Asean Digital Content Summit kicks off in Johor Bahru

The Digital Ministry through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) raised the curtains of the Asean Digital Content Summit (ADCS 2025), to be held from 2 to 4 September 2025 at Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor Bahru. The event is organised in official collaboration with the Johor State Government, demonstrating both national and state-level commitment to advancing Asean’s digital economy. 

Held in conjunction with Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship 2025, the summit brings together over 50 global and regional thought leaders, over 100 exhibiting companies and buyers, and country pavilions from more than 10 participating nations. ADCS 2025 aims to drive innovation and cross-border collaboration in animation, games, and creative technology bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, studios, startups, investors, and creators from across Asean and beyond.

The summit kicked off with the Asean Roundtable on 2 September, a high-level dialogue focused on strengthening collaboration in animation, games, and creative technology development. The roundtable will spark deeper partnerships among Asean member states, reinforcing the region’s position as a global creative hub. Attendees can also look forward to inspiring sessions featuring international icons such as Studio 4°C co-founder and a creative visionary behind the acclaimed Japanese anime Akira, Koji Morimoto.

The Kre8tif! Business Xchange will connect Asean creators with local and international broadcasters, distributors, and investors through curated pitching and matchmaking sessions. Meanwhile, the exhibition hall will feature the latest in digital content from over 100 companies, alongside country pavilions representing leading studios and startups from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and other Asean nations. 

This platform offers corporates, small-medium enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and government agencies the opportunity to explore partnerships in animation intellectual property (IP), game solutions, and immersive interactive content to expand into Asean markets.

In support of talent and research, ADCS 2025 will showcase 50 global technical papers and more than 60 local and international university projects and IPs providing a stage for students to present their work, gain industry recognition, and connect with regional leaders. This initiative is organised in collaboration with KL Chapter ACM Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques (SIGGRAPH), and the Digital Innovation Creativepreneur (DICE 3.0) programme.   

According to MDEC chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil, the summit will serve as a defining platform to accelerate the growth of the region’s creative economy. “ADCS 2025 is not just a summit – it’s a game-changer and marks Johor’s bold leap toward becoming the beating heart of Asean’s digital content revolution. By bringing together the region’s innovators, masterful storytellers, and technology leaders, we are thrusting Johor into the spotlight as the epicenter of gaming, animation, and immersive content.” 

Hosted in Johor Bahru, against the backdrop of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the summit reflects the state’s growing position as a hub for creative industries and cross-border collaboration.  “With Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship 2025 as our strategic advantage, we’re championing digital content as a powerhouse of economic growth and cultural influence across Southeast Asia. And with the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone as our launchpad, Johor is poised to attract investments, unleash world-class talent, and drive cross-border collaborations that will elevate Asean’s creative economy to global prominence,” said Anuar. 

“MDEC is pleased to be collaborating with the Johor State Government, its agencies and organiser GoFluence to ensure the summit delivers impact and meaningful opportunities for creators, investors and industry leaders,” added Anuar.

Public visitors can look forward to a dynamic lineup of weekend activities, including esports tournaments, outdoor movie screenings (featuring BoBoiBoy Movie 2 and Out of the Nest), exclusive merchandise giveaways, and family-friendly activities at B5 Johor Street Market celebrating Asean’s vibrant pop culture.

On 4 September, the celebration continues with a special screening of the Malaysia Animation Film Festival (MAFF), featuring a curated selection of Malaysia’s animated shorts. Nationwide public screenings will follow at selected GSC cinemas beginning 16 October 2025.