The Malaysian animation industry: a study on government funding and grants / Jolaina Mohd Nasseri

This qualitative study focusses on the Malaysian animation industry and
government with regards to its funding and grants. To gain insight into the central
focus of this study, four research questions were addressed: (1) What are the issues
hindering the success of companies / studios in the Malaysian animation industry?
(2) What kind of funds and grants are available in the Malaysian animation
industry? (3) How relevant and effective are these funds and grants for animation
companies and studios? And (4) how are these funds and grants being distributed
and received by companies and studios? This qualitative study examines the various
Animation Industries that currently exist in certain South East Asian countries, with
Malaysia as its focus. Case study research methods uncovered key discoveries
through in-depth semi-structured interviews with nine companies or studios located
in the Cyberjaya area. Thematic analyses were employed to analyse the data.
It was found that there are plenty of government funding and grants available and
that these funds and grants greatly assist in keeping afloat companies and studios
in the local animation industry. As such, many companies and studios rely wholly
on the government for their subsistence. This study also managed to observe areas
where the system can be abused leading to inefficiencies in the animation industry.
Despite the problems that were observed, the Malaysian animation industry
continues to grow at a steady pace. The findings reveal that perhaps this growth
could be higher and faster than what it currently is.