Malaysian Contingent Strengthens Presence at ATF

SINGAPORE: The official contingent of Malaysia has doubled its presence at the Asia TV Forum from 2010 to 2011, with a record of more than 60 companies currently on hand at the exhibition and conference.

Datuk MD Afendi Datuk Hamdan, the chairman of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) is leading the Malaysian delegation to ATF this year. FINAS made a joint effort with the Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission (SKMM) and Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), in association with the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and supported by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture to increase the focus on Malaysian content in the global marketplace.

Currently at the ATF, Malaysia is hosting a national pavilion, a Coffee Point Pavilion, an ATF “Spolight on Malaysia” conference, an ATF Opening Lunch Reception and Networking Event between FINAS and MDA (Singapore). Among the companies attending from Malaysia are LiTV Asia, Vision Plus Entertainment, Worldwide Rights Corporation, Astro Entertainment, Radio Television Malaysia (RTM), Animasia Studio and Total Sports Asia.

Mohd Naguib Razak, the director general of FINAS, said, “Today, Malaysia has developed its industry into a very strong positioning where its local content demand is now bringing significant revenue to many local film and television producers, as well as becoming ‘exportable quality’ contents worldwide. FINAS will remain committed in the industry and further support and promote content development in the region for the world.”

Razak added, “Ultimately we hope to play a collaborative role in the region to help creative all around growth and opportunities amongst our ASEAN partners.”