CYBERJAYA: Sarawak is setting its sights on turning homegrown digital concepts into globally recognised intellectual property, as industry leaders stress regional creators must be given stronger avenues to compete on the world stage.
Datuk Sudarnoto Osman, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) chief executive, said the ambition was to ensure local creators could build sustainable, internationally renowned brands.
“Behind every successful animation, game or digital intellectual property (IP) is a creator who was given the right opportunity,” said Sudarnoto.
“We want more Sarawak-made ideas to become globally recognised intellectual property. Our hope is that, years from now, we’ll be able to look back and know that a successful Sarawak studio, a breakthrough game or an internationally recognised animation can trace its beginnings back to Bagfest.”
His comments come as the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and SDEC launch a 20-day countdown to the Borneo Animation & Games Festival (Bagfest) 2026, which takes place in Kuching, Sarawak, from Aug 19 to 23.
Echoing the call for greater regional reach, MDEC chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil described the initiative as a critical meeting point for the creative economy.
“Bagfest is where creativity meets opportunity,” Anuar said.
“By bringing together creators, studios, investors and global industry leaders, we are accelerating the development of original Malaysian IP, expanding international collaborations and creating new business opportunities. Together with SDEC, we are positioning Sarawak as a regional gateway for the animation, games and digital content industry.”
Organised through a strategic collaboration between Putrajaya and the Sarawak state government, the five-day event is expected to draw more than 30 international and local speakers, alongside over 50 exhibitors, investors, publishers, and creative professionals.
Structured around six strategic pillars — covering storytelling, original IP development, commercialisation, artificial intelligence, talent development, and community experience — the festival aims to bridge local creative talent with international markets through business matching, elevator pitch competitions, portfolio reviews, and technical workshops.
Keynote speakers lined up for the event include Hasbro Entertainment vice president of production Rob Doherty, Wētā FX lead animation supervisor Sidney Kombo, Pixar Animation Studios technical director Lyon Liew, The Pinkfong Company executive director Ryan Lee, and Throne Inc chief executive Takafumi Yuki.
Malaysia’s domestic creative sector will be represented by figures including Enfiniti Group chief executive Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, Les’ Copaque production managing director Datuk Burhanuddin Md. Radzi, WAU Animation chief executive officer Usamah Zaid Yasin, Visional Pop supervising producer Juhaidah Joemin, and Metronomik developer Wan Hazmer.
The exhibitors include Sarawak Information Systems, Metadise.io, Todak Studios, Lemon Sky Studios, and several higher education institutions. Unicef Malaysia will also join discussions on child online protection to encourage safer game design.
The official opening on Aug 21 is expected to be attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Openg alongside Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
