REPORT ON CONNECTASIA 2021 - TWO DAY FORUM EVENT

“4th Edition CONNECTASIA 2021 : 2.0 INTERACTIONS WITH INDUSTRY”

INTRODUCTION

Programme
For the 4th time since 2017, FINAS & KKMM in association with CCAM has again successfully
organized ConnectASIA 2021, an Industry specific Symposium and Networking event for the
Creative Digital Content Industry. This fourth in the series of ConnectASIA events is a
continuation of two similar programs previously held called Content Malaysia in 2014 & the
content side of KL Converge in 2015.

The objectives of this particular edition are: -

1. Showcase local content & launch of anti piracy campaign
2. Discuss the impact of the Covid 19 Pandemic on the content industry.
3. Showcase new platforms and Channels
4. Introduce new OTT players
5. Briefing on current trends under the new normal
6. Explore new opportunities in international markets / demand of content
4. Sharing of experiences of successful projects
5. Provide Business Networking opportunities

The event was organized with the support of the main Industry Associations as well as major
companies and broadcasters in the industry.

BENEFITS
The Event provided the following benefits to the local
content industry:

a) Provided a platform for local content creators to keep abreast of current and future
trends.
b) Sharing of Government policies and incentives with industry players. (FINAS/FIMI/DKD/
Road to Oscar)
c) The potentials of digital content ecosystem from local broadcasters were presented and
discussed.
d) Potential buyers and broadcasters from the OTT and new TV platforms.
e) Brought interaction between international OTT players with local players
(IQIYI/VIU/Tencent/WebTVAsia)
f) Interaction with government bodies (FINAS/MDEC/MyCreative Ventures/PUSPAL)

EVENT INFORMATION
Date : Wednesday, 7 April 2021, 9.30 am – 5.00 pm
Thursday, 8 April 2021, 9.30 – 5.00 pm
Venue : Auditorium Sime Darby Convention Center, Kuala Lumpur
Admission : Open to all Content Industry Players.

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About ConnectASIA 2021

ConnectASIA 2021 is a 2-day event specially designed for Malaysian Film & TV industry
audio-visual and content creation professionals. ConnectASIA 2021 strives to give industry
professionals all the keys needed to face the current challenges, develop their business and
expand their industry knowledge, so that they can create more business opportunities, not
only locally but globally.

ConnectASIA 2021 proposes an exciting line up of forum sessions that present the essentials
of how to best develop the industry. Among the topics to be discussed are as follows:

 Intellectual property (IP): Protect Yourself!

 Shaping the TV landscape after a year of COVID-19
 Content Development & Production
 The Road to Oscars
 Funding & Industry Support
 Filming in Malaysia

ConnectASIA 2021 is organized with the following objectives:

 To provide the industry with an annual event to inspire and encourage the creation
and acquisition of fresh and transnational creative content.
 To position Malaysia as a hub for Filming, (co)Producing and Post-Producing for both
local production houses and develop more international investment in production.
 To offer a showcasing platform for the Malaysian feature film, television, and
animation industry players to develop new business opportunities.
 To create a one-stop playground for the Malaysian audio-visual and content creation
industry to not only expand their contacts, but also to develop beneficial network for
future business prospect.

ConnectASIA 2021 has arranged a very insightful program to INSPIRE the creation of new
ideas and business opportunities in the future. Go beyond what lies in the ordinary and step
up to your full potential!

Follow on CCAM FB Live :

https://www.facebook.com/101506048377272/videos/295706461942345/

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REPORT ON TWO DAY FORUM EVENT

Date : Wednesday 7 April 2021

Venue : The Auditorium, Sime Darby Convention Centre, Bukit Kiara, KL

DAY 1
09:35 Speech by CCAM Chairman - YBhg Dato’ Khairul Anwar Salleh

NOTES :-
 The Chairman welcomed all delegates and introduced CCAM to the audience
 He explained the objectives of CCAM and the successes of the past events and the KPIs
achieved then.
 He thanked FINAS & KKMM for their continual support.
 He said CCAM will continue to play an important role in the development and marketing
for the Digital Creative Content industry.

09:40 Speech by FINAS CHAIRMAN – read by YBhg Dato’ Norman Abdul Halim

NOTES :-
 The Deputy Chairman outlined FINAS’s plans in the past year in supporting the industry
during the pandemic months.
 FINAS is focused on ensuring that all industry players benefit from governmental
support scheme and that those worse affected by non-employment receive monetary
benefits efficiently
 FINAS is pleased that this event brings people together for exchange of information,
networking and exploring new opportunities.
 The event was officially launched by YBhg Dato Norman at 10.00am

10:00 AM Launch of “Jangan Tonton Haram” - ANTI - PIRACY CAMPAIGN

& screening of PSA Video. The representatives were:
 FINAS - Dato’ Norman Abdul Halim
 CCAM - Dato’ Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim
 IQIYI - Mr Dinesh Ratnam
 Media Prima - Dato’ Khairul Anwar Salleh
 Skop Productions - Datuk Yusof Haslam
 Astro - Pn Laila Saat

NOTES :-
 Dinesh introduced and explained the importance of fighting piracy.
 He illustrated some examples and outlined the incentives provided to report piracy
 Dato Norman and the other speakers announced their own commitments and support
for the campaign.
 The panel agreed that enforcement from authorities has to be more effective.
 This Anti-Piracy Campaign received wide coverage in the media

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10:45 Morning Break

11:00 AM 1st Session moderator – Ms Marini Ramlan

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) : PROTECT YOURSELF !
 Shin Associates - Ms Jessie Tan
 PFM - Mr Zahrin Ishak
 Les Copaque - Mr Karyabudi Mohd Aris
 MyIPO - Mr Mohamed Fairuz Mohd Pilus

NOTES :-
 The Moderator introduced all the speakers and their background.
 Jessie explained the IP terms and how content makers can protect themselves
 Zahrin on the other hand say market forces will determine the outcome and in some
cases to just go with the flow, battling piracy can be expensive.
 Karyabudi spoke of LCP’s experience in protecting their IPs especially on Upin & Ipin.
The practicality of ensuring there are no infringement of rights and piracy of its
assets has taken a lot of effort, time and legal cost. Documentation must be
complete to show proof.
 Fairuz stressed the importance of registering your IP and encourages more
understanding & learning of the legal framework to protect your IP

12:30 PM Lunch

02:00 PM 2nd Session moderator – Ms Haniza Ros Nasaruddin

SHAPING THE TV LANDSCAPE AFTER A YEAR OF COVID-19
 Astro - Ms Agnes Rozario
 Sirius TV - Tn Hj Khairuddin Abdul Rahman
 MPTN / Primeworks - Ms Nini Yusof
 iQIYI - Mr Dinesh Ratnam
 Viu - Ms Sahana Kamath
 Tencent WeTV - Mr AK Heng

NOTES :-
 The Moderator Ms Haniza Ros, introduced all the speakers and their background.
 The Moderator led Dinesh on iQIYI Malaysia plans and its local content partnership
with both Astro & Media Prima. IQIYI has a very big presence in China and rivals
Netflix in footprint in Asia.
 Sahana spoke of Viu’s expansion plans. With HQ in Hong Kong, it has seen its
subscription increased significantly over the pandemic months in 2020.
 Nini mentioned that as Malaysia’s first OTT, Tonton, was ahead of the curve and had
foreseen the demand popularity of OTT and catch-up TV.
 Agnes said that Astro is committed to anti-piracy and on developing local
productions. During the months of cinema closure, Astro First presented itself as an

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alternative platform for producers to launch their movies, with some notable
comedy & horror titles reaping record home box office.
 AK explained that for Tencent, WeTV and iFlix will maintain two separate identities
to cater to different audiences. They wish to preserve iFlix’s footprint in many Asian
countries and have invested heavily in outstanding Asian content.
 For Sirius TV, Tuan Hj Khairuddin has invested heavily in mirroring Astro’s set up to
become an alternate choice for Pay TV in Malaysia. Recently launched 15 channels, it
is undergoing a technical testing phase and is confident of being a favourite platform
for local producers.

3:30 PM Afternoon Break

3:45 PM 3rd Session moderator – Ms Gayatri Su Lin Pillai

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT & PRODUCTION
 WebTVAsia - Mr Fred Chong
 Astro / Astro Shaw - YM Raja Jastina Arshad
 All3Media International - Ms Kit Yow
 MPTN / Primeworks - Ms Airin Zainul

NOTES :-
 The Moderator introduced all the speakers and their background.
 Fred explained that for WebTVAsia, they invest heavily in marketing on social media
as well as traditional forms like TV and billboards (more on clients’ requirement)
with sometimes unexpected results. Brand visibility is important and getting as
many eyeballs as possible on its content drives the revenue stream.
 All3Media from UK, has many iconic productions which format can be adapted
locally. Kit mentioned that production quality is key to gaining audience approval as
they have become for discerning and have wide choices of selection.
 Raja Jastina recounted the successful launches on Astro First over the last 12 months
and how they have helped local producers reach the audience when the was cinema
closure. According to her, this avenue is more suited to local films with budgets of up
RM 1.5 m
 Airin oversees the animation licensing for Primeworks and aims to develop more
local IPs in the same manner Ejen Ali has successfully exploited its appeal to young
audience.

5:00 PM End of DAY ONE

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Date : Thursday 8 April 2021

Venue : The Auditorium, Sime Darby Convention Centre, Bukit Kiara, KL

DAY 2
09:35 Speech by CCAM CEO - YBhg Dato’ Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim

NOTES :-
 The CEO welcomed all delegates and recounted what transpired during the forum
sessions in the previous day - Day One.
 Attendance for Day One and Day Two was at full capacity allowed under CMCO SOP
rulings - 90 pax and this shows the industry thirst for such gatherings to share and
exchange information and knowledge.
 The usual participation of international buyers was omitted for this event due to
borders still remaining closed.
 CCAM remains committed to promoting Malaysian content to the world

09:40 Speech by KKMM Deputy Secretary General (Operation)

– Mr Tan Chuan Ou

NOTES :-
 Mr Tan recounted the challenges faced by the industry and the Government support
to provide solutions and ensure the hardship faced by many is mitigated.
 He mentioned the many challenges and new technology in front of the industry as a
result of the new digital age as compared to the traditional markets.
 He commended FINAS & CCAM for bringing the industry together and encouraging
debate and discussions on many issues affecting the industry.
 The Ministry will always fight for the Digital Creative Content industry as it sees it as
a major driver of the economy

09:55 Screening of video trailers & live performance by Badrish. A special

performance was presented compliments of MyCreative Ventures which was very well
received by the audience.

10:00 am 1st Session moderator - Dato’ Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim

THE ROAD TO OSCARS
 FINAS - YM Raja Khairul Azman Raja Abdul Karim
 Les Copaque - Tn Hj Burhanuddin Md Radzi
 FINAS BoD - En Haris Sulong
 PFM - Mr Zahrin Aris
 PTVM - Mr Richard Ung

NOTES :-
 The Moderator introduced all the speakers and their background. This session was put
together for the industry to hear details of the program which is being managed by
FINAS.

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 Haris outlined FINAS’s plan for the Road to Oscars and the training, technical
development and international marketing required to achieve success. At the moment
the program is yet to be officially launched, whilst the application for the budget has
been forwarded to the Ministry.
 Raja Khairul reiterated FINAS’s action plan to ensure more films being developed in the
pipeline and to continue to be sent for participation at International Festivals & markets
 Hj Burhanuddin gave an interesting account of his own experience in submitting and
attempting to qualify for the Oscars after winning in Canada. It is an expensive affair
trying to get members of the Academy to screen and vote for it. A budget is requited as
foreign films need to be screened for a week in a cinema in Los Angeles and the most
challenging aspect is the efforts that will be required to get the juries to view the film.
 Zahrin Aris said that whilst PFM and the industry support FINAS’s plan for The Road to
Oscars, it is important that a budget allocation is made available for this purpose. A
blueprint should be introduced and a regular dialogue be established between film
makers and FINAS.
 Richard also gave the commitment from PTVM in support of FINAS and said that
production quality will need to be improved significantly to compete in the international
arena. He said film making must be commercially viable for a going concern.

10:45 Morning Break

11:15 2nd Session moderator – Mr Hasnul Hadi Samsuddin

FUNDING & INDUSTRY SUPPORT
 MyCreative Ventures - Pn Roz Ghafar
 FINAS DKD - Mr Mohd Fazli Abdul Aziz
 MDeC - Ms Janice Lim
 MATRADE - Mr Damian Santosh Samson

NOTES :-
 The Moderator introduced all the speakers and their background.
 Roz explained the various Funds available for different categories and the criterias
for an application to be successful. MyCV also has soft loans available to support the
digital creative content industry. The marketing grant for advertising on social media
is applicable for SMEs to market and expose their products.
 Fazli gave an overview of FINAS DKD and the various funds utilized to assist the
industry such as for films, TV productions, documentary, content for OTT platforms,
crew support and incentives.
 For MDEC, Janice informed that they primarily focus on animation & gaming
companies but currently all funds have closed.
 Damian says MATRADE’s network of offices all over the world can assist Malaysia
sellers open up the segment by assisting in local introductions. Its MDG grant for
exporters remain popular.

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12:30 midday Lunch

02:00 PM 3rd Session moderator – Mr Rashid Karim

FILMING IN MALAYSIA
 PUSPAL - Pn Siti Syafiah Noryana
 FINAS FIMI - Mr Halim Anen
 Independent Pictures - Pn Zurina Mohd Ramli
 Supernova Media - Ms Georgina Tan
 Biscuit Films - Mr Magen Appathurai

NOTES :-
 The Moderator introduced all the speakers and their background.
 Zurina described the challenges in the past year and how businesses have stopped
for local sponsors bringing in foreign production teams. She also questioned the
regulations in place and how effective the policy has been.
 Gina spoke from a post production perspective and how supportive she is for local
talent and staying competitive and creative
 Magen said the Ministry should share its blueprint and master policy in order to
enhance understanding of its objectives. Malaysia must remain competitive and
promote its incentives & easy shooting process to attract foreign producers.
 Halim explained FIMI’s application process & criterias for foreign & local productions.
 Noryana answered all questions posed and reaffirmed PUSPAL’s commitment to
assisting companies involved in this Filming in Malaysia sector. Despite ongoing
computer upgrades, PUSPAL’s JK Committee still meets regularly on a weekly basis
to review and approve applications

3:30 PM Afternoon Break

04:00 PM Networking & Interactions session

NOTES – some notable achievements :-

 Sirius TV, MyCV and KLIX booths recorded a healthy traffic of inquiries from
delegates throughout the two day event.
 Both Sirius TV and KLIX had on average 35 meetings on each day and demonstrated
their channels
 Industry players networked amongst themselves and producers were able to interact
with broadcasters directly.

5:00 PM End

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ACHIEVEMENTS

 A total of 39 speakers comprising personalities from the government sector,

broadcasters/platform operators/Producers participated at the Forum
 The event attracted a lot of interest from the industry with registrations
exceeding 380 pax for the two day event.
 Total numbers of companies registered were 160 companies
 Due to SOP the auditorium is only able to seat a max of 90 persons. This has
consistently been achieved over the two day event.
 The event was well supported by experienced and eminent members of the
local content industry players including those from the TV and cinema and the
industry-related services sector.
 Support also came in from MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd, Astro, Media Prima
Berhad & Primeworks Studios, Animasia, WebTVAsia, iQIYI International, KLIX,
Sirius TV, Les Copaque Productions and Iskandar Malaysia Studios.

SUMMARY

Participants : 380 local content players

Panel and Speakers : 39
Panels and events : 8
Booths (Showcase) : 3 - KLIX / Sirius TV / My Creative Ventures
Special launch : “Jangan Tonton Haram” (Anti Piracy Campaign) which
was covered by TV3 on their news channel.

Representation from 160 Malaysian Companies : 380 pax in total

 Industry players including Industry Associations i.e. PFM / FDAM / PROFIMA /

PTVM / SENIMAN / POSTAM / CCAM
 Local broadcasters – Media Prima, ASTRO, RTM
 IPTV broadcasters – Sirius TV, Enjoy TV, IFlix, WebTVAsia, Iqiyi, Viu
 Government bodies: KKMM, FINAS, MDEC & SKMM
 Finance services bodies - MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd.

Many delegates have approached us to say that they were grateful to be a part of
the event as well as to extend their thanks for a well managed event. A request for
the future is that there should be more time allocated to each of the topics
presented.

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SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.

Thank you to YBrs Tuan Zakaria Abdul Hamid, Chairman of FINAS and YBrs Dr Ahmad
Idham Ahmad Nadzri, the CEO of FINAS for their support of this Event and to YBrs En
Tan Chuan Ou, the Deputy Secretary General of KKM who graced the occasion on the
2nd day of the Forum.

Thank you also for the participation from YBhg Dato Norman Abdul Halim
representing the Chairman of FINAS, En Haris Sulong, representing the FINAS Board,
YM Raja Khairul Azman for FINAS Marketing, En Fazli Aziz for Dana DKD, En Halim
Anen for FIMI. The presence of their Board members and Directors throughout the
two day event shows the seriousness and commitment of FINAS. And our deepest
appreciation and gratitude for the tremendous support from Bahagian Latihan FINAS.

CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The TV and Film Industry need an annual event as a platform for players to learn,
share and exchange ideas in addition to networking opportunities for business.

2. This program complements international trade missions and market access

programs which can only be participated and afforded by a small group of successful
and established players. Hence organizing an annual local event is economically
sensible and encourages foreign investment in Malaysia.

3. The success and support of the local as well as foreign participants indicate the
relevance, validity and need for this event to be organized annually which should
grow into a full regional market being organized in Malaysia in the near future.

4. FINAS and CCAM are the recognized and correct bodies to organize and promote
this event for the industry especially with the support of KKMM.

5. It has been proven that the local industry has enough talent and products as well
as enormous potential to expand in line with the nation’s aspirations. This event
provides the ideal platform for the many companies who plan to venture overseas.

6. The local content creation industry needs to be bench marked against

international standards in order for progress and improvements to be charted over
the course of time.

7. The program complements FINAS’s training and marketing program to develop the
industry.

Prepared by:
Creative Content Association Malaysia (CCAM)
11.4.2021

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Welcoming Speech by the Chairman of CCAM - Dato’ Khairul Anwar Salleh

Official Opening Address by the Deputy Chairman of FINAS

- Dato’ Norman Abdul Halim

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Official Opening Address by the Deputy Chairman of FINAS

- Dato’ Norman Abdul Halim

Launch of Anti-Piracy Campaign

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Day 1 Session 1: Intellectual Property (IP) : Protect Yourself!

Day 1 Session 2 : Shaping The Landscape TV After A Year of Covid - 19

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Day 1 Session 3 : Content Development & Production

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2nd Day Welcoming Address by CEO of CCAM - Dato’ Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim

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Keynote Speech by TKSU (S) KKMM - YBrs. Mr Tan Chuan Ou

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Performance by MYCREATIVE PENJANA beneficiary

- Badrish (Liver and Lung Productions)

Day 2 Session 1: The Road to Oscars

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Day 2 Session 2 : Funding & Industry Support

Day 2 Session 3 : Filming in Malaysia

Booth - KLIX

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Booth - Sirius TV

Booth - MyCreative Ventures

Group photo with YBrs. Mr Tan Chuan Ou

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