Kuala lumpur: The government, through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), is targeting RM150 million in export opportunities under this year's LEVEL UP KL 2025, Southeast Asia's premier game developers conference. Held from Oct 6-8, the event is expected to facilitate 350 business meetings and feature 70 exhibitors from around the world, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said at the opening ceremony.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, more than 2,500 participants from over 20 countries including Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia are attending the event. Gobind highlighted the rapid advancement of Malaysia's digital infrastructure, emphasizing the nationwide 5G coverage, which provides developers with access to the high-speed, low-latency environments necessary for multiplayer, cloud-based, and real-time games. This advancement is seen as a catalyst for new frontiers in immersive and socially connected experiences.

Gobind, however, stressed that infrastructure alone is insufficient without the support of talent and policies. To this end, the government, through MDEC, has launched incentive programs worth RM15 million to enhance local digital content such as games, animation, and creative technology. This initiative aims to help studios create original Internet protocol and scale production to compete on a global scale.

Among these initiatives is the Digital Games Testbed Programme, which has received a RM3.5 million allocation. This program is designed to assist Malaysian studios in creating new game genres and collaborating with international partners. It focuses on innovation, co-production, and knowledge sharing, positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for game development.

Gobind stated that these initiatives are not just about building an industry but are aimed at empowering creators, driving innovation, and securing Malaysia's rightful place in the global digital economy.