Latest news with #CEMI
The Star
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Setting the stage for mega concerts in Malaysia
MANY fans in Malaysia know the mixed feelings they get when they see their favourite musicians announce their latest world tour. 'I get all excited at first, but then I'm disappointed because they usually never include Malaysia in their world tour, even though they go to other countries in Asia,' says 33-year-old Jasmine Chang, who lists artists like Lady Gaga, Blackpink and Megan Thee Stallion among those in heavy rotation on her daily playlist. Although Lady Gaga performed in Singapore recently, Chang couldn't justify to herself the cost of attending the concert. 'Like I genuinely considered going for it in Singapore, but it cost too much and the ticket prices are already high,' she laments. 'I did go for Blackpink though,' she adds, referring to the K-pop idol group's concert in Malaysia back in 2023. But these concerts are not just about fulfilling a fan's dream of watching their favourite musicians perform live; they are part of a giant industry of live events that not only contributes directly to the country's GDP but also boosts other sectors of the economy as well. From venue hires to stage production, hotels to restaurants, and transportation services, the ripple effect of a large-scale concert can be substantial, as already proven by reports estimating that the Taylor Swift concert in Singapore in March last year boosted the country's first-quarter GDP by up to S$400mil (RM1.32bil). In Malaysia, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching recently revealed that the 408 concerts held in the country last year had generated an additional RM553mil through high-impact adjacent sectors. And indeed, aside from Blackpink's concert, which saw over 60,000 people attending, Malaysia has seen other high-profile concerts by major artistes in recent years, such as Coldplay, Muse, Ed Sheeran, IU, Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars and Maroon 5. With so much potential for growth in this industry and its ripple effect across other sectors, Malaysia is now making a concerted effort to position itself as the go-to destination for major international live events. Part of their effort includes the Concert and Event in Malaysia Incentives (CEMI) initiative, which is a financial rebate introduced to support large-scale, high-impact concerts and events held in Malaysia with over 15,000 attendees. The deadline to apply for this incentive was July 10, and a source within the Communications Ministry says they have received over 100 applications for CEMI in total. 'Many of which are plans for next year's shows for Q1 and Q2 of 2026. So CEMI actually achieved its purpose,' says the source to Sunday Star. The 'safe' next step Industry players and fans alike welcome the move, but they say more targeted support, regulatory reform, and strategic planning are needed to take the next big leap. Pro tem Music Industry Committee (JK-PTIM) member Joe Lee says he sees CEMI as the 'next step' in the government's grander plan to revitalise the local music scene, specifically live music. The Dana Kandungan Digital grant, which was first introduced five years ago for various disciplines of music, was a promising has since been rebranded as Dana Kandungan Kreatif under Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, with a focus on supporting mid-tier organisers and promoters through grants for live events with a minimum crowd capacity of 2,500. 'CEMI is the next step for those taking on the top tier to address 'high-impact' events for audiences of 15,000 and above. 'High impact meaning the spillover event of the event itself, meaning a boost to other sectors as well, including tourism, covering hotels, F&B, transportation and so on. 'While it may not be as much as what we've seen our neighbours splurge on, it is definitely a step, albeit a 'safe' step, forward,' says Lee, who also runs an entertainment agency. However, he notes that there are only a few 'major players' in the live events category, and thus, he says, CEMI seems to be more of an encouragement to established players to improve and to newer outfits to be more serious in their endeavour. 'It would be easy to say you should just dump a load of cash and bring Taylor Swift or Coldplay or any bankable act. 'The fact remains that there are multiple factors we have to keep in mind.' It is safe to say that every organiser and promoter has a wishlist of acts they want to see in Malaysia that is similar to that of the average music fan, Lee says. 'But whether it be the management, the artist, the cost and so on, we are realistically limited in many ways.' Fingers crossed for next year At the end of the day, he says, even with the boost from CEMI, the development of the live music scene in Malaysia falls back onto the industry players themselves. 'If our promoters and organisers in turn elevate their game, I have no doubt that the proven results will see the government take the live music industry more seriously and invest more in the near future.' On the government's part, the source from the Communications Ministry says they think the ministry has come up with many tweaks to help the industry. They point out that there have been more live venues and performances popping up in Malaysia recently, and that Fahmi had revised Puspal guidelines, implemented since May 1, to revamp accessibility and safety measures at such events. With CEMI setting the stage for more major live acts next year, Lee also adds he knows of many concerts and ongoing negotiations that music fans would be thrilled about, if all goes well. 'Just keep your fingers crossed, if all goes well, 2026 will be an amazing year to save up for starting now.'
Barnama
16-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
37 CEMI Applications Received As Of June 12
SANDAKAN, June 16 (Bernama) -- The Concert and Event in Malaysia Incentives (CEMI), a financial rebate initiative introduced by the Communications Ministry through MyCreative Ventures (MyCV) on May 15, has received 37 applications as of June 12, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. She stated that the government had allocated RM10 million for CEMI to boost the local creative industry through strategic partnerships in concert and event management nationwide. 'I strongly encourage industry players, especially those in Sabah, to take this opportunity and apply for the incentive before the application deadline on July 10, 2025. 'CEMI covers two types of applications for concerts and events featuring international or local artistes. The incentive aims to support the organisation of large-scale concerts and music events for 15,000 people and more,' she told reporters after opening the 'Ask Me Anything' road tour for the 2025 Creative Content Fund (DKK) – Music Industry by MYCV here today. She noted that the growth of the concert industry in Malaysia has generated significant returns for the country, prompting the introduction of the incentive. 'In 2023, a total of 335 international concerts were held in Malaysia, contributing over RM498 million to the national economy. In 2024, this number rose to 408 international concerts, generating RM553 million in returns,' she said. Meanwhile, Teo urged the arts and creative community in Sabah and Sarawak to apply for the DKK provided by the government as part of efforts to develop a competitive and impactful music industry. 'The government has allocated RM6.3 million for DKK. Three DKK programmes are being actively implemented, including the Music Performance Fund, which is open for applications until June 30,' she said, adding the deadline for the International Marketing and Promotion Fund and the Domestic Marketing and Promotion Fund is on Dec 1.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
37 CEMI applications received as of June 12
SANDAKAN: The Concert and Event in Malaysia Incentives (CEMI), a financial rebate initiative introduced by the Communications Ministry through MyCreative Ventures (MyCV) on May 15, has received 37 applications as of June 12, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. She stated that the government had allocated RM10 million for CEMI to boost the local creative industry through strategic partnerships in concert and event management nationwide. 'I strongly encourage industry players, especially those in Sabah, to take this opportunity and apply for the incentive before the application deadline on July 10, 2025. 'CEMI covers two types of applications for concerts and events featuring international or local artistes. The incentive aims to support the organisation of large-scale concerts and music events for 15,000 people and more,' she told reporters after opening the 'Ask Me Anything' road tour for the 2025 Creative Content Fund (DKK) – Music Industry by MYCV here today. She noted that the growth of the concert industry in Malaysia has generated significant returns for the country, prompting the introduction of the incentive. 'In 2023, a total of 335 international concerts were held in Malaysia, contributing over RM498 million to the national economy. In 2024, this number rose to 408 international concerts, generating RM553 million in returns,' she said. Meanwhile, Teo urged the arts and creative community in Sabah and Sarawak to apply for the DKK provided by the government as part of efforts to develop a competitive and impactful music industry. 'The government has allocated RM6.3 million for DKK. Three DKK programmes are being actively implemented, including the Music Performance Fund, which is open for applications until June 30,' she said, adding the deadline for the International Marketing and Promotion Fund and the Domestic Marketing and Promotion Fund is on Dec 1. 'Applications can be submitted via the MyCV portal,' she said. Teo said today's programme is part of an initiative to reach out to the local arts and creative community and encourage them to apply for the DKK. At the event, the Sandakan Creative Arts and Local Musicians Association received RM80,000 under DKK's Music Performance Fund to host the Sandakan Nature City Loud Festival 2025 next month.
Daily Express
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
RM10 million allocated to boost concerts, events under CEMI
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 By: Mardinah Jikur Text Size: Teo presents a mock cheque to representatives from the Sandakan Creative Arts and Local Musicians Association. SANDAKAN: A total of RM10 million has been allocated under the new Concerts and Events in Malaysia Incentive (CEMI), aimed at supporting Malaysia's creative and events industry. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the Budget 2025 allocation through MyCreative Ventures is designed to raise industry standards and promote strategic partnerships. Advertisement She said the incentive supports large-scale concerts and events with a minimum venue capacity of 15,000, featuring both local and international acts to boost the national economy. Launched on 15 May, CEMI accepts applications under two categories -concerts and events for either international or local performers - subject to specific eligibility criteria. Teo announced this during a media conference after attending the 'Ask Me Anything' outreach programme here, where she also presented an RM80,000 Creative Content Fund (DKK) grant to the Sandakan Creative Arts and Local Musicians Association. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah urged to ride the concert wave with RM10mil federal boost
SANDAKAN: For years, Sabah's music scene has watched the concert wave break over the peninsula — but a new RM10mil federal incentive may finally send that wave east. The Concert and Event Incentive Malaysia (CEMI), introduced under Budget 2025 and managed by MyCreative Ventures (MyCV), is offering rebates of up to 30% for organisers of large-scale concerts and music events. The programme aims to boost the presence of East Malaysian organisers in the country's booming entertainment economy. While the RM10mil CEMI fund is available nationwide, the government is ramping up engagement in Sabah and Sarawak to encourage more participation from there — where concert activity and access to federal funding have traditionally lagged behind. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said Malaysia saw 408 international concerts held in 2024 alone, generating RM553mil for the economy — but most were concentrated in the peninsula. 'Sabah's music has its own unique identity. We want to make sure this incentive benefits organisers here too,' she said after officiating the Kembara Ask Me Anything – Industrial Development Programme in Sandakan on Monday (June 16). Under CEMI, concerts featuring international artists with venue capacities of over 15,000 may qualify for rebates of up to RM1.5mil, provided at least 20% of eligible spending is local and 30% of the team — including crew, performers, or production staff — are Malaysians. Events that hit 60% ticket sales 30 days before the show and involve local artists are eligible for an additional RM100,000 bonus. Meanwhile, events featuring local artists that spend at least 70% of total expenses in Malaysia can receive rebates capped at RM1mil. These organisers may also qualify for a RM100,000 bonus if they hit 60% advance ticket sales and 20% of final sales are from international buyers. Teo stressed that rebates are only claimable after events to prevent misuse of public funds. 'We've received 37 applications so far, but we want more from Sabah and Sarawak. Many people don't know about this yet, and we're doing this roadshow to raise awareness,' she said. The application deadline is July 10. Teo also presented a symbolic cheque worth RM80,000 to the Sandakan Creative Arts and Local Musicians Association, one of the 2025 recipients under the Dana Kandungan Kreatif (DKK) music performance grant. The funding will go towards the Sandakan Natural City Loud Festival, set to take place in July. 'This is proof the money is reaching local organisers,' she said. 'We want to see more beneficiaries from Sabah and Sarawak.' The DKK programme, restructured in 2023 from the former Dana Kandungan Digital, has a total allocation of RM6.3mil for 2025. It supports music performance grants, as well as international and domestic marketing and promotional activities. Teo said the initiative has helped create over 9,000 job opportunities since its revamp in 2022, and encouraged more East Malaysians to apply through MyCV's official portal. The Sandakan event marked the first stop in MyCV's 2025 Kembara AMA Sabah-Sarawak series, which aims to engage directly with the creative community and expand access to federal opportunities. The team will head to Kota Kinabalu next on June 18–19, followed by Kuching on June 21.
