Malaysia strikes US$22m in film, TV deals with Australia and South Korea

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Malaysia is set to secure US$22 million (around RM89.7 million) in international film and television co-productions over the next two years, with two projects involving partners from Australia and South Korea.

Led by OMG Studios, the deals comprise a US$10 million Malaysia-Australia film and television production with Sandpiper Entertainment and a US$12 million Malaysia-South Korea feature film with Greenfish Studio.

The projects were announced by Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir at a press conference following the “KL20 @ Johor 2026: The orange economy chapter – creativity reimagined” event at Iskandar Malaysia Studios in Iskandar Puteri on 29 September.

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According to Bernama, Akmal said the collaborations are expected to create opportunities for Malaysian talent, vendors, studios and intellectual property (IP) owners to participate in international productions. They could also strengthen the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as a regional hub for international content, virtual production, generative AI and creative technologies.

Nasir reportedly pointed to Johor’s proximity to Singapore, as well as its industrial and digital infrastructure and regional networks, as factors that could support the state’s ambitions in the creative economy.

The minister also urged the industry to move beyond producing content and focus on owning IP with commercial potential for licensing, distribution and adaptation. Malaysia, he said, needs a strong portfolio of characters, stories, formats, technologies and brands that can generate value over the long term.

He pointed to local franchises 'Upin & Ipin', 'Mechamato', 'Ejen Ali' and 'BoBoiBoy' as proof that Malaysian ideas can earn through content, licensing, merchandise and market expansion.

The push carries weight economically. According to the minister, Malaysia's cultural and creative industries contributed 6.8% to GDP in 2024, generating RM130.7 billion in gross value added.

A+M has reached out for more information.

Malaysia's ambitions for its film industry to go regional aren't new. In May 2024, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said his ministry would focus on expanding Malaysian film across Southeast Asia, citing the region's population as a big market.

At the time, the ministry said it would review the Digital Content Fund to help develop the industry. It also follows the Malaysian Government and FINAS’ renewal of its FIMI rebate programme, announced this March, with a US$76 million (around RM300 million) allocation.

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