KUCHING: Sarawak is set to host Malaysia's first global digital event following an agreement between the Federal Government through the Ministry of Digital and the Sarawak Government to organise the Borneo Animation and Games Festival (BAGF) in August 2026.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg has agreed to the establishment of a joint committee involving the Sarawak Government and the Ministry of Digital through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to finalise preparations for the event.

“We aim to bring a global event to Sarawak in August 2026. With the Sarawak Premier’s agreement, this committee will prepare detailed proposals before I present them to the Cabinet in the first quarter of next year,” he told reporters after a courtesy call on the Sarawak Premier, here on Wednesday.

Also present during the courtesy call were Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong and the delegation from the Ministry of Digital.

BAGF 2026 is poised to be an international-class event and a key effort in positioning Sarawak as the ‘Heart of Southeast Asia’s Digital Creative Industry’.

The five-day festival targets 300 industry delegates, of which 40 per cent are expected to be international representatives featuring over 200 exhibitors from within and outside Malaysia, and aims to attract participation from global industry giants including Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, Sony Pictures Animation, Konami and Nintendo.

The event will also focus on business development through business matching sessions, industry networking, and an 'Elevator Pitch' platform to create commercial opportunities for local talent.

Meanwhile, Gobind noted that BAGF 2026 will serve as a catalyst for the national agenda, including the implementation of AI Nation 2030 which requires close coordination between the Federal Government, state governments, and local authorities.

He informed that the Sarawak Premier has agreed to establish a technical committee to determine the direction, implementation model, and long-term cooperation between both parties. -UKASnews