Industry Conference

FROM TOYBOX TO UNIVERSE: HOW HASBRO IS BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF STORY

Discover how Hasbro transforms iconic brands into global entertainment franchises through the power of storytelling, innovation, and strategic partnerships. This keynote explores the evolution of beloved IP from toys to immersive experiences across film, television, gaming, and digital platforms, while sharing insights into building stories that resonate with audiences worldwide and inspire the next generation of creators.

CREATIVE CURRENCY: TRADE YOUR TALENTS IN MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES

A dynamic session exploring how creative skills can become valuable “currency” across industries, featuring sharing by Sarawakian creative companies. Discover how talents in areas like storytelling, design, animation, and game development are adapted, repackaged, and monetised beyond a single field—while gaining insights from local players on cross-sector collaborations and expanding opportunities beyond traditional creative boundaries.​

AI WORKFLOWS, MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS & IP BUILDING

This session explores how artificial intelligence is transforming modern content creation pipelines, from ideation and production to distribution and audience engagement. It highlights practical AI-driven workflows that improve efficiency, creativity, and scalability across animation, gaming, and digital media industries. The discussion also focuses on the growing importance of strategic media partnerships in expanding reach and visibility, enabling creators and studios to co-develop and co-distribute content across regional and global platforms. In parallel, the session examines how strong intellectual property (IP) building remains the foundation for long-term value creation—turning ideas into scalable franchises that can thrive across multiple formats and markets.

RALLYING THE MISFITS: SCALING KISAH BAWAH TANAH BY SERVING AN ALTERNATIVE NICHE

This session explores how niche storytelling can be transformed into scalable intellectual property by embracing audiences that sit outside the mainstream. Using Kisah Bawah Tanah as a case study, the discussion highlights how unconventional narratives—often considered “misfit” content—can build deeply loyal communities when authenticity, cultural edge, and distinct creative identity are prioritised. The talk will examine strategies for identifying underserved audience segments, shaping content that resonates with subcultures, and leveraging digital platforms to grow grassroots engagement into sustainable demand. It also looks at how alternative niche content can be positioned for expansion through transmedia storytelling, partnerships, and strategic IP development without diluting its original voice.

CREATIVE ARTIST SOCIETY OF ASIA (CASA) REDEFINING CONTENT CREATION IN THE ERA OF AI​

This panel explores how advanced AI is transforming the role of content creators from traditional producers into strategic storytellers and creative directors. As AI accelerates production and lowers barriers to entry, competition continues to intensify. The discussion will examine how authenticity, originality, and personal branding are becoming key differentiators. Panelists will share insights on leveraging AI to scale content, innovate formats, and unlock new revenue streams, while addressing challenges around trust, ethics, and audience engagement in an increasingly AI-driven content ecosystem.​

FINDING THE RIGHT PARTNERS FOR YOUR GAME

This session focuses on how game developers—especially indie studios and emerging IP creators—can identify, evaluate, and secure the right strategic partners to successfully bring a game to market and scale it globally. It explores the different types of partnerships essential in today’s gaming ecosystem, including publishers, co-development studios, platform holders, distribution partners, investors, and marketing collaborators. The discussion will highlight how each partner plays a distinct role across the game lifecycle—from funding and production support to launch strategy, user acquisition, and long-term live operations.

COLLABORATING ACROSS BORDERS: STORIES FROM BORNEO TO GLOBAL SCREENS​

THE RISE OF EAST MALAYSIAN CONTENT

This session explores the growing emergence of East Malaysian voices as a powerful force in Malaysia’s creative and digital content landscape. It highlights how storytellers from Sabah and Sarawak are bringing unique cultural perspectives, indigenous heritage, and authentic local narratives into animation, film, gaming, and digital media. The discussion will examine how improved access to digital tools, regional development initiatives, and cross-border collaborations are enabling East Malaysian creators to scale their work beyond local audiences. It also looks at how these stories can be developed into strong intellectual property (IP), contributing to both national identity and global market appeal.

STRUCTURING RICH, VISUALLY ENGAGING UNIVERSES LIKE THOSE DEVELOPED FOR EJEN ALI

BAGFest 2026 NETWORKING COCKTAIL

A relaxed evening designed to connect industry leaders and stakeholders in the animation and gaming ecosystem.​ Providing a platform for meaningful conversations, collaboration opportunities, and relationship-building in an informal setting.

BRINGING CHARACTER TO LIFE, GRAVITY AND EMOTION

This session delves into the art and craft of creating compelling characters that feel authentic, grounded, and emotionally resonant across animation, games, and interactive media. It explores how principles of performance, movement, and physicality—such as weight, timing, and gravity—work together to shape believable motion and strengthen audience connection. The discussion will highlight how subtle animation choices and character design decisions can communicate personality, intent, and emotional depth without relying heavily on dialogue. It will also examine how modern production tools and workflows support more nuanced storytelling, allowing creators to push the boundaries of realism and stylization.

FROM BORNEO TO THE WORLD: TELLING GLOBAL STORIES WITH LOCAL ROOTS

This panel brings together a music composer, a MYVIRTUO virtual production director, and a filmmaker to explore how deeply local narratives can resonate with international audiences.​ Through the lens of music, digital games, cinematic storytelling, and cutting-edge virtual production, the discussion will uncover how authenticity, cultural nuance, and emerging technologies can elevate stories from Borneo into globally compelling content. Panelists will share their creative journeys, challenges in preserving cultural integrity, and strategies for translating local identity into universal themes that travel across borders. From crafting immersive soundscapes to building virtual worlds rooted in heritage, this session highlights the power of collaboration across disciplines in shaping stories that are both proudly local and powerfully global.​

FROM STORYTELLING TO SUSTAINABILITY: BUILDING A MALAYSIAN CREATIVE LEGACY

This session explores how Malaysia’s creative industry can evolve from producing compelling stories to building a long-term, sustainable ecosystem that supports creators, studios, and intellectual property (IP) growth. It examines the full value chain—from storytelling and content development to monetisation, distribution, and global expansion. The discussion highlights how strong narratives rooted in Malaysia’s cultural diversity can serve as the foundation for enduring creative assets. It also addresses the importance of sustainable business models, cross-sector collaboration, talent development, and supportive policy frameworks in strengthening the creative economy.

FROM CONCEPT TO MARKET: HOW MALAYSIAN GAME STUDIOS SCALE IP GLOBALLY

Exploring how Malaysian game studios turn original ideas into globally competitive IP. From early concept development and funding strategies to publishing, partnerships, and market expansion, this discussion highlights the real pathways, challenges, and opportunities in scaling local game IP to the international stage.​

POWERING ANIMATION AND GAMES THROUGH CREATIVE​ TECH

Creative technology is reshaping how ideas are imagined, created, and experienced across the animation and games industry. From AI-powered tools and real-time engines to immersive technologies and next-generation production workflows, creative tech is unlocking new possibilities for creators, studios, and businesses alike. This panel brings together leaders at the intersection of creativity and technology to discuss how innovation is accelerating content creation, enhancing audience experiences, and driving the future of digital entertainment. Explore the trends, tools, and technologies that are transforming creative industries and redefining what's possible in animation and games.

BRIDGING WORLDS: FROM LOCAL ROOTS TO GLOBAL SCREENS​

This session explores how locally grounded stories and culturally specific content can successfully transition onto global platforms without losing their authenticity or identity. It examines the creative and strategic processes behind making regional narratives resonate with international audiences while maintaining strong cultural roots. The discussion will highlight how Southeast Asian creators can leverage universal themes—such as family, identity, resilience, and humour—while embedding distinct local textures, languages, and worldviews. It also looks at the role of co-productions, global distribution platforms, and cross-cultural collaborations in accelerating international reach.

​THE JOURNEY FROM CREATOR TO GLOBAL FRANCHISE BUILDER

SOUTHEAST ASIA ANIMATION INDUSTRY​

This panel brings together key voices from across the Southeast Asian animation ecosystem to discuss the region’s rapid growth, emerging creative strengths, and increasing relevance in the global animation market. It explores how studios, creators, and investors are shaping a more competitive and interconnected industry driven by talent, technology, and cross-border collaboration. The conversation will cover current industry trends, including IP development, co-productions, outsourcing opportunities, and the rise of original Southeast Asian animated content. Panelists will also examine the challenges of scaling studios, securing funding, and building sustainable production pipelines while maintaining creative quality and cultural authenticity.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEM FOR THE DIGITAL CONTENT REVOLUTION

​This panel will discuss talent development, funding opportunities, technological innovation, and regional partnerships driving the growth of animation, games, and creative digital industries.​

FROM LOCAL CULTURE TO INTERNATIONAL SCREENS​

This panel explores how culturally rooted stories can be developed and elevated into content that resonates with international audiences. It brings together industry practitioners to discuss the creative, strategic, and production pathways that enable local narratives to successfully transition onto global platforms. The discussion will highlight how cultural authenticity can be preserved while adapting storytelling elements—such as pacing, character development, and thematic framing—to meet global audience expectations. It will also examine the role of co-productions, streaming platforms, and international partnerships in expanding reach and visibility.

GLOBAL GAMES, MALAYSIA TALENT

Featuring an amazing panel of industry experts from leading global and regional players, bringing valuable insights and hands-on experience from working on internationally recognised titles.​ This session explores how Malaysian talent contributes to global game development by meeting world-class production standards. From workflows and collaboration with international teams to skillsets required in high-end projects, discover how local developers are building strong careers and shaping the global games industry from Malaysia

FROM STUDIO TO BUSINESS: SCALING AND ANIMATION COMPANY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA ​

This topic explores the strategic transformation of an animation or game studio from a creative production unit into a sustainable, growth-oriented business. It focuses on how studios in Southeast Asia can move beyond project-based or service work to build scalable operations, diversified revenue streams, and long-term enterprise value.​ At its core, the discussion addresses the challenges and opportunities involved in expanding a studio’s capabilities—such as developing original intellectual property (IP), optimizing production pipelines, securing investment, and entering international markets—while maintaining creative quality. ​ The topic also emphasizes the importance of business fundamentals, including financial planning, talent development, partnerships, and market positioning, to ensure sustained growth in a competitive global industry. Ultimately, it provides practical insights into how regional studios can evolve into globally competitive companies with strong commercial and creative impact.

TRUST IS THE NEW CURRENCY ​ WINNING IN ONLINE GAMES AND ANIMATION THROUGH SAFER DIGITAL DESIGN

This session brings together leaders from the gaming industry, game development community and child rights sector to discuss how trust, wellbeing and responsible innovation can create better player experiences while strengthening long-term business success. Through practical insights and real-world perspectives, the discussion will explore how safer digital design can enhance player loyalty, build brand value and support the sustainable growth of Malaysia’s online gaming ecosystem. For gaming companies, investing in trust is no longer just a responsibility. It is a competitive advantage.