The creative industries are widely defined as activities that are focused on creativity, skill and talent; and that have the potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property. Some examples include advertising, music, film, art, architecture, museum and fashion.
The concept has been in use since the 1990s, and marks a broad wave of the digital era in creating demand for the commercial application of design, text and music, with IT support. In the post-industrial service economy, creativity has very quickly emerged as a prime driver in developing a knowledge economy — the quaternary sector.
The establishment of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) in 1996 in line with Vision 2020 signified the beginning of Malaysia’s pledge to become a developed nation, with an emphasis on knowledge economy. Closer to home, the Penang Creative Industry Conference and Showcase (PCICS) in 2014 highlighted the importance of local creative industries to promote, develop, and build an interactive connection between creative industries and end users.
In reviewing the state’s current social capital and resources, this brief proposes a clearer future direction that is immediately implementable in consideration of aspects such as culture, art and technology.
