Image via IMDb
The local animation scene is celebrating a historic moment. Ejen Ali The Movie 2 (EATM2), produced by Wau Animation, has soared past RM40.6 million at the Malaysian box office in just 13 days. This stunning achievement makes it the highest-grossing Malaysian animated film to date, proving that local stories, when told with passion and skill, can achieve incredible success.
This milestone also shines a spotlight on the thriving digital content ecosystem in Malaysia. With strong visuals, a powerful original score, and storytelling that resonates with both children and adults, Ejen Ali 2 is not just a cinematic hit, it’s a cultural phenomenon.
Local Support Driving Global-Ready Content
Image via Wau Animation
Much of this success can be credited to the comprehensive support provided by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Through the Digital Content Grant (DCG), MDEC has been instrumental in nurturing Wau Animation from its early days. That support has evolved from incubation to direct funding, advisory services, promotional campaigns, and networking opportunities that connect creators to bigger markets.
Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO of MDEC, emphasized that this triumph reflects the world-class talent within the country. “Ejen Ali is a proud symbol of Malaysian storytelling excellence,” he said. “We are honored to have played a role in its journey and will continue to support more local creators through DCG and our digital content roadmap.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Creators
Image via Wau Animation
For Usamah Zaid Yassin, Founder of Wau Animation, this success is more than just numbers. “It’s a victory for the entire industry. We’ve come a long way, and we hope this opens more doors for emerging studios and talents,” he shared. His words underscore a growing sentiment: that Malaysian creators are ready to lead not only regionally but globally.
In alignment with this mission, MDEC is currently running the Animated Shorts Challenge, aimed at cultivating the next wave of creative intellectual properties (IPs). The initiative is open to submissions until 13 June 2025 and continues MDEC’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s DICE (Digital Content Ecosystem) Roadmap.
Laying the Foundation for a Digital Creative Nation
Image via ejenali.fandom.com
With over RM87 billion in total revenue, RM11 billion in exports, and RM80 billion in cumulative investments, Malaysia’s creative content industry is booming. Ejen Ali’s success serves as a catalyst for even more ambitious projects that can put Malaysia on the global map as a digital content powerhouse.
MDEC’s consistent focus on nurturing quality, export-ready digital content proves that with the right support, local creators can achieve world-class success. From Upin & Ipin to Mechamato, and now Ejen Ali, Malaysian animation is not just thriving, it’s redefining what’s possible.
Want to Be the Next Big Name in Animation?
Think you have the next Ejen Ali in you? Submit your original animated short to MDEC’s Animated Shorts Challenge before 13 June 2025. Let your story be the one that inspires the world next.
Apply now at https://www.mdec.my/animated-shorts-challenge
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