Malaysia and Indonesia launch major creative‑economy initiatives

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the creation of the Majlis Ekonomi Jingga (MEJ), a top‑level council to steer the development of the country's creative, cultural and innovation sectors, known as the orange economy. The MEJ will advise the government on policy, strategy and implementation, aiming to boost jobs and growth in areas such as digital content, media, entertainment and intellectual property while aligning with the Malaysia MADANI vision.

In Indonesia, the Ministry of Creative Economy and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology signed an agreement to strengthen the creative‑economy ecosystem through the Rindekraf 2026‑2045 master plan. The partnership focuses on research commercialization, talent development, curriculum redesign, industry‑linked internships and stronger intellectual‑property protection, with flagship programmes like Creative Hub, Creative by Indonesia and Creative Villages.

Both moves signal a regional push to harness creativity and innovation as new growth drivers and to create more skilled jobs in their respective economies.