KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association for Arts, Live Events, Concerts and Festival (ALIFE) has welcomed the recent announcement by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil on the introduction of a RM10 million annual grant to support high-impact concerts and live events across Malaysia.
Its chairman Datuk Alan Foo said in a statement yesterday that they also welcomed the 30 per cent rebate scheme for organisers who hired at least 30 per cent Malaysian talent.
Foo said: “This marks a major milestone in public-private collaboration and underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing both the industry and local creative talent.
“We are deeply encouraged by the government’s recognition of the live events industry as a vital contributor to Malaysia’s cultural economy.”
Foo added: “This grant — paired with a rebate mechanism that rewards organisers for hiring Malaysian talent — is a powerful step forward.
“It empowers organisers, attracts international acts, and ensures meaningful participation for our local ecosystem.”
Organisers who meet the local hiring threshold will be eligible to receive up to 30 per cent of their total production costs rebated through MyCreative Ventures — enabling more ambitious shows, and generating stronger economic spillovers for local crews, artists, and vendors.
ALIFE deputy chairman Brian Johnson Lowe said: “The 30 per cent rebate links public investment with local participation — that’s smart policy. It raises the bar for everyone, while keeping Malaysian talent at the centre of the stage.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
