JMD @ Kuching reinforces Sarawak’s role as East Malaysia’s hub for digital creative content

• Kuching is the 6th destination of the tour
• Programme unites key stakeholders to boost creative content growth

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the lead agency driving the nation’s digital economy under the Ministry of Digital, has organised the Jelajah Malaysia Digital – JMD @ Kuching, held at Tegas Digital Village, Sarawak. This initiative forms part of a nationwide tour series spearheaded by the minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, as a strategic platform to strengthen the national digital ecosystem through a targeted, state-specific approach based on each state’s potential and needs.

As of May 2025, the tour has reached five locations—Ipoh, Taiping, Alor Setar, Sandakan, and Kapit—making Kuching the sixth destination this year. The Kuching edition of JMD focuses specifically on the Digital Creative Content sector, including animation, digital games, and creative technologies—aligning with Sarawak’s growing potential as a centre for local storytelling and a hub for Malaysia’s digital cultural heritage. The programme serves as a collaborative platform linking local companies, government agencies, and rural communities to boost the development and impact of creative content.

Several high-performing digital creative companies from Sarawak were recognised during the event, including:

• Betapuru Digital – A recipient of the 2025 Digital Content Grant, known for producing hyper-realistic animation and AR/VR content.
• Metadise – A creative technology and digital education firm currently developing the metaverse project “Tech-Me To Sarawak”, and also a 2025 Digital Content Grant recipient.

The global digital content creation market is projected to grow from US$27.99 billion (RM131.55 billion) in 2024 to US$57.04 billion (RM268.09 billion) by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 15.6%. This trend presents major opportunities for Malaysia—particularly Sarawak—to play a key role in the regional and global digital economy.

[RM1 = US$0.22]

Malaysia currently hosts over 300 digital creative studios and has produced more than 180 original intellectual properties (IPs) in animation and gaming. In 2023 alone, the industry generated RM5 billion in revenue, including RM1 billion in exports, and supported over 8,200 jobs.

Adding further value to JMD @ Kuching, MDEC is also hosting Kre8tif! East from 14–15 May 2025, in collaboration with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). The programme gathers regional and international industry experts alongside local digital content players, including animation studios, game developers, and creative technology innovators.

The success of this initiative proves that the digital content ecosystem is no longer confined to the Klang Valley. With its rich local narratives, unique cultural identity, and a rising generation of creative talent, Sarawak is poised to become a leading hub for digital creative content in East Malaysia. MDEC remains committed to supporting this sector through strategic funding, skills development, and market access—ensuring that Borneo’s creative output reaches both national and global audiences.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari, premier of Sarawak, alongside Gobind Singh Deo, minister of Digital. JMD @ Kuching is supported by strategic partners including Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation, Tegas, and various stakeholders from across the national digital content ecosystem.