Kuala lumpur: A strategic partnership between the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and Multimedia University (MMU) is set to accelerate the nation's creative industry growth through digital tech, AI, and visual effects (VFX), while nurturing new talent to compete on the global stage.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, FINAS chairman Datuk Hans Isaac emphasized the need for the creative sector to embrace data and technology, moving beyond just passion and raw talent. He highlighted the importance of partnering with universities like MMU to equip young people with the necessary training, technology, and data to meet the industry's real needs.
'We need the industry powered by data, not just hunches or emotions. Technologies like AI and VFX will drive its growth, so we've got to get the next generation ready to jump in,' he remarked. This statement followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between FINAS, represented by its CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, and MMU president Prof Datuk Dr Mazliham Mohd Su'ud.
Hans Isaac stressed a market-focused approach as vital for the creative industry's long-term survival, noting that while not everyone will stay in the sector, early exposure is key to building talent and highlighting career potential. He also emphasized FINAS's goal of boosting local content's regional competitiveness before targeting global markets.
'We can't make films just for the road to the Oscars. We need to build strength at the ASEAN level first, and if our content succeeds in Southeast Asia, then we can break into bigger Asian markets like China, Hong Kong, and India,' he said. He highlighted that international festival success and overseas content sales signal real progress, beyond mere awards.
'Awards are one thing, but more crucial is selling and monetising our films. We must view this industry not just creatively, but as a business too,' Hans added. He mentioned the government's allocation of funds for youth training in the creative sector to expand job opportunities for the young.
Hans also noted that the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), with up to 30 per cent rebates for international shoots, has brought vital technology transfers, new skills, and jobs to local crews. 'Big names like Sony Pictures and Disney, who've shot here, say our local crews are world-class. It shows the massive potential in Malaysia's creative sector,' he stated.
Meanwhile, Prof Mazliham mentioned that hands-on learning is being ramped up in creative programmes to prepare students for challenges in the film and digital content industries. He noted that the Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM) boasts one of the biggest student enrolments, thanks to the local animation boom sparked by talents like Nizam Razak and Muhammad Usamah Zaid Yasin behind hits such as Ejen Ali and PapaZola.
He added that MMU alumna and FCM lecturer, Dr Vimala Perumal, has made a significant impact with her directorial debut, Vedigundu Pasangge, Malaysia's highest-grossing Tamil film.