
Govt to boost creative economy, prioritise animation sector
KUALA LUMPUR : The government is focusing on strengthening the creative economy to boost Malaysia's competitiveness and produce high-value content for both the local and international markets.
Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the aim is to develop commercially viable works that can be exported, while also nurturing talent and expanding the creative industry's value chain.
'We hope these efforts will increase our competitiveness through the production of works with high commercial value for local and international enjoyment, including the exports of IPs,' he said at a press conference after the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Fahmi said his ministry would direct MyCreative Ventures to manage funding while Finas would oversee certification and licensing – particularly in line with the government's focus on animation.
He said this follows Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's instruction to prioritise the animation sector.
Fahmi also announced a nationwide online briefing tonight to grassroots leaders to explain the government's initiatives under the 13MP.
'When we support grassroots efforts in spreading government aspirations, the people benefit in the long run,' he said.
Earlier today, Anwar tabled the 13MP in the Dewan Rakyat, which included major reforms to the education and economic systems, and policies for an ageing population.
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AUGUST 3 — The call by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) on the government to implement a formal diversion policy for children in conflict with the law is long overdue. As explained by the commission, a diversion mechanism allows children accused of minor or non-violent offences to be redirected away from the criminal justice system into community-based programmes focused on education, counselling, and behavioural support. This approach would not only reduce the risk of criminalisation and social stigma but also address underlying issues such as trauma, neglect, or mental health. Such a policy is not a denial of accountability, but a shift towards restorative and rehabilitative justice which is proven to be more effective and humane for children. Diversion can be defined in different ways, but the term always refers to measures for dealing with children in conflict with the law without resorting to formal judicial proceedings or formal trial. A more comprehensive description of diversion is this: it is the channelling of children who are in conflict with the law away from judicial proceedings through the development and implementation of procedures or programmes that enable many - possibly most - to avoid the potential negative effects of formal judicial proceedings, provided that human rights and legal safeguards are fully respected. (See Unicef, Toolkit on Diversion and Alternatives to Detention, 2009) The purpose of diversion is to avoid instituting judicial proceedings against children in conflict with the law, or to suspend judicial proceedings, as well as to influence a child's proper development; to enhance their personal responsibility; and to promote their reintegration into society. Make no mistake that the use of the term is not recent. The writer says Suhakam is right to push for a child diversion policy — a move long championed by Unicef as key to protecting children's rights and futures. — Picture by Raymond Manuel According to Unicef, the term is already used by the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (1985), also called 'Beijing Rules'. It can be found in Rule 11 which reads as follows: 11. Diversion 11.1 Consideration shall be given, wherever appropriate, to dealing with juvenile offenders without resorting to formal trial by the competent authority. 11.2 The police, the prosecution or other agencies dealing with juvenile cases shall be empowered to dispose of such cases, at their discretion, without recourse to formal hearings, in accordance with the criteria laid down for that purpose in the respective legal system and also in accordance with the principles contained in these Rules. 11.3 Any diversion involving referral to appropriate community or other services shall require the consent of the juvenile, or her or his parents or guardian, provided that such decision to refer a case shall be subject to review by a competent authority, upon application. 11.4 In order to facilitate the discretionary disposition of juvenile cases, efforts shall be made to provide for community programmes, such as temporary supervision and guidance, restitution, and compensation of victims. The above acknowledges that diversion has been practised on a formal and informal basis in many legal systems. It serves to hinder the negative effects of subsequent proceedings in juvenile justice administration. Four years later in 1989, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is also said to have promoted diversion, without using the term. This can be found in Article 40(3)(b) which stipulates that 'State Parties shall seek to promote the establishment of laws, procedures, authorities and institutions specifically applicable to children alleged as, accused of, or recognised as having infringed the penal law, and, in particular … whenever appropriate and desirable, measures for dealing with such children without resorting to judicial proceedings, providing that human rights and legal safeguards are fully respected.' Diversion is also a measure in the United Nations Guidelines for Action on Children in the Criminal Justice System (1997), also called 'Vienna Guidelines'. The Guidelines provide a comprehensive set of measures that need to be implemented in order to establish a well-functioning system of juvenile justice administration, consistent with international standards. Guideline 42 on Diversion states as follows: 'To prevent further overreliance on criminal justice measures to deal with children's behaviour, efforts should be made to establish and apply programmes aimed at strengthening social assistance, which would allow for the diversion of children from the justice system, as appropriate, as well as improving the application of non-custodial measures and reintegration programmes. To establish and apply such programmes, it is necessary to foster close cooperation between the child justice sectors, different services in charge of law enforcement, social welfare and education sectors.' According to Unicef also, European instruments too have incorporated diversion, albeit not comprehensively. The European Rules for Juvenile Offenders Subject to Sanctions or Measures (2008) do not mention diversion, but the Guidelines of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on Child-Friendly Justice (2010) state as follows: 'Alternatives to judicial proceedings such as … diversion (of judicial mechanisms) … should be encouraged whenever this may best serve the child's best interests.' (See Guideline 24). This year is the 40th and 15th anniversaries of the Beijing Rules and the European Guidelines respectively. Do we sit further on diversion? Kudos to Suhakam — especially its Chief Children Commissioner, Dr Farah Nini Dusuki — for highlighting the term. The Madani government must act without delay. For the sake of our children – our greatest treasure and our future. * This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.


Malay Mail
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In a recent Economist Impact–EY study, 69 per cent of Malaysian employers and 90 per cent of employees agreed that acquiring new skills is essential for career progression. Yet 57 per cent of respondents reported that they do not clearly understand which specific skills are most in demand — a problem that has implications for both graduates and curriculum designers. Modern ESG reporting relies heavily on technology. Carbon accounting tools, climate risk dashboards, and ESG analytics platforms are integral to corporate reporting. Yet, most accounting programmes do not include training on ESG data tools or sustainability analytics. The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) has recognised this issue. Its revised Competency Framework identifies ESG, climate change awareness, and sustainability literacy as essential future skillsets for accounting professionals — urging universities to embed these elements into their programmes. The private sector is already responding. In late 2024, KPMG and ACCA jointly launched a pioneering ESG learning programme aimed at upskilling accountants in ESG strategy, governance, and reporting. This move reflects wider trends among employers seeking finance professionals who are not only compliance-oriented but also ESG-literate and digitally equipped. In many classrooms, ESG is still framed as a compliance issue — a checklist of disclosures rather than a strategic business lever. This mindset limits graduates' ability to contribute meaningfully to ESG integration within corporate strategy, risk assessment, and long-term value creation. To meet future employer expectations, ESG must be taught not just as regulation, but as strategy — a lens through which financial performance, stakeholder engagement, and long-term resilience are assessed. Ethics has always underpinned accounting education. But ESG has added new complexities — from greenwashing to ethical sourcing to stakeholder manipulation. Unfortunately, these dilemmas are rarely tackled in current ethics modules, leaving future accountants underprepared for modern challenges in sustainability reporting. While professional bodies like MIA have begun issuing updated guidance, full integration into undergraduate teaching remains inconsistent. ESG is not a passing trend — it is now a defining factor in corporate performance and stakeholder trust. For Malaysia to remain competitive in a sustainability-driven global economy, its accounting graduates must be ready. Universities must embed ESG as a core pillar of accounting education — not as an elective afterthought. Interdisciplinary learning should bring together environmental science, social impact, and governance practices with financial expertise. At the same time, stronger industry-academic linkages are crucial. Internships, ESG case simulations, and partnerships with real companies can bridge the classroom and the boardroom. Digital upskilling is equally vital. Proficiency in ESG reporting software, data dashboards, and integrated reporting platforms must be a baseline — not a bonus. The foundations for reform are beginning to take shape. But unless they are implemented more quickly and consistently, Malaysian universities risk falling behind — and so will the graduates they produce. As ESG reshapes the future of business, the role of the accountant must evolve in tandem. The question is no longer whether universities should adapt, but whether they can do it fast enough. The future of the profession — and Malaysia's sustainability leadership — may depend on the answer. *Zarina Zakaria is an Associate Professor at the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business and Economics, and may be reached at [email protected] **This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.