KUCHING: Sarawak’s culture, heritage, biodiversity and way of life could provide the foundation for creative works capable of reaching audiences far beyond the state.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak possessed stories unique to this part of the world that could be transformed into animation, games, films and digital experiences.
“These stories can be transformed into animation, games, films, digital experiences and global intellectual property,” 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.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s many cultures, voices and communities gave it a distinctive identity that could be reflected through creative content.
He said local stories should be developed beyond their original form, with creators encouraged to see how a single idea could grow into a larger creative property.
“A character can become a brand. A short animation can become a series. A game can become a franchise. A local story can become international intellectual property,” he said.
He said this was the mindset that needed to be cultivated as Sarawak explored new ways of bringing its identity to wider audiences.
Abang Johari said the state’s cultural heritage could be combined with modern technology to create content that remained rooted in Sarawak while having international relevance.
He said the future of the creative economy would be shaped by those able to combine culture with technology, creativity with business and local identity with global relevance.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s stories had the potential to travel further than ever before through new forms of digital storytelling.
He said the opportunity extended beyond showcasing Sarawakian culture, as successful creative properties could also generate lasting value from the stories and characters they contained.
The Premier said Sarawak had always been a land of many cultures, many voices and many stories, providing a strong foundation for creative expression.
“With the right platforms, these stories can now travel further than ever before,” he said.
He said this could help ensure Sarawak’s identity remained visible and relevant as creative content increasingly crossed geographical boundaries.
