Sarawak set to become a regional animation and games hub with new event

Malaysia wants to position itself as the preferred hub for world-class digital businesses and talent.

The upcoming BAGFEST 2026 reflects the wider effort between Federal Government and the Sarawak Government in advancing Malaysia's digital creative industry, while unlocking new opportunities for innovation, talent development and economic growth in East Malaysia, said Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo.  

The event is themed “Forging Sarawak’s Digital Future as the Regional Hub for Animation & Games”, and will happen from August 19 to 23 with an agenda to empower creative talent and youths in Sarawak, as well as to nurture businesses. 

The festival is expected to attract more than 1,500 industry delegates from over 20 countries, welcoming over 20,000 visitors through exhibitions, conferences, community programmes and other immersive experiences. 

The event also aims to facilitate more than 200 business-to-business (B2B) meetings and is projected to generate RM100 million (SGD 31.7 million) in export opportunities and RM50 million (SGD 15.8 million) in investment opportunities. 

“Our greatest investment is in our people. By connecting Malaysian talent with international industry leaders, investors and global markets, we are creating opportunities for our creators to develop world-class intellectual property, build globally competitive businesses, and showcase Malaysian creativity on the international stage,” said Gobind. 

The goal is to turn that human potential into commercial outcomes by connecting Malaysian studios and creators with global partners, investors, and markets, said Malaysia’s Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) CEO, Anuar Fariz Fadzil. 

“This initiative is about building export-ready intellectual property, strengthening our digital content ecosystem and creating new pathways for Malaysian creative companies to grow with purpose beyond our borders,” added Anuar.  

GovInsider is pleased to be a media partner for this event.  

A diverse and vibrant programme 

BAGFEST 2026 will run across two venues in Kuching and offer a programme that combines industry engagement with public experience.  

This programme plans to engage the diverse public that include government, industry leaders, investors, publishers, studios, pop culture and gaming enthusiasts, and educators from across the region.

From B2B activities ranging from conference, business matching, networking dinners, workshops and portfolio reviews to B2C activities that include showcases, creative tournaments, and a career fair. 

The MYFutureJobs Creative Speed Dating Career Fair is expected to connect between 500 and 1,000 jobseekers with Malaysia’s creative industry.
 

This initiative was organised in collaboration with PERKESO, Malaysia’s Social Security Organisation, aiming to strengthen the local talent pipeline. 

To showcase Sarawak’s potential as a creative digital hub, the festival will include Wayang Pacak at Taman Perpaduan, Kuching, a unique three-night outdoor animation screening inspired by the local traditional open-air cinema culture. 

The programme is powered by green energy solutions and is envisioned as Sarawak’s first zero-emission outdoor animation screening experience. 

The five days of the festival are expected to turn BAGFEST 2026 into Borneo’s flagship event for the animation and games industry, and serve as a catalyst for innovation, international collaboration and economic growth. 

With a variety of passes to participate in the event, you may explore which type of pass fits you better here!