KUCHING: Sarawak is set to host Malaysia’s first-ever global digital festival with the federal government and the Sarawak Government agreeing to stage the Borneo Animation and Games Festival (BAGF) next year.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has given his approval for the formation of a joint committee involving the Sarawak Government and the Digital Ministry, through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), to finalise preparations for the event.
“We want to bring a global event to Sarawak in August next year.
“With the Premier’s agreement, this committee will prepare the detailed proposal before I present it to the Cabinet in the first quarter of next year,” he told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Abang Johari here today.
Also present were Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi; State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Digital Minister, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong; and delegates from the Digital Ministry.
BAGF 2026 is set to become an international showcase and a major step in positioning Sarawak as the ‘Heart of Southeast Asia’s Digital Creative Industry’.
The five-day festival is expected to draw 300 industry delegates – with 40 per cent coming from abroad – alongside more than 200 exhibitors from Malaysia and overseas.
Global entertainment giants such as Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, Sony Pictures Animation, Konami and Nintendo are also expected to take part.
The event will highlight business development opportunities through Business Matching sessions, industry networking and an Elevator Pitch platform designed to open doors for local talents.
Gobind added that BAGF 2026 will act as a catalyst for national initiatives, including the AI Nation 2030 agenda, which requires strong coordination between the federal government, state governments and local authorities.
He pointed out that Abang Johari has agreed to establish a technical committee to set the direction, implementation model and long-term cooperation between both parties.
The hosting of BAGF 2026 is expected to position Sarawak as Southeast Asia’s rising hub for animation, digital gaming and creative technology.
