KOTA KINABALU, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is encouraging eligible companies to apply for the Creative Industry Development Fund.
MCMC Broadband Management Division head Nor Akmar Shah Minan said half of the fund, which has been allocated RM100 million for the 2011 to 2013 period, is unused because the applications received do not meet MCMC's criteria.
Speaking to reporters after the presentation of prizes for the state-level League of Creative Teens competition here today, he said of the over 400 applications received, only 100 have been approved by MCMC.
As part of efforts to help the industry produce quality multimedia content for the domestic and international markets, MCMC is collaborating with other agencies including the Multimedia Development Corporation to hold workshops, he said.
"MCMC is also collaborating with other institutions to hold multimedia and animation courses for talented applicants who have the ideas but are unable to translate them into dramas, documentaries and animations," he said.
Nor Akmar expressed hope that the fund would be used to develop television, internet and mobile phone content that will be judged by a panel comprising representatives from Media Prima, ASTRO, RTM and telecommunications companies.
"Some 43 million customers use mobile phone apps, and 40 per cent of them use smartphones, so the potential to develop the industry is huge," he said.
At the event, SMK Kuhara (Tawau) emerged champion, taking home RM5,000 and a digital camera. Second was SMK Kota Marudu and third was St. Johan (Tuaran), who won RM3,000 and RM2,000 respectively.
Seven schools each received a consolation prize of RM500 -- SMK Badin (Tuaran), SMK Majakir (Papar), SM St. John (Tuaran), SMK Ulu Sugud (Sandakan), SMK Dato' Peter Mojuntin (Penampang), SM St. Martin (Tambunan) and SM Shan Tao (Penampang).
The champion will represent Sabah at the national competition to be held on Oct 31 in Kuala Lumpur.