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Animators succeed in an ICT sector ‘ripe for SMEs’

Article - October 5, 2011
ICT regulator MCMC has created an environment for start-ups like Les’ Copaque Production to flourish
INTERNET ACCESS IN MALAYSIA IS AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE REGION
As Malaysia pushes forward with its goal of becoming a knowledge-based economy, the country is making rapid strides in placing the foundations of connectivity. Nearly 55 per cent of the population now has access to broadband internet, up from 28 per cent just three years ago, and the country’s ICT regulator – the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) – is at the forefront of initiatives to expand infrastructure and communications and multimedia services.

 “There are currently around 17 million internet users in the country, which is considered to be one of the highest in the region. Cellular coverage throughout the country is now 95 per cent and we are aiming to achieve 97 per cent by next year. All this speaks for itself and is a clear indication of the Government’s efforts over the years,” says Tan Sri Khalid Ramli, chairman of MCMC.

“MCMC has to create a suitable ecosystem so that broadband penetration, infrastructure and content are developed for the future growth of the country; content will drive innovation. There are tremendous opportunities for investors, both in terms of infrastructure and content.”

ICT and communications in general will be the main enablers in terms of innovation. They have become important drivers in the country’s growth; communications is one of the key elements in the nation’s economic transformation programme.

“Our Ministry and MCMC in particular oversee the entry point projects in various areas; an example of this would be the ‘Broadband for All’ initiative. We must push our economy forward,” says Mr Khalid.

Also aiming to become an ICT hub in the region, Malaysia is investing heavily in communications infrastructure while encouraging the creation of a dynamic industry. Mr Khalid says his agency encourages free competition, self-regulation and flexibility, and that they are technology-neutral, “meaning that we do not control the technology, as long as it serves the nation in terms of coverage, quality, speed and price, operators are free to bring in technologies from any country.”

In addition to building communication towers throughout the country, MCMC is working to bring convergence to the communications and telecommunications sectors. Malaysia has advanced from 2G to 4G in the space of 10 years and is now focused on expanding content throughout society through the creation of e-banking, e-health and other products that encourage demand for broadband.

The industry is ripe for the entry of small and medium-sized companies, says Mr Khalid, especially in the area of content and applications. An example of one such successful start-up is Malaysia’s animation flagship, Les’ Copaque Production.

Founded by three multimedia graduates and a former petroleum industry magnate in 2005, Les’ Copaque Production is spearheading the country’s animation industry, which the Government has identified as one of the new emerging growth sectors. The company has created various high-quality 3D animated films and series, such as Geng: the Adventure Begins, Malaysia’s first 3D animated feature film, and Upin & Ipin, the hugely popular TV series that won the Best Film Animation Award at the Kuala Lumpur International Film Festival 2007.

Management at the company is now in talks to air the series, which tells the story of two five-year-old Malaysian twins and their comical introduction to fasting during the month of Ramadan, on the Disney Channel.

Indeed, Les’ Copaque Pro-duction has focused on using local images with global appeal. Most of its stories are set in rural Malaysia and the company states its mission as showcasing Malaysian culture and talent. Currently employing a staff of 50 people, ranging from scriptwriters to animators and artists, all of Les’ Copaque Production’s jobs are done in-house by local talent.

The company’s productions are also strengthening regional links, as Upin & Ipin is also popular in Indonesia, and Geng: the Adventure Begins has been released in Indonesia, India, Singapore and Brunei. The second-highest grossing local film in Malaysia’s history, Geng: the Adventure Begins, which was sponsored by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, won the Audience Choice award at the Indonesian International Film Festival for Kids 2009, as well as the Special Jury Award and the Highest Box Office Collection Award at the 22nd Malaysian Film Festival that same year.

“In terms of our international ambitions, I believe that we have to start with Asia because it is the most densely populated region. Most Asian children grow up with Disney, which largely promotes Western values. This creates a sort of confusion among some Asian children. We need to come up with children’s stories with Asian values that children in this region can relate to. It is the same recipe Sesame Street used when they expanded globally,” says managing director Burhanuddin bin Md Radzi, who along with his wife has written most of the company’s storylines.

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