expat Archives

11th April 2023

Dear Valued Clients

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

In view of upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, we wish to inform that the Expats Service Centre will be closed on 21st April 2023 (Friday) from 12.00pm to 4.00pm. However, our Front Counter will be closed for the whole day on the said day.

Expats Service Centre will resume as usual on 25th April 2023 (Tuesday). Please take note that there will be a minimal

support available for services in Expats Service Centre during the Hari Raya week.

Endorsement of Employment Pass / Dependant Pass / Other Related Pass and Services

The last day for submission of:

Original passport for Transfer of Endorsement and Cancellation of Pass will be on 14th April 2023 (Friday). Please take note that we will not accept original passport from 17th April 2023 until Expats Service Centre resume on 25th April 2023 in view of security reason.
Endorsement will be on 17th April 2023 (Monday). For applications submitted after 17th April 2023, the

applications will only be processed after the festive holidays.

As such, we encourage you to plan your submissions of applications to ensure a smooth process for expatriate services.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157 or email us at

[email protected]

Yours sincerely,

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

16th March 2023

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

In line with the announcement made by the Expatriate Service Division (ESD) of the Immigration Department on 14th November 2022, https://esd.imi.gov.my/portal/latest-news/announcement/myxpats-epass-briefing-2022/ on the introduction of Electronic Pass (ePASS), please be informed that effective from 17th March 2023, ePASS will be issued for RENEWAL APPLICATION of Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) including their dependent/s.

With the implementation of the new feature, company may download and print the ePASS from the system. Please take note on the additional information for ePASS:

The Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) including their dependent/s MUST ensure that the ePASS is attached to the passport as identification at all times.

The ePASS will be issued for the Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) including their dependent/s that are currently in Malaysia and the latest pass was endorsed in the same passport.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157 or email us at [email protected].

Yours sincerely,

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

6th March 2023

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

We refer to our announcement dated 6th January 2023 (BSD–EXPATS–ANNC–MDEC–190 D20230106) on the above matter. We would like to highlight that companies are required to obtain prior approval from Director General, Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) before employing Expatriate/Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) based on the provisions of Section 60K, Employment Act 1955.

As such, effective from 15th March 2023, submission of FKW projection without the approval letter from JTKMS will be put on hold since the letter is a MANDATORY document. We hereby seek your cooperation to adhere to the requirements made by the Government of Malaysia.

For further assistance and detailed information, you may email JTKSM directly at [email protected] or contact their office at 03-8886 2498/5192/2361.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us via email at [email protected] or contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157.

Yours sincerely,

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

27th February 2023

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

We refer to our announcement dated 15th April 2022 (BSD–EXPATS–ANNC–MDEC–176 D20220415) on the enhancement of Expats system, please be informed that effective from 1st March 2023, Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) under Employment Pass categories III (EPIII) including their dependent/s that has been approved and currently abroad is now allowed to collect pass sticker at ESD Satellite Centre (ESC), Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 (KLIA1).

Please take note on the additional information for collection of pass sticker purposes:

Once submitted and processed, company will be notified via email to download a Confirmation Letter in the system. FKW including their dependent/s are required to show this letter upon collection of pass sticker.
Only FKW and their dependent/s who arrived at KLIA1 are eligible to collect the pass sticker at ESC. For those who arrived at other than KLIA1, the pass sticker must be collected at Expats Service Centre.

In cases where the issuance of pass sticker is unsuccessful at ESC, company may email us at [email protected] for the next arrangement.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157 or email us at [email protected].

Yours sincerely,

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

We refer to announcement (CCFS–MFS–ANNC–MDEC–100 D20191030) dated 30th October 2019. Please be

informed that any Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) and the dependents who has obtained a new passport while the current pass (Employment Pass/Dependent Pass/Social Visit Pass) is still valid, Transfer of Endorsement (TOE) to the new passport is COMPULSORY. Any pass in the old passport is considered invalid once a new passport is obtained.

Effective 15th January 2023, the TOE application MUST be made via Expats system and manual submission via Immigration counter is no longer allowed. Company must ensure that the TOE process has been completed prior to submission of new/renewal application.

We seek company cooperation to ensure that the FKW and/or dependent comply with the process to avoid any operational and technical issues related to the TOE process and/or any pass application.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us via email at [email protected] or contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157.

Yours sincerely,

eXpats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

In line with announcement made by the Minister of Human Resource on 21st December 2022, effective from 1st January 2023 for employment of Expatriate/Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) companies are required to register with Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM).

For registration purposes, kindly refer to https://jtksm.mohr.gov.my/ms/berita-pengumuman/2973-permohonan-2 and fill-up the form under Expatriate employment application. For detailed information and further assistance, you may email [email protected] or contact their office at 03-8000 8000/8886 5192.

Effective from 1st February 2023, proof of submission or approval letter from JTKSM MUST be submitted upon submission of FKW projection and this is a MANDATORY document. We seek your cooperation to adhere to the requirements made by the Government of Malaysia.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us via email at [email protected] or contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157.

Yours sincerely,

eXpats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

In view of an upcoming event on 9th December 2022, we wish to inform that operational hours for Expats Service Centre will be as follows:

Expats Service Centre Front Counter (Cyberjaya) is from 8.00am to 12.00pm
Expats Service Centre (Northern Office) is from 8.00am to 11.00am.

Since we will be away, we encourage you to plan your applications ahead to ensure a smooth process at all ends.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us at 03-83153106/3157 or email us at [email protected]

Your kind understanding is highly appreciated

Yours sincerely,

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

We wish to inform, that some of our officers from Expats Service Centre in MDEC will be involved in an event. Details of event are as follows:

Date : 28th October 2022 (Friday)

Time : 9.00 am to 6.00 pm

Therefore, there will be minimal support available for services in Expats Service Centre on that day. Since we will be away, we encourage you to plan your applications ahead to ensure a smooth process at all ends.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157 or email us at [email protected]

Your kind understanding is highly appreciated

Yours sincerely,

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

In line with the announcement made on 24th November 2021 on the new process for endorsement of pass, please be informed that effective from 17th October 2022(Monday) the endorsement process at Expats Service Centre – Northern Branch will be as follows:

Company to initiate online endorsement process and MUST upload documents for endorsement purposes.

Please refer to the checklist in Expats website – www.expats.com.my
Company must bring original passport to Expats Service Centre to be affixed with the pass sticker.

With the implementation of the new endorsement process, company MUST observes the followings:

For application that the Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) is outside Malaysia, company may initiate online endorsement once FKW has entered Malaysia and entry stamp has been uploaded.
Company MUST bring the original passport within 5 working days after receiving the notification that the sticker is ready to be affixed on the passport.
Email appointment will be sent to the company and company MUST confirm the appointment before visiting our Expats Service Centre-Northern Branch
Company MUST ensure that the passport is in a good condition to affix the sticker.

Please note that with this new process, MDEC will no longer keep the passport from 17th October 2022 for submission

of endorsement.

However, for online endorsement application submitted before 17th October 2022, company may proceed to submit the original passport following the current process until 28th October 2022 (Friday).

Should you require more information and assistance, please email us at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from eXpats Service Centre!

Effective from 1 November 2022, the eXpats system is open for submission of FKW Projection for 2023. We advise only companies with FKW headcount requirement for 1st Quarter of 2023 to submit for the projection to ease the approval process. Companies may continue to submit the FKW projection as and when required throughout the year 2022.

Please take note that the submission for 2022 FKW projection is still open until 14th November 2022. As such, kindly ensure to choose the right year for your request. Any balance from FKW projection that has been approved in year 2022 will be forfeited by 31st December 2022.

Company may proceed with FKW projection submission via login to www.expats.com.my. Please adhere to the supporting document’s requirement as stated in eXpats system.

Submission Checklist:

https://titan.mdec.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Checklist-Updated-230822.pdf

Kindly contact us at 03 8315 3000 or e-mail [email protected] should you need further assistance.

Your kind understanding is highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Sdn Bhd

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

Pursuant to our announcement on upcoming Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations dated 30th June 2022, we wish to inform that Expats Service Centre will be closed on 8th July 2022 (Friday) from 8.00am to 5.00pm. Expats Service Centre will resume as usual on 12th July 2022 (Tuesday) at 8.00am.

As such, we encourage you to plan your submissions of applications to ensure a smooth process for expatriate services.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157 or email us at [email protected]

Your kind understanding is highly appreciated.

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

We refer to the announcement dated 15th April 2022 (Ref No: BSD–EXPATS–ANNC–MDEC–176 D20220415) on collection of pass sticker at ESD Satellite Centre (ESC), Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 (KLIA1).

Kindly be informed that effective from 15th July 2022, companies are required to select ESC, KLIA1 for collection of pass sticker under the logistic arrangement of Expats System. This requirement applies to all NEW applications of Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) including their dependent/s under Employment Pass categories I and II (EPI and EPII) that are currently abroad.

For reference, following are the details of Employment Pass categories:

Please take note on the additional information for collection of pass sticker purposes:

1) Once submitted and processed, company will be notified via email to download a Confirmation Letter in the system. FKW including their dependent/s are required to show this letter upon collection of pass sticker.

2) Only FKW and their dependent/s who arrived at KLIA1 are eligible to collect the pass sticker at ESC. For those who arrived at other than KLIA1, the pass sticker must be collected at Expats Service Centre.

In cases where the issuance of pass sticker is unsuccessful at ESC, company may email us at [email protected] for the next arrangement.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157 or email us at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

In view of the upcoming Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations, we wish to inform that Expats Service Centre will be closed for half day on 8th July 2022 (Friday) from 12.00pm to 5.00pm. Expats Service Centre will resume as usual on 12th July 2022 (Tuesday) at 8.00am.

As such, we encourage you to plan your submissions of applications to ensure a smooth process for expatriate services.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157 or email us at [email protected] sincerely,

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

Pursuant to our announcement on Special Pass requirement after 30th June 2022 dated 13th May 2022, this is a final reminder to highlight that effective 1st July 2022, companies are required to ensure that all applications are with a VALID pass prior to submission of approval and endorsement.

Companies MUST ensure that immediate action are taken for applications with expired pass validity. This is to prevent Foreign Knowledge Workers (FKW) from being subject to any action under the Immigration Act, penalties or deported by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

Therefore, we encourage all companies to plan and monitor your application in advance so that the application process runs smoothly and to avoid unwanted/unnecessary situations.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157 or email us at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

Pursuant to our announcement on Special Pass requirement after 30th June 2022 dated 13th May 2022, this is another reminder to highlight that effective 1st July 2022, companies are required to ensure that all applications are with a VALID pass prior to submission of approval and endorsement.

Companies MUST ensure that immediate action are taken for applications with expired pass validity. This is to prevent Foreign Knowledge Workers (FKW) from being subject to any action under the Immigration Act, penalties or deported by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

Therefore, we encourage all companies to plan and monitor your application in advance so that the application process runs smoothly and to avoid unwanted/unnecessary situations.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157 or email us at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

Pursuant to our announcement dated 13th May 2022 (Ref No .: BSD – EXPATS – ANNC – MDEC– 178 D20220513), we would like to remind that effective 1st July 2022 companies are required to ensure all applications are with a VALID pass prior to submission of approval and endorsement.

Please take immediate action for applications with expired pass validity. This is to prevent Foreign Knowledge Workers (FKW) from being subject to any action under the Immigration Act, penalties or deported by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

Therefore, we encourage all companies to plan and monitor your application in advance so that the application process runs smoothly and to avoid unwanted/unnecessary situations.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157 or email us at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

Therefore, we encourage all companies to plan and monitor your application in advance so that the application process runs smoothly and to avoid unwanted/unnecessary situations.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us at 03-8315 3106/3157 or email us at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

Expats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

We would like to inform that effective 1st July 2022 companies are required to ensure all applications are with a valid pass prior to submission of approval and endorsement as there is no further extension of the Special Pass flexibility after 30th June 2022.

Please note that for submission from 1st July 2022 onwards, Special Pass is required if the current pass expires within 7 working days prior to the submission of the approval application. MDEC will advise accordingly if Special Pass is still required during the assessment due to incomplete submission.

Any pass that has expired for more than 30 days, the company is required to apply for Special Pass at the Operations, Investigation and Prosecution Division (previously known as Enforcement Division) of Immigration Department at Putrajaya.

Therefore, we encourage all companies to plan and monitor your application in advance to ensure the application process runs smoothly and to avoid any unwanted/unnecessary circumstances.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us via email at [email protected]

Your kind understanding is highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,

eXpats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

We would like to inform that effective 1st July 2022 companies are required to ensure all applications are with a valid pass prior to submission of approval and endorsement as there is no further extension of the Special Pass flexibility after 30th June 2022.

Please note that for submission from 1st July 2022 onwards, Special Pass is required if the current pass expires within 7 working days prior to the submission of the approval application. MDEC will advise accordingly if Special Pass is still required during the assessment due to incomplete submission.

Therefore, we encourage all companies to plan and monitor your application in advance to ensure the application process runs smoothly and to avoid any unwanted/unnecessary circumstances.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Your kind understanding is highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,
eXpats Service Centre
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from Expats Service Centre!

In view of upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, we wish to inform that Expats Service Centre will be closed for half day on 29th April 2022 (Friday) from 12.00pm to 4.00pm. Expats Service Centre will resume as usual on 5th May 2022 (Thursday) at 8.00am. Please take note that there will be a minimal support available for services in Expats Service Centre during the Hari Raya week.

For submission of original passport for Transfer of Endorsement and Cancellation of Pass on 29th April 2022 (Friday), the application will be processed from 9th May 2022 onwards. As such, we encourage you to plan your submissions of applications to ensure a smooth process for expatriate services.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us via email at [email protected]

Your kind understanding is highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,
eXpats Service Centre
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from eXpats Service Centre!

In line with our recent announcement on the new process for endorsement of pass sticker, please be informed that effective 18th April 2022, company may select pass sticker logistic arrangement preference upon submission of endorsement application in the Expats System. The options are as follows:

1) Delivery

Pass sticker will be delivered to selected MSC Status Company within MSC Malaysia cybercity/centre area in Cyberjaya, Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur ONLY.

2) Walk-in

Company to bring original passport to Expats Service Centre for affixing of Pass Sticker. Company may walk-in to our Centre according to the booked appointment slot. If company is unable to obtain the slot via online appointment, please email [email protected] for manual appointment request.

3) Collection at ESD Satellite Centre (ESC), Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 (KLIA1)

The collection of pass sticker at ESC is ONLY for Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) including their dependent/s that currently abroad and approved under Employment Pass category I and II (EPI & II). Company will be notified via email to download a Confirmation Letter when it is ready in the Expats System. The Confirmation Letter is required by the FKW and/or their dependent for collection of pass sticker at ESC. In situation where the issuance of pass sticker is unsuccessful at ESC, company may email us at [email protected] for the next arrangement.

Please take note that the option selection cannot be changed once the application has been submitted to MDEC in the system. As such, company MUST ensure to confirm the selection before submitting the endorsement application. The user manual is available in the system for easy reference.

For this new enhancement, there will be system downtime for Expats System on Sunday, 17th April 2022 (12.00am) until Monday, 18th April 2022 (12.00am). Thus, the system will not be accessible during this period.

Should you require more information and assistance, please email us at [email protected].

Yours sincerely,

eXpats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from eXpats Service Centre!

Please be informed following are the latest updates for the companies to observe:

1) Returned Application for more than 6 months

Kindly be informed that any application that has been returned, company MUST respond to MDEC within 6 months from the returned date. Failure to comply with this requirement, application is considered as invalid and will be voided. Company is required to re-apply should company wish to continue with the same application. Processing fee is non-refundable for application that has been inactive for more than 6 months.

2) Cancellation of Pass

Any Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) and their dependents who will be leaving Malaysia permanently is required to shorten the current pass prior to their departure. Company is responsible to ensure that the current pass MUST be physically shortened before leaving Malaysia to avoid any implication in the future.

3) eVISA update

For any queries on eVisa, company may refer to the Live Chat Support at https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/evisa/evisa.jsp

Should you require more information and assistance, please email us at [email protected].

Yours sincerely,

eXpats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from eXpats Service Centre!

Kindly be informed that our service hours for eXpats Service Centre Front Counter during the month of Ramadhan shall be as follows:

SERVICE HOURS (Monday – Friday)

8.00 am – 4.00 pm

LUNCH BREAK

(Monday – Thursday)
1.00 pm – 2.00 pm

(Friday)
12.00 pm – 2.45 pm

SATURDAY & SUNDAY – CLOSED
PUBLIC HOLIDAY – CLOSED

Should you require more information and assistance, please email us at [email protected]

Your kind understanding is highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,

eXpats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from eXpats Service Centre!

We refer to our announcement dated 24th November 2021 (Ref No: TD–MFS–ANNC–MDEC–168 D20211124) on the issuance of the pass sticker. We would like to highlight that the SLA for affixing pass sticker is five (5) working days after receiving the notification from eXpats system and company is responsible to:

1. Delivery of pass sticker

Ensure that original passport is available for affixing the pass sticker as per the delivery schedule OR;

2. Collection of pass sticker

Ensure to bring the original passport to eXpats Service Centre for affixing the pass sticker as per the appointment schedule. If company is unable to obtain the slot via online appointment, please email [email protected] to obtain manual appointment

To comply with this requirement, company is advised to plan accordingly and proceed with the Endorsement Process (Stage 2) when the Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) is in Malaysia and the original passport is available so that the pass sticker can be affixed to the passport within the stipulated period.

Please note for method No.1, MDEC will assist to deliver the pass sticker to the company only twice and failure to provide the original passport during the second delivery, the company is required to bring the passport to eXpats Service Center within five (5) working days after receiving notification from eXpats system.

Should you require more information and assistance, please email us at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

eXpats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from eXpats Service Centre!

In line with the announcement made by the Malaysia Immigration Department on the exemption of MyEntry, with immediate effect any Foreign Knowledge Worker/Dependents including foreign maid that has obtained pass approval is allowed to enter Malaysia without MyEntry approval.

As such, company MUST ensure that pass application of the Foreign Knowledge Worker/Dependents including foreign maid has been approved before making any arrangement for them to enter Malaysia.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us via email at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

eXpats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from eXpats Service Centre!

We refer to the announcement dated 27th December 2021(Ref No: TD–MFS–ANNC–MDEC–169 D2021227) on Reference Visa requirement. We would like to clarify for those who requires visa to enter Malaysia, the visa application can be made via:

1.eVisa online application platform
eVisa can be applied from any countries except Malaysia, Singapore, Israel and North Korea. Please refer to https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/ for eVisa application.

2.Malaysian Representative Offices Overseas
Reference Visa (Single Entry Visa) can be applied at Malaysian Representative Offices Overseas as stated on MDEC’s Approval letter.

Nevertheless, we encourage you to apply for eVisa as it is easier and more convenient for visa application.

Yours sincerely,

eXpats Service Centre
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from eXpats Service Centre!

Please be informed that with immediate effect all Foreign Knowledge Workers (FKW) and their dependents including foreign maids who require a visa to enter Malaysia MUST obtain Reference Visa (single entry visa) prior to entry into this country. In line with this requirement, Immigration Department of Malaysia has extended the use of MYVisa system (eVISA) to all the respective nationalities. For your information, eVISA can be applied from any countries except Malaysia, Singapore, Israel and North Korea. Please refer to https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/ to apply for the eVISA.

For reference visa application, approval letter MUST include “Visa Collection Centre”. Hence, all applications that have been approved without visa collection centre, the approval must be amended before entering Malaysia as the Journey Performed payment facility is no longer available. Failure to obtain a visa prior to entry, the applicant will be charged with “Not to Land” (NTL) at the border entrance and will be deported.
Should you require more information and assistance on eVisa, you may email to [email protected]. For any other enquiry please e-mail us at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

eXpats Service Centre
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from eXpats Service Centre!

In line with the announcement made by Expatriate Service Division (ESD) of the Immigration Department on 1st October 2021, https://esd.imi.gov.my/portal/latest-news/announcement/, please be informed that effective from 1st December 2021 the endorsement process will be as follows:

1) Company to initiate online endorsement process and MUST upload documents for endorsement purpose. Please refer to the checklist in eXpats website – www.expats.com.my

2) Pass sticker will be delivered to company by MDEC’s representative or;

3) Company may bring original passport to eXpats Service Centre to be affixed with the pass sticker.

With the implementation of the new endorsement process, company MUST observes the followings

1) For application that the Foreign Knowledge Worker is outside Malaysia(FKW), company may initiate online endorsement once FKW has entered Malaysia and entry stamp has been uploaded.

2) Pass sticker will be delivered to the registered address only or company may bring the original passport within 5 working days after receiving the notification that the sticker is ready to be affixed on the passport.

3) Delivery service is only applicable for companies that meet the criteria set by MDEC.

4) Company is required to make an online appointment via appt.expats.com.my for collection of pass sticker at the eXpats Service Centre counter,

5) Company MUST ensure that the passport is in a good condition to affix the sticker.

Please note that with this new process, MDEC will no longer keep the passport from 1st December 2021 for submission of endorsement.

However, for online endorsement application submitted before 1st December 2021, company may proceed to submit the original passport following the current process until 15th December 2021 (Wednesday).

Should you require more information and assistance, please e-mail us at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

eXpats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from eXpats Service Centre!

In line with the National Recovery Plan (NRP), with immediate effect only fully vaccinated authorized person/representatives that have passed the vaccination maturity period of 14 days is allowed to enter our Centre.

Following the above, effective 18th October 2021, MDEC operational hours will be revised as follows:

Operation hours	Monday to Thursday	Friday
Operation hours	8.00am to 4.30pm	8.00am to 4.30pm
Lunch Hours (Closed)	1.00pm to 2.00pm	12.15pm to 2.45pm

In order to comply with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during Movement Control Order (MCO), companies are required to make an online appointment before coming to eXpats Service Centre. However, if company is unable to obtain the slot via online appointment, please email [email protected] to obtain manual appointment. Walk-in is allowed for collection of passports ONLY.

Should you require more information and assistance, please contact us via email at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

eXpats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Dear Valued Clients,

Greetings from eXpats Service Centre!

In line with the introduction of E-Special Pass (eSP) by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, we are pleased to inform that effective from 11th October 2021, company may submit Special Pass application via eXpats system. The online eSP only applicable for:

1) Arrangement to leave country

2) Renewal application

3) New application (change of position/pass only for existing application under MDEC)

With eSP, company is required to make online payment for the SP charges. Please note that company MUST make payment within 7 days of the approval date. Failure to make payment during the said timeline, the special pass approval will be automatically cancelled. The user manual is available in the system for easy reference.

For this new enhancement, there will be system downtime for eXpats System on Sunday, 10th October 2021 (12.00 am) until Monday, 11th October 2021 (8.00am). Thus, the system will not be accessible during this period.

Should you require more information and assistance, please e-mail us at [email protected]

Your kind understanding is highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,

eXpats Service Centre

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

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Malaysia Digital Economy
Corporation (MDEC) Sdn Bhd
2360 Persiaran APEC
63000 Cyberjaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan

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An agency under

An agency under
the Ministry of
Communications
& Multimedia

				Wed 9 Nov 2022 \| 11:00 – 11:45 PANEL SESSION : SOUTHEAST ASIA – DIGITAL CONTENT TALENT POWERHOUSE Cita Ballroom Description The digital content sector, broadly covered as animation, games, visual effects and its related production, development, distribution and commercialisation ecosystems, is essentially a creative industry driven by innovative studios and talented individuals and teams. The very nature of these individuals, skillsets and capabilities are the fuel of the creative industry. The Southeast Asian landscape for these talents is as diverse as the multi-ethnic cultures, languages and traditions of over 680 million people in the region. This panel session will talk about recent research, led by MDEC in partnership with more than ten regional industry associations and over 150 studios and schools.
Nazliyah Ali Sector Head, Industry Partnership, Talent Corp Malaysia				Nazliyah primarily oversees the Oil, Gas and Energy (OGE) and Communications Content and Infrastructure (CCI) in TalentCorp’s Industry Partnership department. She has established profound relations with key players, large organisations, and leading associations of the OGE and CCI sector to drive collaborations for talent development. With over 12 years of client management, business development and sales experience in property development, advertising and banking, Nazliyah started out in TalentCorp in 2012 working on the Malaysian professional and student diaspora programmes, before transferring to Industry Partnership where she continues to engage employers, focusing on addressing mismatches between the talent market supply and demand. Prior to TalentCorp, Nazliyah was a Client Management Manager at a public relations agency where she managed prominent corporate accounts in several sectors. Nazliyah holds an Honours Degree in Business Administration (Marketing) from Universiti Teknologi MARA.

Eka Chandra AINAKI, Indonesia				Eka Chandra is the Secretary General of AINAKI and CEO of IOTA Studio. He has been involved in the creative industry for more than 10 years. Their latest development is a platform called IOTA Kids which helps studios or creators monetize their IPs in Indonesia and the SEA market.

Cris Dumlao SIKAP, Philippines				Cris Dumlao is one of the founding members of SIKAP and its current Vice President. She has 20 years industry experience, having produced content being shown in the Asian region. She is also a multi-award creative entrepreneur, representing the Philippines in pitch competitions worldwide. Cris is currently an independent animation producer, a 3D animation specialist, and an animation consultant for Kampilan Productions, LLC and Animation Vertigo, Inc.

Nop Dharmavanich TACGA, Thailand				Nop Dharmavanich is an animation director, Motion graphics designer, and brand builder, the founder of award Tomogram studio and former President of the Thai animation and computer graphics association (TACGA) Nop graduated from Savannah college of art and design majoring in Computer Art. He has worked in almost all aspects of the industry from interactive, motion design, animation, and VFX. One of his well-known works as a director was “The story of Mahajanaka” an animation that involved more than 14 animation studios in Thailand. Nop was a president of TACGA from 2018-2022, which gave him opportunities to work with many private and public organizations, both domestic and international, in developing and strengthening the animation industry, studios as well as digital content education in Thailand. Now, he is a vice president of TACGA and a committee of the National Film Board of Thailand.

Jasni Zain (Moderator) Head, Research & Partnerships MDEC				Jasni is the Head of Research & Partnerships for Digital Content Development within the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Currently overseeing industry research and exploring partnerships opportunities, he also has led national and industry strategy formulation and funding programs for industry and studios within the space of animation, games, visual effects and new media. He has over 22 years experience across a range of industries, and has served the last 13 years in the public sector concentrating on tech, outsourcing, national economic planning and the creative content industry.

Wed 9 Nov 2022 \| 11:00 – 11:45 PANEL SESSION : SOUTHEAST ASIA – DIGITAL CONTENT TALENT POWERHOUSE Cita Ballroom Description The digital content sector, broadly covered as animation, games, visual effects and its related production, development, distribution and commercialisation ecosystems, is essentially a creative industry driven by innovative studios and talented individuals and teams. The very nature of these individuals, skillsets and capabilities are the fuel of the creative industry. The Southeast Asian landscape for these talents is as diverse as the multi-ethnic cultures, languages and traditions of over 680 million people in the region. This panel session will talk about recent research, led by MDEC in partnership with more than ten regional industry associations and over 150 studios and schools.
Nazliyah Ali Sector Head, Industry Partnership, Talent Corp Malaysia Nazliyah primarily oversees the Oil, Gas and Energy (OGE) and Communications Content and Infrastructure (CCI) in TalentCorp’s Industry Partnership department. She has established profound relations with key players, large organisations, and leading associations of the OGE and CCI sector to drive collaborations for talent development. With over 12 years of client management, business development and sales experience in property development, advertising and banking, Nazliyah started out in TalentCorp in 2012 working on the Malaysian professional and student diaspora programmes, before transferring to Industry Partnership where she continues to engage employers, focusing on addressing mismatches between the talent market supply and demand. Prior to TalentCorp, Nazliyah was a Client Management Manager at a public relations agency where she managed prominent corporate accounts in several sectors. Nazliyah holds an Honours Degree in Business Administration (Marketing) from Universiti Teknologi MARA.

Eka Chandra AINAKI, Indonesia Eka Chandra is the Secretary General of AINAKI and CEO of IOTA Studio. He has been involved in the creative industry for more than 10 years. Their latest development is a platform called IOTA Kids which helps studios or creators monetize their IPs in Indonesia and the SEA market.

Cris Dumlao SIKAP, Philippines Cris Dumlao is one of the founding members of SIKAP and its current Vice President. She has 20 years industry experience, having produced content being shown in the Asian region. She is also a multi-award creative entrepreneur, representing the Philippines in pitch competitions worldwide. Cris is currently an independent animation producer, a 3D animation specialist, and an animation consultant for Kampilan Productions, LLC and Animation Vertigo, Inc.

Nop Dharmavanich TACGA, Thailand Nop Dharmavanich is an animation director, Motion graphics designer, and brand builder, the founder of award Tomogram studio and former President of the Thai animation and computer graphics association (TACGA) Nop graduated from Savannah college of art and design majoring in Computer Art. He has worked in almost all aspects of the industry from interactive, motion design, animation, and VFX. One of his well-known works as a director was “The story of Mahajanaka” an animation that involved more than 14 animation studios in Thailand. Nop was a president of TACGA from 2018-2022, which gave him opportunities to work with many private and public organizations, both domestic and international, in developing and strengthening the animation industry, studios as well as digital content education in Thailand. Now, he is a vice president of TACGA and a committee of the National Film Board of Thailand.

Jasni Zain (Moderator) Head, Research & Partnerships MDEC Jasni is the Head of Research & Partnerships for Digital Content Development within the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Currently overseeing industry research and exploring partnerships opportunities, he also has led national and industry strategy formulation and funding programs for industry and studios within the space of animation, games, visual effects and new media. He has over 22 years experience across a range of industries, and has served the last 13 years in the public sector concentrating on tech, outsourcing, national economic planning and the creative content industry.

				Wed 9 Nov 2022 \| 14:15 – 15:00 PANEL SESSION : UNDERSTANDING THE METAVERSE – FUD & FOMO (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt & Fear Of Missing Out) Cita Ballroom Description Learn how IP & Brand Owners can work together with Metaverse Platforms and what are the future prospects.
George Wong CEO Reactive Labs				George Wong is the Head of Malaysia & Singapore of The Sandbox, a leading decentralized virtual world and a subsidiary of Animoca Brands. Concurrently, he’s the Chief Executive Officer for Reactive Labs, a blockchain advisory covering corporate structuring, tokenomics & Web 3.0 implementation, the Sub-committee Chairperson for NFTs & Metaverses in ACCESS Blockchain Association Malaysia, the Chief Technology Officer for Finnax Asia and the Honorary Secretary for Women in Blockchain Asia. His early MNC corporate career in Sony Malaysia, saw him managing up to a MYR120 million business portfolio, winning internal domestic and & international awards for explosive business growth & marketing innovation. Prior to this, he has ventured more than 20+ start-ups and initiatives from retail to publishing & most notably in the investment and blockchain space. He has managed a variety of investment-related firms, supported the growth of a regional investment community, and even successfully completed an ICO in 2018

Noriman Saffian Head of Monsta MetaLabs Monsta				Noriman Saffian is the Head of Monsta MetaLabs. With 12 years of experiences in the animation industry, he’s been involved in multiple Monsta’s IP (BoBoiBoy, Mechamato, Papa Pipi) projects from the production to the marketing of the animated shorts, TV series, full length animated movies and even branded content. He now leads a new division in Monsta, that builds and develops immersive digital experience of Monsta’s IP in the metaverse for audiences to interreact, socialize and play.

Jazni Zain (Moderator) Head, Research & Partnerships MDEC				Jasni is the Head of Research & Partnerships for Digital Content Development within the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Currently overseeing industry research and exploring partnerships opportunities, he also has led national and industry strategy formulation and funding programs for industry and studios within the space of animation, games, visual effects and new media. He has over 22 years experience across a range of industries, and has served the last 13 years in the public sector concentrating on tech, outsourcing, national economic planning and the creative content industry.

Wed 9 Nov 2022 \| 14:15 – 15:00 PANEL SESSION : UNDERSTANDING THE METAVERSE – FUD & FOMO (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt & Fear Of Missing Out) Cita Ballroom Description Learn how IP & Brand Owners can work together with Metaverse Platforms and what are the future prospects.
George Wong CEO Reactive Labs George Wong is the Head of Malaysia & Singapore of The Sandbox, a leading decentralized virtual world and a subsidiary of Animoca Brands. Concurrently, he’s the Chief Executive Officer for Reactive Labs, a blockchain advisory covering corporate structuring, tokenomics & Web 3.0 implementation, the Sub-committee Chairperson for NFTs & Metaverses in ACCESS Blockchain Association Malaysia, the Chief Technology Officer for Finnax Asia and the Honorary Secretary for Women in Blockchain Asia. His early MNC corporate career in Sony Malaysia, saw him managing up to a MYR120 million business portfolio, winning internal domestic and & international awards for explosive business growth & marketing innovation. Prior to this, he has ventured more than 20+ start-ups and initiatives from retail to publishing & most notably in the investment and blockchain space. He has managed a variety of investment-related firms, supported the growth of a regional investment community, and even successfully completed an ICO in 2018

Noriman Saffian Head of Monsta MetaLabs Monsta Noriman Saffian is the Head of Monsta MetaLabs. With 12 years of experiences in the animation industry, he’s been involved in multiple Monsta’s IP (BoBoiBoy, Mechamato, Papa Pipi) projects from the production to the marketing of the animated shorts, TV series, full length animated movies and even branded content. He now leads a new division in Monsta, that builds and develops immersive digital experience of Monsta’s IP in the metaverse for audiences to interreact, socialize and play.

Jazni Zain (Moderator) Head, Research & Partnerships MDEC Jasni is the Head of Research & Partnerships for Digital Content Development within the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Currently overseeing industry research and exploring partnerships opportunities, he also has led national and industry strategy formulation and funding programs for industry and studios within the space of animation, games, visual effects and new media. He has over 22 years experience across a range of industries, and has served the last 13 years in the public sector concentrating on tech, outsourcing, national economic planning and the creative content industry.

Wed 9 Nov 2022 \| 16:15 – 17:00 PANEL SESSION : FUNDS & GRANTS – SHOW ME THE MONEY (Hybrid) Cita Ballroom
Vincent Paolo Naval (Virtual Appearance) FPO Program Supervisor, FDCP Film Philippines Office Vincent Paolo Naval is from the Film Philippines Office under the Film Development Council of the Philippines. He has been with the agency for a year and have been exposed to much of the industry of Film Financing and Grants. He currently works on the financial and service assistance programs of the film commission in the Philippines and would be happy to share with what they have to offer, from Film Grants, Locations, and even production assistance.

Walid Omar Executive Producer Lil Critter Workshop Walid Omar founded Lil Critter Workshop after a successfully running a studio for 12 years. He has executive produced and funded two original Lil Critter series, Hogie the Globehopper (Netflix, Discovery Kids) and the Asian TV Award-winning Buck and Buddy (CITV, Cartoon Network APAC) and grown the Lil Critters Workshop studio in Kuala Lumpur as a go-to destination for animation service work. The former MIPTV Producer to Watch is setting up a UK animation development studio in the UK this year.

Tang Chi Sim Founder & CEO Omens Studio Chi Sim is a tech and media entrepreneur who was technical co-founder of Amoeba Interactive and earth9.com, which he helped built and exited, and currently devotes his time as Founder and CEO to award-winning animation and digital media company Omens Studios and film company Taipan Films. Chi Sim is primarily responsible for financing, business and product development. A graduate of the National University of Singapore’s Computer Science department, Chi Sim previously worked as an engineer at Microsoft before venturing into entrepreneurship. He enjoys the creative process and holds a patent for collaborative group information management.

Mohan Low (Moderator) Director MDEC Director of Digital Creative Content at MDEC, he helps drive the mission to develop the digital creative content industry in Malaysia. He has over 15 years of experience in the digital content space, leading teams across games development, games commercialization and ecosystem building. Mohan has launched over 30 games during the course of his career. His passion has also led him to mentor over a 100 game projects and organize gaming culture events. He currently works towards building Malaysia into a regional digital content hub.

Wed 9 Nov 2022 \| 09:45 – 10:45 DIGITAL CONNECTIONS: GLOBAL KIDS’ MEDIA TRENDS Cita Ballroom
Sam Harris Director Auger Insights Sam is a deeply experienced researcher and strategist with a background in media, youth audiences, and platform development. Using a range of classic and modern research methodologies – and utilising his background in marketing, consulting, and content creation – Sam regularly works with brands to unlock powerful insights about core consumers and their ever-evolving needs.

Ligia Talludec Director 121 Insights Brazil A language specialist and trained UX and qualitative researcher with over 15 years of experience in the industry, Ligia is praised for her ability to combine fresh, innovative thinking with marketing clarity to answer big business questions. For over a decade, Ligia was part of Kantar’s qualitative team, focused on International and institutional inter-company projects. She is a champion for UX and CX areas, conducting F2F and online IDIs to test different interfaces (from e-commerce websites to mobile prototype apps), working with highly demanding key clients in the Technology Industry

Bonnie Wang Researcher & Semiotician Freelancer Bonnie is an experienced strategist, qualitative researcher and semiotician with an education background in visual sociology, strategy and management in HK and Europe. She started her career with consumer and market knowledge in P&G Germany, before joining The Behavioural Architects to understand the irrationality of human behaviour. After 4.5 years in Flamingo connecting brands with Chinese culture, she worked at InnateMotion helping brands defining their social purposes, before she started freelancing in London and Shanghai. Bonnie specialised in media and entertainment, fashion, beauty, tech, and placemaking. Some of her key clients include Dior, Adidas, Dyson, and Mercedes

Pam Goldfarb Liss Founder LitBrains With more than 30-years of experience, Pam enjoys the never-know-what’s-coming-next fun of interviewing consumers especially kids, teens and their parents. She has interviewed on subjects from pasta, hamburgers and tax software to prescription drugs, hospital stays, baby bottles and online privacy with clients including Philips Avent, Barilla, Bayer, Coca Cola, Deluxe, General Mills, Google, Glaxo-Smith-Kline (GsK), Horizon Organic, Microsoft, Nickelodeon, Procter & Gamble, United Healthcare and Zillow. An industry advocate devoted to ensuring kids and teens are not just productive in focus groups but feeling safe and encouraged to be. For more than a decade, Pam created and taught a course: ‘Moderating Kids and Teens’ at RIVA Market Research Institute. Now, Pam has taken this course online with more live and on-demand workshops on moderating with kids and teens in her new Mission Kid Possible powered by LitBrains-Igniting Ideas! at www.litbrains.com. Pam is also an active industry speaker and presenter. She has served four years as a board director on the Qualitative Research Consultants Association. Pam also participates in other annual events devoted to creativity including the Creative Education Foundation and its Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI) and also enjoys attending their partner event, the Florida Creativity Institute.

Haruna McWilliams Head Of Accounts Tokyoesque Haruna is a Strategist with 20+ years with global experience in Japan, UK, US, Singapore and now the Netherlands. A native Japanese, who grew up in Europe and was educated at an international school, made her very curious about how cultures around the world are different but also similar. Her experience in advertising, branding and media also made her an expert in ‘making sense’ of what’s happening in cultures and societies, and predicting where cultures are shifting to. She is currently Head of Accounts at Tokyoesque, where she makes Japan make sense for the world, and vice versa.

Alexander Brown Marketing Assistant Tokyoesque Alex is the marketing assistant at Tokyoesque. Having graduated in 2021 with a Master of Arts in Japanese from the University of Edinburgh, during which time he studied in Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto, he has since worked in manga translation with Amimaru before joining Tokyoesque at his current position. The cultural studies aspect of his degree, and also his time spent studying and working in Kyoto, allowed him to tackle manga translation with a wealth of cultural knowledge to draw upon, helping him to rapidly advance to higher projects.

Debbie Bray Co-Founder Hook Research Debbie has been carrying out qualitative research for 20 years for the UK’s biggest media brands. She is a youth audience expert and her experience means that she is regularly asked to talk at conferences and contribute thought leadership about the media lives of young consumers. Debbie has supported the biggest youth audience content owners in the UK and globally – working across a range of new and classic IPs to help her clients produce content that speaks to the ever-evolving tastes of young people around the world.

Nick Fisher Co-Founder Hook Research Nick has 20 years experience in media consultancy. In this time, he has specialised in research, strategy and creative development for media providers. He has a huge deal of kids experience, having worked with many of the major kids platforms and channels around the world (Warner, BBC, Disney, Viacom). In particular, Nick has developed a deep expertise in the global animation landscape, having worked on a vast range of heritage and new IP launches over the course of his many years in the industry.

Tue 8 Nov 2022 \| 17:15 – 18:15 PANEL SESSION : THE BUSINESS OF DIGITAL COMICS – FUTURE TRENDS AND THE NEXT BEST THING! (Virtual) Cita Ballroom
Stu Levy Founder & CEO TOKYOPOP Stu Levy is an international entrepreneur, producer, director and writer across mediums including graphic novels, film, television and new media. Founder of the pioneering media company TOKYOPOP, Stu is known for establishing the manga market in North America. As a producer, Stu has a number of live-action and animated feature films and television shows in various stages of development, including adaptations of Alex Unlimited and Mail Order Ninja. He produced English adaptations of television and home video anime series including the hits Initial D, GTO, and Rave Master. His first major studio feature film as Executive Producer was Priest, released theatrically worldwide in 2011 through Sony Pictures. Stu has directed two feature films (his feature documentary Pray for Japan and his award-winning feature debut Van Von Hunter), the 8-episode docu-reality series America’s Greatest Otaku, and several music videos. Stu wrote the Princess Ai and Juror 13 graphic novels, as well as Karma Club and Sailor Moon novels. Fluent in Japanese and a licensed California attorney, Stu served as chair of the Producers Guild of America’s International Committee, its Online Video Committee, and the PGA Producers Showcase (ProShow); and a Board Member of its New Media Council. His philanthropic activities over the years have included Japan’s Tohoku tsunami recovery, projects with Make-a-Wish Foundation, and literacy advocacy. Besides speaking at numerous industry events and guest lecturing to students, Stu’s a melted ball of paddy for his two little children, an avid endurance athlete who compares himself to the Energizer bunny sans ears, a very amateur composer, and an iPhone-photo-trigger-happy foodie.

Hieu Tran Co-founder & Head of Operations INKR Global Hieu is the co-founder and head of operations at INKR Global (inkr.com), a fast-growing digital comics platform with a simple mission: to make comics universally accessible. They help bring amazing comics and manga to the world by working directly with the creators and publishers, helping to localize the content and distribute it on their platform. INKR is currently with over 100+ leading publishers and creators from Japan, Korea, China, US, South East Asia, distributing over 1,700 diverse comics, and they hope to work with more and more talented creators and publishers around the world.

Usamah Zaid Yasin (Speaker/Moderator) Founder & Executive Director WAU Animation Usamah Zaid is the Founder & Executive Director of WAU Animation, the studio behind Ejen Ali, the highest viewed animation series across all FTA TV stations in Malaysia. Partnering with Media Prima, a local media giant, Ejen Ali stormed into the scene alongside 2 gaming apps and has won numerous accolades, including “Best Short Animation” at the Malaysia Film Festival. Usamah has been in the industry for over 16 years. Prior to WAU, he was one of the pioneers of Les’ Copaque and co-created Malaysia’s iconic twins, Upin & Ipin after graduating from Multimedia University with a degree in Film and Animation.

Tue 8 Nov 2022 \| 11:00 – 11:45 PANEL SESSION: FRAMED MEMORIES – TELLING YOUR STORY THROUGH MUSIC Cita Ballroom Andrew Bong CEO, Media Music Composer & Producer, Ventura Interactive, Laundry Music Andrew Bong is a media music composer & producer from Sarawak (Borneo), Malaysia. He is known for his music works in Upin & Ipin: Keris Siamang Tunggal (in The Best Animated Feature Film Oscar 2020 shortlist). To date (2022), he has composed music for many Malaysian animations. The titles include Framed Memories, Kuihpocalyse, and The Dalang’s Last Tale, featured in Hollywood Variety news as the Spectrum Trilogy (a co-production with the best animation studio in Singapore) (2019). These animated short trilogy garnered many awards and became official selections in many film festivals such as the Spark Animation 2019 (Oscar-qualifying). Andrew’s recent music scoring works include “Sebayan”, “Borih: The Bidayuh Paddy Priestess”, and “The Pillar of Strength”. He also penned the music score for MIFFEST (Malaysia International Film Festival 2022) opening film, Driving Mr.Palarae starring Bront Palarae (Stone Turtle) & Calvin Wang (Crazy Rich Asian). In July 2022, he wrapped up an original score for a Taiwanese feature film that premiered recently at The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN 2022 Edition) in Korea, “Warning From Hell”, directed by Danny Pang.

Irwan Junaidy (Speaker/Moderator) Chief Creative Officer The R&D Studio Irwan Junaidy graduated with an architecture degree from the UK. He has a passion for telling stories and building make-believe worlds, particularly those that are inspired by the people, arts and cultures of South East Asia. Irwan is the co-founder of The R&D Studio, an award-winning content development studio based in Malaysia. The studio produced Wizards of Warna Walk – the first long form scripted live action television series by Disney in South East Asia. He also directed the animated short films Batik Girl and The Dalang’s Tale, which has travelled to over 70 film festivals and won 12 international awards around the world.
Mclelun Lee Mixed Media Artist / Developer The R&D Studio Mclelun studied computer programming but has a passion and talent for design and arts who happens to be colour-blind. He enjoys painting, game development and experimenting with a variety of softwares.

				Tue 8 Nov 2022 \| 11:00 – 11:45 PANEL SESSION: FRAMED MEMORIES – TELLING YOUR STORY THROUGH MUSIC Cita Ballroom
Andrew Bong CEO, Media Music Composer & Producer, Ventura Interactive, Laundry Music				Andrew Bong is a media music composer & producer from Sarawak (Borneo), Malaysia. He is known for his music works in Upin & Ipin: Keris Siamang Tunggal (in The Best Animated Feature Film Oscar 2020 shortlist). To date (2022), he has composed music for many Malaysian animations. The titles include Framed Memories, Kuihpocalyse, and The Dalang’s Last Tale, featured in Hollywood Variety news as the Spectrum Trilogy (a co-production with the best animation studio in Singapore) (2019). These animated short trilogy garnered many awards and became official selections in many film festivals such as the Spark Animation 2019 (Oscar-qualifying). Andrew’s recent music scoring works include “Sebayan”, “Borih: The Bidayuh Paddy Priestess”, and “The Pillar of Strength”. He also penned the music score for MIFFEST (Malaysia International Film Festival 2022) opening film, Driving Mr.Palarae starring Bront Palarae (Stone Turtle) & Calvin Wang (Crazy Rich Asian). In July 2022, he wrapped up an original score for a Taiwanese feature film that premiered recently at The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN 2022 Edition) in Korea, “Warning From Hell”, directed by Danny Pang.

Irwan Junaidy (Speaker/Moderator) Chief Creative Officer The R&D Studio				Irwan Junaidy graduated with an architecture degree from the UK. He has a passion for telling stories and building make-believe worlds, particularly those that are inspired by the people, arts and cultures of South East Asia. Irwan is the co-founder of The R&D Studio, an award-winning content development studio based in Malaysia. The studio produced Wizards of Warna Walk – the first long form scripted live action television series by Disney in South East Asia. He also directed the animated short films Batik Girl and The Dalang’s Tale, which has travelled to over 70 film festivals and won 12 international awards around the world.

Mclelun Lee Mixed Media Artist / Developer The R&D Studio				Mclelun studied computer programming but has a passion and talent for design and arts who happens to be colour-blind. He enjoys painting, game development and experimenting with a variety of softwares.

				Wed 9 Nov 2022 \| 16:15 – 17:00 PANEL SESSION : FUNDS & GRANTS – SHOW ME THE MONEY (Hybrid) Cita Ballroom
Vincent Paolo Naval (Virtual Appearance) FPO Program Supervisor, FDCP Film Philippines Office				Vincent Paolo Naval is from the Film Philippines Office under the Film Development Council of the Philippines. He has been with the agency for a year and have been exposed to much of the industry of Film Financing and Grants. He currently works on the financial and service assistance programs of the film commission in the Philippines and would be happy to share with what they have to offer, from Film Grants, Locations, and even production assistance.

Walid Omar Executive Producer Lil Critter Workshop				Walid Omar founded Lil Critter Workshop after a successfully running a studio for 12 years. He has executive produced and funded two original Lil Critter series, Hogie the Globehopper (Netflix, Discovery Kids) and the Asian TV Award-winning Buck and Buddy (CITV, Cartoon Network APAC) and grown the Lil Critters Workshop studio in Kuala Lumpur as a go-to destination for animation service work. The former MIPTV Producer to Watch is setting up a UK animation development studio in the UK this year.

Tang Chi Sim Founder & CEO Omens Studio				Chi Sim is a tech and media entrepreneur who was technical co-founder of Amoeba Interactive and earth9.com, which he helped built and exited, and currently devotes his time as Founder and CEO to award-winning animation and digital media company Omens Studios and film company Taipan Films. Chi Sim is primarily responsible for financing, business and product development. A graduate of the National University of Singapore’s Computer Science department, Chi Sim previously worked as an engineer at Microsoft before venturing into entrepreneurship. He enjoys the creative process and holds a patent for collaborative group information management.

Mohan Low (Moderator) Director MDEC				Director of Digital Creative Content at MDEC, he helps drive the mission to develop the digital creative content industry in Malaysia. He has over 15 years of experience in the digital content space, leading teams across games development, games commercialization and ecosystem building. Mohan has launched over 30 games during the course of his career. His passion has also led him to mentor over a 100 game projects and organize gaming culture events. He currently works towards building Malaysia into a regional digital content hub.

				Wed 9 Nov 2022 \| 09:45 – 10:45 DIGITAL CONNECTIONS: GLOBAL KIDS’ MEDIA TRENDS Cita Ballroom
Sam Harris Director Auger Insights				Sam is a deeply experienced researcher and strategist with a background in media, youth audiences, and platform development. Using a range of classic and modern research methodologies – and utilising his background in marketing, consulting, and content creation – Sam regularly works with brands to unlock powerful insights about core consumers and their ever-evolving needs.

Ligia Talludec Director 121 Insights Brazil				A language specialist and trained UX and qualitative researcher with over 15 years of experience in the industry, Ligia is praised for her ability to combine fresh, innovative thinking with marketing clarity to answer big business questions. For over a decade, Ligia was part of Kantar’s qualitative team, focused on International and institutional inter-company projects. She is a champion for UX and CX areas, conducting F2F and online IDIs to test different interfaces (from e-commerce websites to mobile prototype apps), working with highly demanding key clients in the Technology Industry

Bonnie Wang Researcher & Semiotician Freelancer				Bonnie is an experienced strategist, qualitative researcher and semiotician with an education background in visual sociology, strategy and management in HK and Europe. She started her career with consumer and market knowledge in P&G Germany, before joining The Behavioural Architects to understand the irrationality of human behaviour. After 4.5 years in Flamingo connecting brands with Chinese culture, she worked at InnateMotion helping brands defining their social purposes, before she started freelancing in London and Shanghai. Bonnie specialised in media and entertainment, fashion, beauty, tech, and placemaking. Some of her key clients include Dior, Adidas, Dyson, and Mercedes

Pam Goldfarb Liss Founder LitBrains				With more than 30-years of experience, Pam enjoys the never-know-what’s-coming-next fun of interviewing consumers especially kids, teens and their parents. She has interviewed on subjects from pasta, hamburgers and tax software to prescription drugs, hospital stays, baby bottles and online privacy with clients including Philips Avent, Barilla, Bayer, Coca Cola, Deluxe, General Mills, Google, Glaxo-Smith-Kline (GsK), Horizon Organic, Microsoft, Nickelodeon, Procter & Gamble, United Healthcare and Zillow. An industry advocate devoted to ensuring kids and teens are not just productive in focus groups but feeling safe and encouraged to be. For more than a decade, Pam created and taught a course: ‘Moderating Kids and Teens’ at RIVA Market Research Institute. Now, Pam has taken this course online with more live and on-demand workshops on moderating with kids and teens in her new Mission Kid Possible powered by LitBrains-Igniting Ideas! at www.litbrains.com. Pam is also an active industry speaker and presenter. She has served four years as a board director on the Qualitative Research Consultants Association. Pam also participates in other annual events devoted to creativity including the Creative Education Foundation and its Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI) and also enjoys attending their partner event, the Florida Creativity Institute.

Haruna McWilliams Head Of Accounts Tokyoesque				Haruna is a Strategist with 20+ years with global experience in Japan, UK, US, Singapore and now the Netherlands. A native Japanese, who grew up in Europe and was educated at an international school, made her very curious about how cultures around the world are different but also similar. Her experience in advertising, branding and media also made her an expert in ‘making sense’ of what’s happening in cultures and societies, and predicting where cultures are shifting to. She is currently Head of Accounts at Tokyoesque, where she makes Japan make sense for the world, and vice versa.

Alexander Brown Marketing Assistant Tokyoesque				Alex is the marketing assistant at Tokyoesque. Having graduated in 2021 with a Master of Arts in Japanese from the University of Edinburgh, during which time he studied in Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto, he has since worked in manga translation with Amimaru before joining Tokyoesque at his current position. The cultural studies aspect of his degree, and also his time spent studying and working in Kyoto, allowed him to tackle manga translation with a wealth of cultural knowledge to draw upon, helping him to rapidly advance to higher projects.

Debbie Bray Co-Founder Hook Research				Debbie has been carrying out qualitative research for 20 years for the UK’s biggest media brands. She is a youth audience expert and her experience means that she is regularly asked to talk at conferences and contribute thought leadership about the media lives of young consumers. Debbie has supported the biggest youth audience content owners in the UK and globally – working across a range of new and classic IPs to help her clients produce content that speaks to the ever-evolving tastes of young people around the world.

Nick Fisher Co-Founder Hook Research				Nick has 20 years experience in media consultancy. In this time, he has specialised in research, strategy and creative development for media providers. He has a huge deal of kids experience, having worked with many of the major kids platforms and channels around the world (Warner, BBC, Disney, Viacom). In particular, Nick has developed a deep expertise in the global animation landscape, having worked on a vast range of heritage and new IP launches over the course of his many years in the industry.

				Tue 8 Nov 2022 \| 17:15 – 18:15 PANEL SESSION : THE BUSINESS OF DIGITAL COMICS – FUTURE TRENDS AND THE NEXT BEST THING! (Virtual) Cita Ballroom
Stu Levy Founder & CEO TOKYOPOP				Stu Levy is an international entrepreneur, producer, director and writer across mediums including graphic novels, film, television and new media. Founder of the pioneering media company TOKYOPOP, Stu is known for establishing the manga market in North America. As a producer, Stu has a number of live-action and animated feature films and television shows in various stages of development, including adaptations of Alex Unlimited and Mail Order Ninja. He produced English adaptations of television and home video anime series including the hits Initial D, GTO, and Rave Master. His first major studio feature film as Executive Producer was Priest, released theatrically worldwide in 2011 through Sony Pictures. Stu has directed two feature films (his feature documentary Pray for Japan and his award-winning feature debut Van Von Hunter), the 8-episode docu-reality series America’s Greatest Otaku, and several music videos. Stu wrote the Princess Ai and Juror 13 graphic novels, as well as Karma Club and Sailor Moon novels. Fluent in Japanese and a licensed California attorney, Stu served as chair of the Producers Guild of America’s International Committee, its Online Video Committee, and the PGA Producers Showcase (ProShow); and a Board Member of its New Media Council. His philanthropic activities over the years have included Japan’s Tohoku tsunami recovery, projects with Make-a-Wish Foundation, and literacy advocacy. Besides speaking at numerous industry events and guest lecturing to students, Stu’s a melted ball of paddy for his two little children, an avid endurance athlete who compares himself to the Energizer bunny sans ears, a very amateur composer, and an iPhone-photo-trigger-happy foodie.

Hieu Tran Co-founder & Head of Operations INKR Global				Hieu is the co-founder and head of operations at INKR Global (inkr.com), a fast-growing digital comics platform with a simple mission: to make comics universally accessible. They help bring amazing comics and manga to the world by working directly with the creators and publishers, helping to localize the content and distribute it on their platform. INKR is currently with over 100+ leading publishers and creators from Japan, Korea, China, US, South East Asia, distributing over 1,700 diverse comics, and they hope to work with more and more talented creators and publishers around the world.

Usamah Zaid Yasin (Speaker/Moderator) Founder & Executive Director WAU Animation				Usamah Zaid is the Founder & Executive Director of WAU Animation, the studio behind Ejen Ali, the highest viewed animation series across all FTA TV stations in Malaysia. Partnering with Media Prima, a local media giant, Ejen Ali stormed into the scene alongside 2 gaming apps and has won numerous accolades, including “Best Short Animation” at the Malaysia Film Festival. Usamah has been in the industry for over 16 years. Prior to WAU, he was one of the pioneers of Les’ Copaque and co-created Malaysia’s iconic twins, Upin & Ipin after graduating from Multimedia University with a degree in Film and Animation.

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