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#SHOWBIZ: Ejen Ali a highlight of Malaysia's creative talent at Osaka World Expo

#SHOWBIZ: Ejen Ali a highlight of Malaysia's creative talent at Osaka World Expo

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's beloved animated character, Ejen Ali, continues to make history, having been honoured with the opportunity to represent Malaysia at the prestigious World Expo 2025 currently taking place in Osaka, Japan.
Symbolising the aspirations of Malaysian youth in the digital era and the future of technology, Ejen Ali's involvement on this international stage not only brings immense pride to the local animation industry but also showcases the growing global recognition of Malaysia's creative talent.
Ejen Ali and Ejen Alicia's presence at the Malaysia Pavilion has proven to be an extraordinary draw.
Visitors from various countries have been observed queuing for long periods just for the chance to meet and take photos with these animated heroes.
The enthusiastic reception demonstrates the global appeal of this homegrown intellectual property (IP) by Primeworks Studios and Wau Animation.
Representing the strength of Malaysia's creative industry, Ejen Ali conveys universal messages rooted in courage, integrity, and loyalty – values that are easily understood and embraced across different cultures.
A statement from the creators highlighted that even though many visitors in Osaka were encountering the character for the first time, the dynamic visuals and spirited narrative on display immediately captured their attention.
"Among the most heartwarming moments was when a Japanese child returned to the booth after watching a trailer and excitedly declared, 'I want to be like him!'
"This moment perfectly illustrates Ejen Ali's subtle yet effective ability to convey Malaysian aspirations, inspiration, and identity," it said.
Ejen Ali The Movie 2 director and Chief Content Officer of Wau Animation, Usamah Zaid Yasin, also visited the Malaysia Pavilion on July 21 and 22.
He also took part in a special sharing session, revealing the creative process behind the development of the Ejen Ali franchise and WAU Animation's vision for producing world-class animated content.
The session received an overwhelming response from visitors of diverse backgrounds, including Japanese creative industry professionals who expressed keen interest in learning more about the IP, thereby opening doors for future international collaborations and partnerships.
The World Expo 2025, currently running until Oct 13, is expected to welcome over 28 million visitors from across the globe.
As a platform that unites international ideas, technology, and cultures, Ejen Ali's participation strengthens Malaysia's position in creative content, digital education, and cultural diplomacy on a global scale.
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