MDEC showcases gaming talent at Tokyo Game Show

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has launched the Malaysia Pavilion at the Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS 2024), marking the corporation’s eighth consecutive year at the globally renowned event.

MDEC’s participation highlights Malaysia’s ambition to become a leader in the digital and gaming industry.

The Malaysia Pavilion, held in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), showcases the innovations of 10 leading Malaysian gaming companies to the global market, offering opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.

MDEC’s strategic role in global gaming

MDEC’s participation at TGS 2024 reaffirms Malaysia’s commitment to the gaming sector, a key part of the country’s digital economy strategy.

With 985 companies from around the world present at the four-day event from September 26 to 29, the Malaysia Pavilion serves as a platform for Malaysian developers to interact with major international players, such as Bandai Namco Studio and Nintendo.

“Through events like TGS 2024, we are reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to being at the forefront of digital content and gaming development,” said Datuk Fadzli Abdul Wahit, MDEC’s Head of Digital Transformation.

“By strengthening international ties, we are building a future where Malaysian talent and creativity are recognised worldwide.

This aligns with MDEC’s broader vision: ensuring that Malaysia remains a leader in the digital economy.”

Key activities at the Malaysia Pavilion include business matching, networking with international game publishers, and high-level meetings with tech incubators from Japan and beyond.

These interactions help local companies enhance their capabilities and expand their footprint globally.

Expanding Malaysia’s digital content exports

Malaysia’s involvement in TGS 2024 comes at a time when the global digital content and gaming market is projected to reach USD 187.7 billion in 2024, according to the Newzoo Global Games Market Report.

This represents a 2.1% increase from the previous year, with Japan playing a pivotal role as a major hub for gaming innovations.

“Japan is a global leader in the gaming industry, and by fostering partnerships with Japanese companies, Malaysia can enhance its capabilities and position itself as a regional hub for creative technology,” said His Excellency Dato’ Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany, Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan, at the launch.

“These collaborations not only strengthen our technical abilities but also position Malaysia as a hub for creativity, talent, and investment in the gaming sector.”

The Malaysia Pavilion is expected to boost the country’s digital content exports, especially in gaming, with a growing focus on tapping into the lucrative Japanese market.

MDEC and MATRADE’s efforts align with the government’s National Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, which prioritises the gaming and digital content industries as growth sectors for Malaysia’s economy.

The presence of key figures like Zuaziezie Zulkefli, Trade Commissioner of MATRADE Tokyo, further emphasised the importance of the gaming industry in Malaysia’s digital strategy.

“The collaboration between MDEC and MATRADE aligns with the government’s focus on the gaming and digital content industry,” Zuaziezie noted.

“This is a priority sector under the National Industrial Master Plan, and through our participation at events like TGS, we are helping Malaysian companies gain international recognition.”

As Malaysia continues to expand its influence in the global digital content market, MDEC remains at the forefront of efforts to foster innovation and creativity in the gaming sector.

By providing local companies with the resources and platforms to succeed, MDEC is playing a pivotal role in ensuring that Malaysia remains a leader in the digital economy.

The future looks promising for Malaysia’s digital and gaming industries, as events like TGS 2024 create new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and international recognition.