KUCHING: Borneo’s unique cultural stories, indigenous heritage and rich mythology offer immense creative potential for Malaysia to develop animation and games content for global audiences.
Deputy Minister of Digital Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong said the potential was already emerging in Sarawak, with local companies such as Batik Putra Digital, CTLD, Nutrodice and Emotion Foundry demonstrating the capabilities of the state’s digital creative sector.
He said that Borneo represents immense creative potential, offering unique cultural stories, indigenous heritage, and a rich mythology that the world is waiting to see.
“Our ambition is very, very simple which is to create the next internationally recognised Malaysian animation and games franchise.
“This Borneo Animation & Games Festival (BAGFEST) 2026 is a testament to the fact that innovation happens beyond traditional tech hubs,” he said.
He said this when delivering his ministerial keynote during the Borneo Animation & Games Festival (BAGFEST) 2026 at a hotel here on Wednesday.
He added that young talents in Sarawak were not merely consuming global content but were creating original stories, games and digital experiences rooted in local culture and capable of reaching global audiences.
However, he stressed that no single organisation could build the digital creative ecosystem alone.
“It takes government, industry, academia, investors, and creators working together.
“When these five elements work together, we do not just create content; we create companies, jobs, intellectual property, and global success stories,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Digital remained committed to talent development, industry innovation and global partnerships.
“And in that spirit and conjunction of purpose, I am pleased to share an important collaboration between Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and UNICEF Malaysia.
“Both organisations will be working with studios, developers, and industry players,” he added.
He said the collaboration was aimed to develop a more responsible digital creative ecosystem towards strengthening children’s rights and safety in Malaysia’s growing digital content industry.
