KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 – Malaysia has proposed three new key collaborative initiatives under its ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 to strengthen regional cooperation in the creative sector, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.
The initiatives are the ASEAN Co-Production Roundtable, a Green Filming and Sustainability Framework, and Youth Story Labs, aimed at promoting inclusive and forward-thinking narratives among the ASEAN youth generation.
“As part of our ASEAN Chairmanship, we hope to initiate three key areas of collaboration,” she said in her opening address at the ASEAN Film and TV Summit 2025, held in conjunction with the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest), here.
Teo said these efforts reflect Malaysia’s commitment to making the region’s creative industry more dynamic, future-ready and people-centred.
She also highlighted the country’s achievements in attracting global productions through the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), which has supported 128 projects since 2013 with RM 419 million in rebates. The incentive has resulted in RM2.71 billion in direct investments into the local creative industry.
Notable international productions include Sony Pictures and BBC’s Lord of the Flies series filmed in Langkawi, while local animation Ejen Ali: The Movie 2grossed RM 59 million across several markets, and Upin & Ipin expanded into gaming with a global release this month.
Organised by National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), in collaboration with the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) and the Asian Film Alliance Network (AFAN), the summit provides a platform for policymakers, creators and investors to explore policy alignment and co-production opportunities.
“As the world faces new challenges, it is our shared stories that will connect us, inspire us, and carry ASEAN forward,” Teo said.
Running until July 25, the summit will end with the Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA) on July 26, recognising excellence in ASEAN and international filmmaking.
