Singapore’s Media Development Authority (MDA) is taking a delegation of 33 media and entertainment companies to the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, as part of a drive to increase ties between the two South-East Asian neighbours.

The three-day mission (Jan 30-Feb 1) is being hosted by Malaysia’s National Film Development Corporation (FINAS). Headed by MDA CEO Aubeck Kam, the delegation will visit Malaysian film studios and broadcasters and attend a series of workshops, seminars and business-matching sessions.

Delegates will include Singaporean production companies such as August Media Holdings, GSMproject Media, MediaCorp and Oak3 Films and independent producers such as Gavin Lim and Ellery Ngiam.

FINAS and the MDA have also been in talks about a co-production agreement between Malaysia and Singapore since last October.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak recently reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation at all levels.

Among the projects they discussed was industrial and residential development Iskandar Malaysia, which is located in southern Malaysia, and aims to provide facilities and infrastructure for both Malaysian and Singapore companies. It’s also where the upcoming Pinewood Iskandar Studios will be located.

FINAS director general Mohd Naguib Razak said: “Sharing efforts and resources together amongst regional neighbours, such as Singapore, makes perfect sense and should bring a wealth of positives to both our countries, especially when Malaysia and Singapore already share similar culture, race, languages and traditions, are world-class digital content providers and possess a high-growth sector known worldwide.”

FINAS is also in the advanced stages of finalising a co-production agreement between Malaysia and Australia.

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