By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 26: Sarawak has the potential to host the inaugural Borneo Animation and Games Festival (BAGF) 2026, and with major global companies expected to participate, the event could significantly elevate the State’s standing in the regional gaming and animation industry.
According to a Jabatan Penerangan (JaPen) report, the Ministry of Digital is targeting the involvement of global companies such as Walt Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, Sony Pictures Animation, Konami, and Nintendo, at the festival, which is expected to be held next August,.
The event, which aims to highlight local talent in digital animation and gaming, is expected to elevate the State’s profile as a global digital hub.
The festival was discussed during a courtesy call by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg earlier today (Nov 26).
Gobind said the festival is intended to showcase homegrown talent in animation and digital games, while attracting participation from major international players in the creative industry.
“The proposed festival is envisioned as an international level event and a key pillar in supporting Sarawak’s vision to become Southeast Asia’s digital creative industry hub,” he said.
He added that the proposal would be submitted at the Federal level to obtain feedback before being tabled to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Gobind also said the Premier had expressed positive support for the proposal and agreed to the formation of a special committee involving representatives from both the Sarawak and Federal governments, including the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
The committee will refine the proposal and determine the next course of action before a memorandum is presented to the Cabinet for approval in the first quarter of next year.
The meeting also touched on digitalisation initiatives and the AI Nation 2030 framework, with emphasis on close cooperation between the state and federal governments to ensure the success of the national mission.
Also present were Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Deputy Digital Minister and Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong. —DayakDaily
