Sarawak launches Bagfest 2026 to drive regional animation and games hub ambition 

• Festival aims to position Sarawak as a regional hub for animation, games and digital creativity
• Event targets US$25 mil in export opportunities, US$13 mil in investments and more than 20,000 visitors

Sarawak will host the Borneo Animation & Games Festival (BAGFEST) 2026 from 19 to 23 August. According to organisers, it will be the first international animation and games festival to be held in Borneo, with the event aiming to position the state as an emerging regional hub for the animation, games and digital creative industries.

Held under the theme “Forging Sarawak’s Digital Future as the Regional Hub for Animation & Games”, BAGFEST 2026 aims to nurture creative talent, develop globally competitive intellectual property (IP) and businesses, and drive growth in Malaysia’s digital creative economy.

Gobind Singh Deo, minister of digital, said BAGFEST 2026 reflects the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government in advancing Malaysia’s digital creative industry while unlocking new opportunities for innovation, talent development and economic growth in East Malaysia.

Gobind said the festival is more than an industry event. It is a strategic platform that will position Sarawak as a regional powerhouse for animation and games while strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the global digital creative economy.

“Our greatest investment is in our people. By connecting Malaysian talent with international industry leaders, investors and global markets, we are creating opportunities for our creators to develop world-class intellectual property, build globally competitive businesses and showcase Malaysian creativity on the international stage,” he added.

The festival is expected to attract more than 1,500 industry delegates from over 20 countries, including industry leaders, investors, publishers, studios and speakers from Malaysia, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, France, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. It will facilitate more than 200 business-to-business meetings, showcase over 50 exhibitors and welcome more than 20,000 visitors through exhibitions, conferences, community programmes and immersive experiences.

It is projected to generate US$25 million (RM100 million) in export opportunities and US$13 million (RM50 million) in investment opportunities, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a leading destination for digital content, creative AI technology and innovation in the region.

Industry leaders, investors, publishers, studios and speakers from more than 20 countries will gather in Kuching to explore partnerships, business opportunities and emerging trends in animation and games. The festival is also expected to attract studios, game developers, technology companies, educational institutions, content creators and aspiring digital talent from across the region.

Anuar Fariz Fadzil (pic), CEO of MDEC, said BAGFEST 2026 reflects MDEC’s continued commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s digital content ecosystem by enabling local creative companies to access global markets, build commercial partnerships and develop export-ready intellectual property.

“Sarawak is blessed with abundant creative talent, strong institutional support and solid digital foundations to emerge as a regional centre of excellence for animation and games. Through BAGFEST 2026, we aim to turn that potential into commercial outcomes by connecting Malaysian studios and creators with global partners, investors and markets,” he said.

“This initiative is about building export-ready intellectual property, strengthening our digital content ecosystem and creating new pathways for Malaysian creative companies to grow with purpose beyond our borders,” Anuar added.

BAGFEST 2026 will feature exhibitions, gaming showcases, esports activities, cosplay competitions, a Beyblade tournament and other programmes designed to connect fans with creators and industry professionals.

To strengthen the talent pipeline, the festival will also feature the MYFutureJobs Creative Speed Dating Career Fair, organised in collaboration with PERKESO. The initiative is expected to connect up to 1,000 jobseekers with employers from Malaysia’s creative industry. Students and emerging professionals will also benefit from portfolio review sessions conducted by experienced animation and games industry mentors.

Extending beyond the convention halls, BAGFEST 2026 will present Wayang Pacak at Taman Perpaduan, Kuching, a three-night outdoor animation screening inspired by Malaysia’s traditional open-air cinema culture. Powered by green energy solutions, the programme is envisioned as Sarawak’s first zero-emission outdoor animation screening experience, celebrating Malaysian animation while bringing together families, local entrepreneurs and the wider community.