FINAS-MMU Deal To Empower Data-Driven, Youth-Led Creative Sector

CYBERJAYA, April 13 (Bernama) -- 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.

FINAS chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said the creative sector needs to embrace data and technology now, moving beyond just passion and raw talent.

He added that partnering with universities like MMU is key to equipping young people with the relevant training, technology, and data to understand 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 said.

He told reporters after today's signing of a memorandum of understanding between FINAS, represented by its chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, and MMU president Prof Datuk Dr Mazliham Mohd Su'ud.

He said a market-focused approach is vital for the creative industry's long-term survival since not everyone will stay, but early exposure remains key to building talent and highlighting career potential in the sector.

He also emphasised FINAS’s long-term goal of boosting local content’s regional competitiveness before taking on 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, stressing 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,” he said, adding that the government has allocated funds for youth training in the creative sector to expand job opportunities for the young.

Hans said the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), with up to 30 per cent rebates for international shoots here, 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 said.

Meanwhile, Mazliham said 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 another MMU alumna and FCM lecturer, Dr Vimala Perumal, has made her mark with her directorial debut, Vedigundu Pasangge, Malaysia's highest-grossing Tamil film.

-- BERNAMA