MALAYSIA is positioning its film and audiovisual industry as a bigger contributor to the national economy, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim opening the new FINAS Tower in Damansara as the Government seeks to expand quality employment and opportunities within the creative sector.
Anwar said the move was aimed at making FINAS more integrated, agile and capable of responding to rapid changes in how digital content is produced, distributed and consumed.
The new headquarters of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) is intended to strengthen the country’s film and audiovisual ecosystem under the framework of the Orange Economy, bringing industry development, licensing and enforcement, as well as national audiovisual documentation and archiving under one integrated institution.
The opening also marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s film history, coming as FINAS celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2026 and the country commemorates 80 years of the legacy of the Malayan Film Unit and Filem Negara Malaysia.
The country is banking on its rapidly expanding film industry to create jobs, attract investment and take local stories to global audiences, with nearly RM958 million in production investment and more than 12,800 employment opportunities recorded between 2024 and 2026.
The growing economic value of the creative sector was among the key messages as the new FINAS Tower in Damansara was officially opened, marking a major expansion in facilities for Malaysia’s filmmakers, production companies and creative workforce.
The development comes as Malaysian films record stronger audience support and growing box-office returns.
At the official opening of the tower, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said: “Collections under the Compulsory Screening Scheme rose from RM125.28 million in 2024 to RM253.31 million in 2025, while RM111.83 million had already been recorded by Aug 10 this year.
“Local cinema attendance has also increased sharply, from 5.87 million viewers in 2023 to 7.14 million in 2024 and 14.83 million in 2025. Last year, Malaysian films accounted for 36.5 per cent of total cinema admissions, compared with just 16.8 per cent in 2023. As of July this year, local films had attracted 6,099,245 viewers.
The success is being driven by a widening range of Malaysian productions, from action films to animation. Beyond providing new infrastructure, the Government is placing greater emphasis on ensuring that growth in the creative industry translates into tangible benefits for Malaysians working in the sector.
The opening takes place during National Month, ahead of National Day on Aug 31, which this year carries the theme "Malaysia MADANI: Prosperity Shared" ("Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati").
Anwar said the theme reflected its commitment to ensuring that the creative economy does not merely expand in terms of production and commercial activity, but also creates quality employment, widens access to opportunities and improves the welfare of industry workers.
The emphasis on jobs and fair access is particularly significant as Malaysia seeks to build a more competitive creative economy capable of generating value from local intellectual property, talent and content.
With the digital economy transforming the way audiences consume films and audiovisual material, the Government sees a stronger FINAS as important to helping local producers and creators adapt to new platforms and international markets.
Built on a 5.14-acre site, the new headquarters of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) brings together sound-stage studios, a digital cinema, training spaces and production facilities, while also housing the country’s film heritage and 81,770 audiovisual archival materials.
Among its key facilities are the Panca Delima Hall, two sound-stage studios, the 300-seat P. Ramlee Digital Cinema, training facilities, the FINAS Mediatheque, the Museum of Moving Image and a Film Vault containing 81,770 audiovisual archival materials.
The FINAS Tower is located at No. 2, Jalan PJU 10/1E, Damansara Damai, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. - August 24, 2026
