THE Ministry of Communications and Multimedia has identified several international video game companies with the potential to be based in Malaysia and make it the gaming hub of Southeast Asia. 

Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the RM30 million allocated under Budget 2024 for the promotion of the country as an e-sports industry hub would encourage prominent video game companies to set up operations in Malaysia.  

“This will surely be a game-changer because for the ministry, especially MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation), we see that the returns from these gaming companies to the country are huge and it’s for the long term. 

“I believe that with this initiative, more international companies can be based in Malaysia,” he told reporters today. 

Yesterday, when tabling Budget 2024, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the allocation of RM30 million to encourage international video game companies to invest in Malaysia. 

South Korean video game company NX3 Games, which focusses on publishing games, research and development, and content design, had previously planned to open its regional head office in Kuala Lumpur. 

On another matter, Fahmi was confident that the allocation of RM90 million under the Film in Malaysia Incentive (Fimi) would help film studies in the country, in addition to making it a filming destination for more international films. 

“Before the Covid-19 pandemic, we witnessed many film companies coming to Malaysia for film, but the pandemic has had an effect, especially on several big studios like Iskandar Malaysia Studios Sdn Bhd,” he said. 

Anwar announced that RM90 million would be allocated under the Fimi initiative to continue encouraging the production of international-standard films and RM10 million would be allotted for the establishment of the MyCreative Matching Fund Scheme to support the efforts of young creative talent. – Bernama, October 14, 2023.