SALUTATION
1. Yang Berhormat Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong
Deputy Minister of Digital
2. Yang Berusaha Tuan Anuar Fariz Fadzil
Chief Executive Officer, MDEC
Distinguished Guests, Partners, Sponsors and Industry Leaders,
Members of the Digital Games Community,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Salam Perpaduan, Salam Malaysia MADANI and a very good Morning.
1. Welcome to LEVEL UP KL 2025, Southeast Asia’s premier game developers conference. Today, in its 11th year, we’re here to highlight Malaysia’s strength and celebrate a thriving community — the incredible creativity of our local talent, and the world-class achievements that are putting Malaysia on the global game development map.
2. Over the next three days, our mission is clear: to bring together local and international players, to connect ideas with opportunities, and to shape the future of game development in Southeast Asia.
MALAYSIA’S CREATIVE EDGE
3. Malaysia is no longer just a participant in the global game and creative content industry — we are a regional hub. Our ecosystem is thriving with world-class studios, visionary developers, and a creative economy that commands international attention. From blockbuster titles to indie hits, from e-sports to immersive storytelling, Malaysia is shaping the future of digital entertainment.
4. Allow me to explain our role: The Ministry of Digital was established in 2023 with a steadfast purpose — to drive Malaysia’s digital transformation and strengthen our global competitiveness. Our goal is forward-looking; by 2030, the digital economy will contribute 30% to Malaysia’s GDP.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS, EMBRACING COLLABORATION
5. The digital games sector is one of Malaysia’s most dynamic creative industries — driving exports, creating high-value jobs, and strengthening our global reputation. Over the years, LEVEL UP KL has been the launchpad for success stories for local game development companies.
6. Companies like Les’ Copaque Production, in collaboration with Streamline Studios, launched Upin & Ipin Universe in July 2025 — a vibrant open-world adventure game inspired by Southeast Asian culture and the beloved animated series. Les’ Copaque Production is well known as a pioneering force in Malaysia’s 3D animation industry, with over 60 awards won locally and internationally. Their bold expansion into gaming marks a new chapter in interactive storytelling, bringing Malaysian heritage to global audiences through immersive digital experiences.
7. Adding to this momentum is Gigabash by Passion Republic, a title that has captured global audiences and was recognised as the Best In Play Winner at the Game Developers Conference 2022 in San Francisco. Passion Republic is also one of Malaysia’s leading game development studios, renowned for its contributions to global blockbuster titles like Elden Ring, The Last of Us, and Spider-Man.
8. We also celebrated No Straight Roads by Metronomik, described by Forbes as “one of the greatest games for 2020,” praised for its humour, art direction and innovative gameplay. Metronomik is a recipient of MDEC’s Digital Content Grant in 2018 and currently 4 supported under the Digital Game Testbed Programme. They are also collaborating with Japan’s Shueisha Games on No Straight Roads 2. This partnership reflects the growing international recognition of our local talent.
9. Similarly, Magnus Games Studio, creators of Re:Legend, are also collaborating with Shueisha Games on a new original global IP titled Project Survival. Their breakout title, Re:Legend, became Southeast Asia’s most funded Kickstarter project and was ranked number one globally on Steam in 2019.
10. For your info, Shueisha Games is the iconic publishing house behind legendary manga such as Dragon Ball Z and Naruto, bringing global recognition and creative synergy to this collaboration.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
11. These strategic alliances not only elevate Malaysia’s position in the global gaming industry but also reflect the creative synergy and international confidence in our homegrown studios. Our local digital game companies are not just ready for the global stage, we are already shining on it.
12. However, with great opportunity comes a challenge: creativity alone can only take us so far. In today’s interconnected world, collaboration is the currency of success. To compete globally, ASEAN must unite — sharing talent, resources, and platforms to amplify our collective impact.
13. Let’s grab this moment at LEVEL UP KL to interact, learn, share knowledge, and trade insights. Use this platform to explore future-shaping trends through thought-leader keynotes and panels from across the globe.
TRAILBLAZERS AMONG US
14. This year, we bring you the very best in the industry — trailblazers like Dan Bunting, the creative force behind the global phenomenon Call of Duty, now driving the next wave of innovation through 1AM Gaming. And visionaries like Henk Rogers, the man who transformed Tetris into a cultural icon and continues to push the boundaries of technology.
15. These leaders remind us of a simple truth: bold ideas, paired with relentless passion, can change the world. 16. We welcome delegates from over 20 countries like Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, US, Spain, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Canada, Pakistan, Taiwan and UK, with more than 2,500 participants expected across the conference, exhibitions, and showcases. Together, we are shaping the future of ASEAN’s creative economy, with projected outcomes including:
A. RM150 million in export opportunities,
B. 350 business meetings, and;
C. 70 participating exhibitors from across the globe.
BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR INNOVATION
17. Our digital infrastructure is advancing rapidly. With nationwide 5G coverage, developers now have access to high-speed, low-latency environments required for multiplayer, cloud-based, and real-time games. This opens new frontiers for immersive and socially connected experiences.
18. But infrastructure alone is not enough. It must be matched with talent and supportive policies.
19. The government, through MDEC, has launched incentive programs worth RM15 million to boost local digital content such as games, animation, and creative tech. These initiatives aim to help studios create original IP, scale production, and compete globally.
20. Among these is the Digital Games Testbed Programme (DGTP) with an allocation of RM3.5 million to help Malaysian studios create new game genres and work with international partners. This programme focuses on innovation, co-production, and knowledge sharing, positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for game development.
21. These initiatives go beyond building an industry — they are about empowering creators, driving innovation, and securing Malaysia’s rightful place in the global digital economy.
22. LEVEL UP KL is where national progress meets regional ambition. It is a space where developers connect with publishers, where ideas become prototypes, and where Southeast Asia’s digital games community finds its collective voice.
CLOSING
Ladies and Gentlemen,
23. The future of digital games is not only about technology. It is about people. It is about the stories that shape us, the communities we build, and the opportunities we create for future generations.
24. Malaysia is ready. Ready to innovate, lead, and inspire. So let us level up together and shape a digital future where creativity knows no boundaries.
Thank You. #END#
