MSC Malaysia Intellectual Property Creators Challenge (IPCC) Announces 2011 Winners

Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) today announced the winners of the MSC Malaysia Intellectual Property Creators Challenge 2011 (IPCC 2011). The MSC Malaysia IPCC 2011, themed ‘Malaysiana’ saw almost 200 submissions from all across the country for the categories of Animation, Computer Casual Games and Digital Interactive Comics.

“Compared to last year, we have seen an increase of submissions by about 38% over last year’s figures, which underlines the importance and significance of this fund. The ‘Malaysiana’ theme, allowed contestants the opportunity to tap into our rich tapestry of folklore, history and real-life experiences.  The submissions we received were a colorful smorgasbord of Malaysian culture, and I can’t wait to see how these ideas will be brought to life with not just the funding, but the industry-specific training and support that MDeC is providing,” said Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, Chief Executive Officer of MDeC.

20 winners in the Animations Category earned RM50, 000 each to develop a 3-minute “sizzle” animations, whilst the 10 winners of the Casual Games Category gained RM50,000 each to develop a commercial-ready game, and the 17 recipients of the Digital Interactive Comic Category each received  RM20, 000 to develop a 40-page comic publication and digital interactive comic. 

Animation Winners at IPCC 2011

IPCC 2011 is aimed at funding the multimedia companies and individuals alike with the creative talent to take their ideas to the next level. A total of almost RM1.9 million in grants, which marked a 50% increase from 2010 was disbursed in order to move winner’s ideas past the conception stage and onto a platform where they can produce world-class content that leverages upon Malaysia’s rich historical, cultural and social elements.

Since the first iteration of IPCC in 2006, over 170 individuals and companies have received a total of approximately RM6.5 million in financial support and development space at Cyberjaya, access to MSC Malaysia Animation and Creative Content Centre’s (MAC3) facilities and as well as consultancy from industry heavyweights that will further help them turn their ideas into reality. 

“The MSC Malaysia IPCC has been a successful platform for content creation and acceleration for local talents where locally owned intellectual property can be identified and developed. The worldwide content industry is worth more than US$2 trillion per annum, and with our talent, infrastructure and creativity, I’ve no doubt that we can be a part of and contribute to this lucrative industry,” continues Datuk Badlisham Ghazali.

Presentation by Sifu Media on their idea of Pendekar Luncai

The Malaysian industry already looks favorably upon the advertising animation,  digital content, film and television, games, music and video segments and has estimated that the industry itself is estimated to be worth RM16 billion. The expectation for 2013 estimates a growth of 0.52% within the Malaysian workforce as well as a total GDP contribution of about 1.7%. 

Not only does the IPCC empower the nation but it also supports the MSC Malaysia Phase 3 initiatives by increasing job opportunities and revolutionizing the country’s economy by providing the right tools. 

Participants of the IPCC 2011 were tasked to express their creativity and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges who are leading experts within the industry. The IPCC 2011 judges also included Abdul Hakim Amir bin Nazri, Assistant Vice President for the Content Development Unit of Astro, Mohan Low Han Sen, CEO for Leet Games Consulting and Marketing Sdn Bhd, and Fadzli bin Zamani, Promotion Manager/Editor for Karangkraf Sdn Bhd amongst many others. 

Finalists in each of the categories will now stand to gain industry-specific training through a series of workshops, which will provide them with a foundation to take their ideas to the next level.