CYBERJAYA: The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) on Friday launched the 20-day countdown to the Borneo Animation & Games Festival (BAGFEST) 2026, one of Southeast Asia's largest gatherings of animation, games and digital content industry players, taking place in Kuching, Sarawak from 19 to 23 August 2026.

According to a statement, the event co-organised by MDEC and SDEC through a strategic collaboration between the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government, will feature more than 30 renowned international and Malaysian speakers, over 50 exhibitors, as well as industry buyers, investors, publishers, studios and creative professionals.

“The festival aims to create new opportunities for original intellectual property (IP) development, investment, business partnerships, talent development and international market access.

“The festival's official opening ceremony will be held on 21 August 2026 and is expected to
be graced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg together with Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo,” it said on Friday.

MDEC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and BAGFEST 2026 Co-Chair Anuar Fariz Fadzil said that the festival brings to life Malaysia's ambition to become a regional leader in digital content and creative innovation.

"BAGFEST is where creativity meets opportunity. By bringing together creators, studios, investors and global industry leaders, we are accelerating the development of original Malaysian IP, expanding international collaborations and creating new business opportunities.

“Together with SDEC, we are positioning Sarawak as a regional gateway for the animation, games and digital content industry," he said.

Meanwhile, SDEC CEO Dato Ir Ts Sudarnoto Osman, said BAGFEST 2026 is designed to create stronger pathways for Sarawak creators to reach regional and international markets.

"Behind every successful animation, game or digital IP is a creator who was given the right opportunity. BAGFEST 2026 creates a meeting point for creators, studios, publishers, investors and technology companies to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and shape the future of the industry.

"We want more Sarawak-made ideas to become globally recognised intellectual property. Our hope is that, years from now, we'll be able to look back and know that a successful Sarawak studio, a breakthrough game or an internationally recognised animation can trace its beginnings back to BAGFEST,” he said.

The statement noted that BAGFEST 2026 is built around six strategic programme pillars, and is poised to drive discussions and collaborations on creative excellence and storytelling, original IP development and globalisation, business growth and commercialisation, future technologies and artificial intelligence, talent development, as well as community and a fun experience.

The programme combines high-level industry engagement with public participation through an international conference, business matching, networking dinner, elevator pitch competition, portfolio reviews, technical workshops, exhibition, animation film screenings, BAGFEST Con and a two-day MYFutureJobs Metaverse Career Fair.

UNICEF Malaysia will also participate in BAGFEST 2026, bringing its global expertise in child online protection into discussions on creating safer and more inclusive games and digital experiences for children.

BAGFEST 2026 is supported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), TVS, Astro Gempak, Borak Seeni and regional digital media platform GovInsider as official media partners.

Ahead of the festival, the BAGFEST Co-Chairs will host a media engagement session in Kuching, Sarawak, on 11 August 2026, offering the media an exclusive preview of the programme highlights, keynote speakers and strategic outcomes.

BAGFEST 2026 reinforces Malaysia's commitment to growing the digital creative economy by connecting local talent with global opportunities, attracting international partnerships and strengthening Southeast Asia's animation and games ecosystem.

For the latest programme, speaker updates and ticket information, visit www.bagf.my. -UKASnews