Sarawak will host the first international-level animation and digital games festival in Malaysia, the Borneo Animation & Games Festival (BAGF) 2026.
The festival, scheduled to take place in August 2026, is being implemented through close collaboration between the Federal Digital Ministry and the Sarawak State Government. The Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) announced that both parties have reached an agreement to establish a joint committee to coordinate preparations. The committee will bring together representatives from the state government and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to ensure its implementation runs smoothly.
Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo explained that Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has given his approval for the formation of the committee. He stressed that with the Premier's mandate, the committee will draft detailed proposals before presenting them to the Cabinet in the first quarter of next year.
Gobind also stressed that the organisation of this festival is in line with the national agenda such as AI Nation 2030, thus requiring close collaboration between the federal government, state government and local authorities. Abang Johari also gave his approval to establish a technical committee that will draft a roadmap, implementation model and long-term collaboration to ensure the success of the festival.
BAGF 2026 is expected to last for 5 days and bring together around 300 industry representatives, with 40 percent of participants being international. More than 200 exhibitors from Malaysia and abroad will participate, including global giants such as Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, Sony Pictures Animation, Konami and Nintendo.
In addition to the exhibition, the festival will focus on industry development through business matching sessions, professional networking and a short presentation platform aimed at opening up commercial opportunities for local talent.
