DIGITAL CONTENT GRANT (DCG)

REVOLUTIONISING MALAYSIA’S FUTURE DIGITAL CONTENT

Digital Content Grant (DCG) is the government’s initiative started in 2016 which is designed and created to support local creative content companies in developing, producing, and marketing their digital content in animation, digital games, digital comic and creative technology content.

OUR OBJECTIVE

THE PURPOSE OF THIS GRANT IS TO​

  • Enhance local creative, technical and human capital competencies by leveraging on international partners.

  • Create Malaysian-owned or Malaysian-shared intellectual property.

  • Quality IP is developed and monetised to its maximum potential from development to commercialisation.

DIGITAL CONTENT GRANTS

GRANT TYPE

THE MINI PROJECT GRANT

Focuses on the development stage of the project involving idea generation and production design for the studios in operation less than 5 years.

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THE DEVELOPMENT GRANT

Focuses on the development stage of the project involving idea generation and production design for the companies in operation for more than 1 year.

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THE PRODUCTION GRANT

Focuses on the production stage of the project which involves the activity of creating, assembling, aggregating and generally producing or generating content.

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THE MARKETING AND COMMERCIALISATION GRANT

Financial assistance provided to IP creators with a market-ready product.

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APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Step 2

    Click “Start Application” under "My Applications"

  • Step 3

    Select department “Grants and Funding”

  • Step 4

    Select programme “Digital Content Grant”

  • Step 5

    Provide your company details and upload your application form with supporting documents​

  • Step 6

    Click “Submit Application” once completed (Deadline by 1st June 2023 at 11:59PM)

  • Step 7

    Completeness & compliance checking by MDEC (2 weeks)​

  • Step 8

    Pitching session by the applicant (2 weeks)​

  • Step 9

    Approval process (2 weeks)​

  • Step 10

    Application result

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1.

Each applicant must meet all the Eligibility Criteria for each type of grant

2.

Each applicant is allowed to apply only for 1 (one) project for all categories (Animation, Interactive Media and Innovation in Creative Technology)

3.

For Production Fund application, applicant must already have animation teaser/trailer, animation episode, developed game/product prototype or game/product demo.

4.

The claimable and non-claimable costs are as stated below:

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

  • Salary limited to personnel involve directly with the project (excluding applicant’s directors, shareholders, *C-Level, finance, HR, admin and non tech personnel Eg: intern, despatch and etc); *Creative Director is allowable
  • Cost of IT Hardware and IT equipment associated with the development of the project;
  • Cost of Software associated with the development of the project;
  • Cost associated to obtain IP protection (eg: patents, trademarks, copyright,other forms of IP Protection, legal and professional services)
  • Marketing, Commercialisation, Licensing and Distribution cost [specific for Marketing & Commercialisation Grant)];
  • Outsourcing Cost which (i.e. cost incurred by the third party appointed/engaged by the Applicant/Recipient for the development of the Project) not more than 20% from the grant amount requested . To provide the justification if outsourcing outside of Malaysia;
  • Any cash transaction MUST not exceed RM1,000 per invoice. Cash transaction is not applicable for salary and outsourcing; and/or
  • Any other eligible expenses identified and recommended by GRC and approved by the approval authority.

NON-ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

  • Any form of taxes
  • Expenses in obtaining certification & accreditation for professional development;
  • Maintenance of plant / equipment;
  • Mobile phones, camera, tablets, laptops and personal computer (including additional accessories not part of hardware bundle ie additional mouse,cable; printer and other peripherals) for general use;
  • Furniture and Fittings;
  • Utilities (phone bills, electricity, internet), printing, office rental, stationaries, secretarial, audit fees;
  • Travelling expenses which includes mileage, food and beverage and accommodations; and/or
  • Any other expenditures non-related to the project.

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

MANDATORY FOR SUBMISSION

  1. 1) Project Proposal Pitch Deck using MDEC template
  2. 2) Fully completed and signed DCG application form.
  3. 3) Applicant/Recipient’s financial statements (copies of one (1) year latest audited account). If the Applicant/Recipient has going concern issue (as reported in their latest audited account, the Applicant/Recipient is to provide a letter of undertaking by the shareholder and/or authorised director (whichever applicable as per the Applicant/Recipient’s level of authority) to undertake that in the event that their application is approved, the Applicant/Recipient shall perform its obligations under the terms and conditions to be issued by MDEC and the said shareholder and/or authorised director to provide financial support to the Applicant/Recipient to enable the Applicant/Recipient to meet its obligations and/or liabilities under the terms and conditions.
  4. 4) Show proof/portfolio of past project(s).
  5. 5) Proof of award(s) and/or recognition(s) received in the past five (5) years (if applicable).
  6. 6) Applicant/Recipient profile (and employee profile where applicable) detailing track record in development of creative works whether as an outsource service provider or in creation of original works.
  7. 7) Project proposal as outlined in project information section.
  8. 8) Board of Director Resolution to be signed by the majority of directors on the appointment of authorised signatory.
  9. 9) (a) If Applicant/Recipient previously has received any grant from MDEC and/or any other ministries or agencies under the Government of Malaysia, to provide proof of project completion (i.e: closure letter from the ministries/agencies).
    1. Limited to five (5) years records from the date of approval of the Grant.
  10. 9) (b) If Applicant/Recipient has on going grant from any other ministries or agencies under the Government of Malaysia, to provide a letter from grant awarding entity or equivalent as proof that the project is different (not overlap with the proposed project under MDEC’s grant) and has no non-compliance/breach issues being recorded during the period of the funded project(s).
  11. 10) Outsourcing if applicable (company only)
    1. Agreement or quotation from the outsource party(ies);
    2. Declaration letter of outsourced portion of the project detailing out:
      1. The scope of work of the outsourced portion;
      2. The identity of the outsourcing party(ies);
      3. The amount of outsourcing cost (must be corroborated with quotations and/ or agreements);
      4. Please declare if the outsourcing company is a related company (reference of related company is based on the applicable laws); and
      5. The arrangement should at least benefit more to the Applicant/Recipient (including copyright, ownership of IP and declaration of no relationship in terms of shareholders and assets).
  12. 11) Copy of MSC/MD Approval Letter if the Applicant has been awarded with MSC/MD status OR proof of Applicant is applying for MD status (ie screen shot of the application at Submitted Stage) (If Applicable)
  13. 12) MDEC reserves the right to request additional information from the Applicant at any time.

Specific Conditions

  1. 1The Grant Recipient shall create a minimum number of new job opportunities in the production and development component process of the project (“Job KPI”) as may be specified by MDEC. The said new jobs must be filled by Malaysians;
  2. 2The Grant Recipient shall ensure that at all times during the Availability Period more than Fifty Percent (50%) of the team involved in the project are Malaysians;
  3. 3If outsourcing cost is involved, MDEC has the right to conduct background checking to the outsource parties to ensure there is no conflict of interest. Outsourcing parties MUST not be related with the applicant (not including venture capital investors and registered market operator, eg ECF platforms).
  4. 4Outsourced work should not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the Project cost or Grant amount (whichever is lower).

Evaluation Criteria

  1. 1Strength of the Applicant’s capability to complete the Project;
  2. 2Strength of the Project being in line with the objective of the Grant(s);
  3. 3Strength of the Project from the project output, outcome perspective;
  4. 4Strength of the Project being completed given the resources allocated;
  5. 5Strength of the sources of funds available to fund the balance of the Project cost and Applicant’s funding commitment to the Project;
  6. 6Strength of the commercial viability of the Project;
  7. 7Merit of Applicant’s financial stability i.e.cashflow, profitability of the company etc.; and
  8. 8Merit of the overall proposed Project.

GRANTS RECIPIENTS

Grant Company Name

Grant Category

Year

Project Title

7th Beat Games Sdn BhdDigital Content Grant (DCG)2018Rhythm Doctor
Addeen Multimedia Sdn BhdDigital Content Grant (DCG)2020Jom Book-a-Bookoo!
Aeonsparx Interactive Sdn BhdDigital Content Grant (DCG)2019Zombie Soup
All For One Productions Sdn. Bhd.Digital Content Grant (DCG)2020Legend Of Ancient Borneo
AmmoboxStudios Sdn BhdDigital Content Grant (DCG)2018Eximius: Seize the Frontline
AmmoboxStudios Sdn BhdDigital Content Grant (DCG)2019Eximius: Seize the Frontline
Anak Rimba Sdn BhdDigital Content Grant (DCG)2019The Rimba Project
Animonsta Studios Sdn BhdDigital Content Grant (DCG)2019Mechamato
BeetleRoar Sdn BhdDigital Content Grant (DCG)2019Hamstronauts
Brainy Bones Sdn BhdDigital Content Grant (DCG)2020Kring! Animated Series
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Frequently Asked Questions