• Bridge East and West Malaysia’s creative sectors through talent exchange and institutional cooperation; 
• Expand market access and investment opportunities by connecting content creators, digital entrepreneurs, and IP owners with new audiences and partners; 
• Drive innovation and digital transformation within the region’s creative industries, making Borneo a future-ready launchpad. 

KUCHING, 14 MAY 2025 – Malaysia’s creative vanguard is moving east, with Borneo emerging as its next frontier. Today, Sarawak proudly hosts Kre8tif! East 2025, the first regional edition of the nation’s premier digital creative conference to be held outside the Klang Valley, marking a pivotal step in bridging Malaysia’s creative capital across geographies, markets, and cultures. 

Staged at Makeramai Makerspace, Plaza Merdeka, this landmark initiative is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). It is anchored under the theme: “Kre8tif! East: Empowering Tomorrow’s Creators, Today!”. 

The event was officiated by YB Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, Deputy Minister of Digital Malaysia, and witnessed by YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; YBrs. Mr. Kolony Anak Gunting, Director of Sarawak Regional Office, Ministry of Digital Malaysia—together with YBhg Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, Chief Executive Officer of SDEC and Datuk Ts. Fadzli Abdul Wahit, Senior Vice President Digital Transformation of MDEC.

The two-day programme convened leading visionaries and global trailblazers from Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Canada, France, and the United States, contributing to a dynamic line-up of engagements, including: 

• Conference and Technical Workshops with over 100 delegates 
• Industry Exhibition featuring 17 exhibitors from across the digital creative value chain 
• Business Exchange sessions to catalyse new deals and regional partnerships 

 According to Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC: 

“Kre8tif! East 2025 is more than a conference—it’s a catalyst for bold ideas, creative exchange, and cross-border collaboration. Hosting it in Sarawak affirms one truth: creativity knows no boundaries. From Sabah to Brunei, and next Kalimantan, we are shaping a more connected and resilient creative ecosystem in this region.” 

According to Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO of MDEC:

“Kre8tif! East 2025 is not just about regional expansion, but a national commitment to inclusivity and innovation in Malaysia’s creative economy. In partnership with SDEC and our ecosystem collaborators, we are proud to bring global exposure and cross-border business opportunities directly to East Malaysia. By nurturing talent in Sarawak and Sabah and showcasing them through Kre8tif! East, we are paving the way for local creators to thrive on the world stage.”

During the event, MYTV Broadcasting and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the creative ecosystem via MYTV’s OTT platform, MYTV Mana-Mana. Through this collaboration, MYTV Mana-Mana will serve as the official platform for all local animation content supported by MDEC grants, further empowering homegrown creators and advancing Malaysia’s digital creative industry.

With the tagline “The Launchpad for Emerging Borneo’s Talents,” Kre8tif! East 2025 is supported by key ecosystem partners including Betapuru Digital, Tec D, MYTV Broadcasting, AirAsia, Animation Express, and Borneo Digital—underscoring a shared commitment to scale Malaysia’s creative economy, empower regional talent, and position Borneo on the global creative stage.