CMCF Supports ANIFEST 2024 as a Platform to Strengthen Malaysia’s Creative Arts through Technology Exposure and Industry Networks
Kuala Lumpur, 5 November 2024 — The eighth edition of ANIFEST Creative Arts Festival attracted thousands of visitors from diverse backgrounds at KL Gateway Mall, under the theme “Creative Arts Integration.” This year’s ANIFEST brought creative arts and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) elements together in a vibrant and interactive environment, inviting artists, creators, and enthusiasts to explore art’s potential in a technologically connected world.
In his keynote address, Dr. Muliyadi Mahamood, former Professor of Art History and Cartoon Studies at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), stated, “This year’s ANIFEST reflects the multidisciplinary nature of today’s art world, spanning diverse technologies, academic disciplines, media, forms, styles, messages, and meanings. In this context, the foundation of Malaysia’s diverse art scene certainly also meets and fulfils various intended objectives, whether from a commercial, humanitarian, physical, or spiritual perspective.”
Ethical Content Creation for a Digital Era
A festival highlight was the “Etika Kandungan Berhemah” session led by the Content Forum, addressing the importance of ethics in content creation within Malaysia’s rapidly growing creative industry. This session emphasised the professional and social responsibility creators hold, aiming to foster a creative space where values and ethics remain paramount. Through this conversation, attendees gained insights into ethical standards that not only maintain the integrity of content but also resonate with a global audience.
The Content Forum’s role extended into moderating the “Wacana Kandungan: Integrasi Seni Kreatif dalam Era Digital,” which featured panellists like Mr. Azrie Izham Hamzah (lecturer at ASWARA), Mr. Azizan Ruba’an (Deputy Principal of PROFIMA Academy), and Tuan Dhiyat Muhaimin (winner of the Content Forum’s Animated Short Film Competition).
In the session, Azizan emphasised the importance of promoting Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage—not only to keep it alive but also to help Malaysian arts stand out globally. He also urged local artists to adopt new technologies, allowing them to create fresh, impactful work that resonates with art enthusiasts worldwide. By tapping into digital tools, Malaysian creators can expand their reach internationally, making their work more recognizable and putting Malaysia on the global arts map.
Empowering Malaysia’s Creative Arts Ecosystem
Beyond ethical discussions, ANIFEST 2024 served as a meeting ground for artists, art lovers, and industry stakeholders. Visitors were treated to a range of creative activities and tech-enhanced art showcases, allowing them to immerse themselves in the latest trends and innovations in art and design.
The festival’s inclusive approach promotes a vision for creative growth that bridges art with technology and education. This mission aligns with ANIFEST’s goal to create a thriving platform for Malaysia’s creative talents, enabling them to share their work, exchange ideas, and develop industry connections.
ANIFEST 2024 delivered a vibrant festival experience, enriching Malaysia’s creative arts landscape and cementing its position as a growing hub for innovation and cultural expression in Southeast Asia.
