MIRI: A four-day hobby and creative arts event here is being used to signal broader ambitions to position Miri as a regional hub for youth enterprise and the creative economy.
The MYY Hobbies Fantasinema 2026, which concluded on Thursday night (April 30) at Permy Mall, drew participants from across Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia and neighbouring Brunei, reflecting growing cross-border interest in hobby-based creative industries.
Officiating the event, Sarawak Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said such programmes could play a role beyond leisure, particularly in developing skills and income opportunities among young people.
“Programmes like this are not just for entertainment. They provide a platform to nurture creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, especially among our youth,” he said.
The event featured a mix of activities including cosplay competitions, customised model displays, gaming battles, children’s contests and live performances, bringing together collectors, hobbyists and small-scale creators under one platform.
Organisers said the aim was to create a space where enthusiasts could showcase their work while exploring opportunities to turn personal interests into viable income streams.
Among participants was a local cosplay enthusiast who said events like Fantasinema offered rare exposure.
“Usually we share our work online, but here people can see it up close. It opens up opportunities for commissions and collaborations,” he said.
Across Southeast Asia, hobbyist communities are increasingly evolving into micro-enterprises, driven by social media visibility and niche consumer demand.
In Miri, the shift is still emerging, but events such as Fantasinema suggest a growing appetite to formalise these activities into structured economic opportunities.
Lee said the state government sees potential in expanding platforms that connect creative talent with markets, particularly as younger generations seek alternatives to traditional career paths.
“In today’s digital era, many young people spend a lot of time online. We want to encourage more productive and creative engagement that can also build skills and income,” he said.
The push comes as parts of Miri, including Permyjaya and Senadin, undergo rapid development, with upgrades in infrastructure, public facilities, and commercial spaces aimed at supporting a more liveable city environment.
Projects such as the proposed Permy Sports Hub and an eco-park development within the public park area are expected to expand recreational options while providing space for community-driven activities.
Officials say these developments are intended to complement softer initiatives like creative events, forming a broader strategy to attract and retain young talent.
Organisers have indicated plans to expand Fantasinema into a larger annual event, with wider participation from government agencies and international hobby communities.
