Championing Creativity and Responsibility: Content Forum’s Animation Competition Inspires Students Across Malaysia

CYBERJAYA, 16 AUGUST 2024 — In an inspiring endeavor to elevate the Malaysian creative industry, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Content Forum (Content Forum) launched its first-ever Animation Short Film Competition earlier this year. The competition, which concluded with a grand finale in August 2024, invited talented students from Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs) across the nation to demonstrate their skills in animation, guided by the principles of responsible content creation.

A Platform for Prudent Storytelling

Rafiq Razali, Chairman of the Content Forum, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This initiative aims to promote the value of prudent content among students by using the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Content Code (Content Code) as the basis for storytelling. This is in line with Content Forum’s mission to support the development of quality creative content in our country.”

The competition, aptly themed “Inovasi Dalam Penciptaan Kandungan Berhemah” (Innovation in the Creation of Prudent Content), sought to enhance awareness of responsible content among students while igniting their creative sparks and honing their visual communication skills through the medium of animation.

Collaboration for a Creative Future

The competition received overwhelming support from prominent organizations such as the Malaysian Creative Arts and TVET Festival Association (ANIFEST), the Animation Educators Association of Malaysia (PPAM), and Multimedia University (MMU), Cyberjaya. These collaborations played a pivotal role in orchestrating the event’s grand finale, demonstrating a shared commitment to nurturing the future of Malaysia’s creative industry.

Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mazliham Mohd Su’ud, President of MMU, remarked, “As a reputable government-linked university, MMU will always provide support to creative professionals, as an effort to give exposure to students in fields of study focused on the creative industry, which are offered at this university.”

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Celebrating the Brightest Minds in Animation

The competition’s top honor was awarded to the students of the National Academy of Cultural Arts and Heritage (ASWARA) for their outstanding animation, T.M.I.. Their creation, which explores the dangers of oversharing information online, captivated the judges and secured them a cash prize of RM6,000. Nadiah Farhanah binti Alfian, representing the winning team, shared her insights: “I don’t think this is good because sometimes we end up sharing or oversharing. This information is accessible to anyone, so everyone can see and know. Therefore, I want to convey the message that we need to be careful with what we share so that we can protect ourselves from those who have bad intentions or who deliberately want to ruin our lives.”

The full list of winners is as follows:

First Place (RM6,000): T.M.I.

• Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA)
  1. Nadiah Farhanah binti Alfian
  2. Siah Yi Jie
  3. Khalida Batrisyia binti Kairul Annuar

Second Place (RM4,000): Hihang Hoheng Hanah

• UiTM Puncak Perdana
  1. Tuan Dhiyat Muhaimin bin Tuan Yuhailan
  2. Badrul Munir bin Mad Asri

Third Place (RM2,000): Teknologi

• Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA)
  1. Amirul Hadif Danish bin Azaharuddin
  2. Mohamad Ilhamhamid bin Abdul Murad
  3. Aiman bin Amrul

Consolation Prizes (RM500):

• Etika Pengguna Yang Berhemah
  • UiTM Melaka Cawangan Jasin
  1. Muhammad Fahmi bin Md Yusof
• Kerana Bahasa, Badan Binasa
  • Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA)
  1. Abi Ariff Ilham bin Ismail
  2. Farish Iqmal bin Zumali
  3. Ariq Danial bin Yusran
• Buni
  • UiTM Puncak Perdana
  1. Nureen Razanah binti Razdan
  2. Arfa Najwa binti Hadi

Insightful Discussions and Expert Guidance

Beyond the awards, the event was enriched by a talk session led by Hassan Muthalib, revered as the Father of Malaysian Animation. His pioneering contributions, dating back to the 1970s, continue to inspire the new generation of animators. His iconic works, such as Hikayat Sang Kancil, Arnab yang Sombong, and Gagak yang Bijak, maintain their relevance and influence in today’s creative landscape.

The event also featured a forum session moderated by Fionaa Cassandra, which included a distinguished panel of industry experts: Mediha Mahmood, CEO of the Content Forum; Usamah Zaid Yasin, CEO of WAU Animation Sdn. Bhd.; and Encik Anuar Hassan, known affectionately as the cartoonist Sireh, an animation lecturer from MMU, Cyberjaya.

A Bright Future for Malaysian Animation

Rafiq Razali concluded the event by congratulating all participants and expressed his optimism for the future, stating, “You are all national assets who will continue to advance this creative industry to a higher level.”

The success of this inaugural competition sets a promising precedent for future endeavors, as the Content Forum continues to champion the development of quality creative content in Malaysia.