Osaka: Local digital game products, including Upin and Ipin Universe by Les' Copaque, GigaBash by Passion Republic Games, and No Straight Roads by Metronomik, received an encouraging response from visitors at the Ministry of Digital Week in conjunction with the Osaka Expo 2025 in Japan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event, themed "Weaving a Future in Harmony," was led by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and was officially launched virtually by Minister Gobind Singh Deo on Aug 11. The Ministry of Digital stated that the event provided a key platform to showcase Malaysia's potential in the digital creative sector, encompassing animation, digital games, immersive technology, and the development of local intellectual property (IP)-based content.
The five-day event, concluding on Aug 15, featured local digital creative companies participating in exhibitions and interactive activities to highlight their innovative works. In line with efforts to strengthen the digital creative industry and promote local expertise globally, Business Pocket Talk and Fireside Chat sessions were held on Aug 13. These sessions featured notable figures from MDEC, Metronomik, OMG Studios, Kezerk, and others, focusing on investment opportunities in Malaysia, culturally-based content production, educational transformation through technology, content innovation with Generative AI, virtual production, and strategies for developing Southeast Asian digital game studios.
A business matching session, conducted on Aug 12 in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), connected 14 local companies with international industry partners to promote local IP to global buyers and partners. The ministry highlighted that the session was crucial for expanding business networks and investments between Malaysia, Japan, and other countries, with potential investments estimated at RM134 million.
Other activities that captured attention at the Malaysia Pavilion included appearances by popular animated characters Upin and Ipin, Boboiboy, and Ejen Ali, along with screenings of local animation series and a special colouring activity for children. The Digital Ministry Week, held in the 18th week of Osaka Expo 2025, attracted more than 100,000 visitors throughout the event.
The opening ceremony also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Unbound and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Faculty of Economics and Management.