Malaysia Launches Orange Economy Drive

On 5 April, Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi announced the immediate formation of the Orange Economic Council, a body tasked with energising Malaysia’s burgeoning creative sector. By bringing together industry leaders, government agencies and academia, the council aims to turn film, animation and related arts into a cohesive growth engine for the national economy.

The term ‘Orange economy’ captures the value of cultural and creative industries, a sector that has long been eclipsed by manufacturing and commodities in Malaysia. Recent successes of local films and the rise of animation studios have shown untapped potential, prompting the government to act before regional rivals, such as Thailand and Indonesia, pull further ahead.

If the council can streamline funding, nurture talent and forge export pathways, analysts predict the creation of thousands of skilled jobs and a surge in foreign direct investment. Moreover, a vibrant Orange economy could enhance Malaysia’s soft power, showcasing its stories on the global stage and diversifying revenue streams away from volatile commodity markets.

For Malaysians, the council signals a shift towards a more diversified economy, opening career paths in film, animation, game design and related services. Young creatives may find greater funding and mentorship, while investors can tap into a sector poised for export growth. In everyday terms, this could mean more local content, higher wages in creative jobs and a boost to national pride.

Beyond immediate job creation, a thriving Orange economy can reposition Malaysia as a cultural hub in Southeast Asia, attracting tourism and international collaborations. It reduces reliance on oil and palm oil revenues, cushioning the nation against commodity price shocks. Over the next decade, sustained growth could see Malaysia ranking among the top exporters of digital media content in the region.