If you’re a Malaysian game dev, animator, or someone who thinks the metaverse isn’t just a buzzword, you might want to sit down — and possibly start smiling like a cat who’s found the cream. Because the country is cracking open the digital piggy bank in a big way.

Malaysia’s digital creative scene — that includes video games, animation, and yes, even the ever-buzzwordy metaverse — is getting a fresh injection of funding, courtesy of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). And we’re not talking loose change down the sofa cushions either. We’re talking millions, all in the name of turning Malaysia into a global heavyweight in digital content.

MDEC Chief Executive Officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil delivers his speech at the Digital Creative Industry Engagement Session 2025

At the helm of this money-flinging operation is MDEC’s CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil, who reckons the digital creative industry isn’t just artsy fluff — it’s an economic powerhouse. According to him, it generates high-value jobs, cultivates local intellectual property, and pumps export revenue into the economy. In plain English: it’s making money and Malaysia wants more of it.

Unveiled during the Digital Creative Industry Engagement Session 2025 (which sounds exactly as serious as it is), MDEC announced three key programmes, each tailored to different slices of the digital pie:

Digital Games Testbed Programme (DGTP)

Think of this as the golden ticket for local game studios. MDEC is throwing RM3.5 million into the pot, with up to RM700,000 available per studio. But don’t expect to just rock up with a half-baked idea and walk away with cash — you’ll need a proven track record and a smart plan to grow your IP. The goal? Boost Malaysia’s footprint in the global games industry while encouraging fresh genres and cross-border collaborations.

Animation Shorts Challenge

If you’ve got a flair for animated storytelling, here’s your shot. This challenge isn’t just for bragging rights — it’s backed by RM1.2 million in funding to help 12 creators develop original animated short films. There’s mentorship from industry vets too, so it’s not just a funding firehose but actual support that might help your quirky cartoon dog make it to the international stage.

Business in Metaverse Programme

Yes, the metaverse is still a thing. And now it’s got a business plan — and budget — in Malaysia. This initiative is tossing RM1 million at 200 businesses looking to dip their toes into the digital realm with virtual storefronts, interactive campaigns, and branded pixelated bling. Each participant can nab up to RM5,000 to bring their brand to the next (virtual) level.

MDEC’s overall mission is clear: make Malaysia a one-stop shop for high-quality digital content, and to do that, they’re investing in talent, tools, and tech. Since 2011, the local digital content industry has already racked up RM87.25 billion in revenue and RM11.18 billion in exports — not to mention over 11,000 jobs.

And with this latest round of funding, Malaysia’s not just playing catch-up — it’s playing for keeps.

In the words of Anuar: “We’re not just here to participate. We’re here to lead.” In our words? Time to fire up Unity, Blender, and whatever the metaverse runs on — Malaysia’s ready to hit ‘Start Game’.