Building global gaming hub

SIBU: Sarawak can leverage support and assistance from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to develop its gaming sector, said Deputy Minister of Digital, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong.

Ugak said that MDEC, an agency under the Ministry, supports the gaming industry through various programmes and grants designed to nurture talent, promote local game developers and attract international gaming companies to Malaysia.

“Sarawakian game developers can access funding opportunities, participate in upskilling workshops and gain exposure to international markets.

“This collaboration can help Sarawak harness its creative talent and drive economic growth within the digital and gaming industries,” he said during his speech at the International Game Development Conference 2024 at Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor’s Hall, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) today.

Ugak also said that this initiative aligns with the Malaysia Digital (MD) national strategic initiative, which aims to attract and encourage companies, talents, and investments to converge in Malaysia.

On the conference, Ugak noted the State’s potential in the global gaming industry due to its rich cultural heritage and rapidly growing tech scene.

“We have the chance to mix our traditional wisdom with modern innovation, creating games that appeal to the world while staying true to our roots. This conference is proof of our commitment to building a strong gaming community here in Sarawak. It’s a platform where local talent can shine, where our unique stories can be shared, and where our tech advancements can be shown to the world,” he said.

Ugak expressed confidence that the conference would spark new ideas, build new partnerships, and ignite a passion for game development among participants.

“Let’s use this opportunity to learn from each other, challenge ourselves, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming,” he added.