FINAS backs RMK13 vision with push for creative growth and global animation exports

THE National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) has thrown its full support behind the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), pledging to accelerate the growth of Malaysia’s creative industries and bolster the nation’s position as a cultural and content exporter.

Unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, RMK13 carries the theme “Redesigning Development” and identifies the orange economy – which includes the arts, media, and cultural industries – as a strategic driver of Malaysia’s future economic resilience and global standing.

FINAS, under the Ministry of Communications, welcomed the plan’s ambitions and endorsed Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil’s remarks on the sector’s potential to deliver high-impact transformation.

In a media statement issued on 1 August, FINAS outlined several areas of focus, including the strengthening of high-value content production with international export appeal, greater support for the development of local intellectual property through the Creative Content Fund (DKK) and Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), expanded access to creative talent development through certification and accreditation pathways, and efforts to enhance the entire value chain – from pre-production and post-production to content distribution and monetisation.

The agency also confirmed it would place special emphasis on the animation industry in line with the Prime Minister’s directive.

Initiatives in this space include increased grant support for high-potential animation and IP projects under the DKK, an expanded role for FIMI as a financial incentive to attract domestic and foreign content investment focused on export-ready IP, new certification programmes tailored to current market and technological needs for creative talent, and streamlined licensing processes for animated feature films to ensure regulatory compliance and greater market access, both in cinemas and on television.

“Together with the leadership of the Ministry of Communications, FINAS will continue to strengthen policies, programmes and initiatives aligned with RMK13’s vision,” the corporation stated.

FINAS also reiterated its commitment to measurable outcomes, including job creation, enhanced IP valuation, and increased regional and global competitiveness for Malaysia’s creative industries. - August 1, 2025