Gobind (fifth left) and Julaihi exchange memento, witnessed by Abang Johari (fourth left). – Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo

KUCHING (Nov 26): Sarawak is set to host Malaysia’s first global digital animation and gaming event with the Borneo Animation & Games Festival (BAGF) 2026.

According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the festival, scheduled for Aug 2026, follows an agreement between the Federal Digital Ministry and the Sarawak government.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved the formation of a joint committee, comprising the representatives from the state government and the Digital Ministry through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), to finalise preparations for the event.

“We want to bring a global event to Sarawak in August 2026. With the Premier’s agreement, the committee will draw up detailed proposals before I present them to the Cabinet in the first quarter of next year,” Gobind told reporters after paying a courtesy call on the Premier here.

BAGF 2026 will be an international-level festival, part of Sarawak’s effort to position itself as the ‘Heart of Southeast Asia’s Digital Creative Industry’.

The five-day festival is expected to draw 300 industry delegates, 40 per cent of participants from overseas, and feature more than 200 exhibitors from Malaysia and abroad.

Global industry giants such as Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, Sony Pictures Animation, Konami and Nintendo are expected to participate.

The event will focus on business development, including business-matching sessions, industry networking, and an ‘Elevator Pitch’ platform to create commercial opportunities for local talent.

Gobind added that BAGF 2026 will support national agendas such as AI Nation 2030, requiring close coordination between federal and state governments as well as local authorities.

The Premier has also agreed to form a technical committee to define the festival’s roadmap, implementation model, and long-term cooperation.

Hosting BAGF 2026 is expected to position Sarawak as a new hub for animation, digital gaming and the creative technology industry in Southeast Asia.

Also present were State Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, and a delegation from the Digital Ministry.