term partnerships with Sarawak,” he said.
