The digital economy of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is on track to hit a staggering US$1 trillion (RM4.5 trillion) by 2030, up from its current value of US$300 billion, according to Malaysia’s Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong. Speaking at the launch of the ASEAN Digital Content Summit (ADCS) 2025 in Johor Bahru on September 2, the minister highlighted the region’s immense potential to become a global leader in the digital and creative sectors, driven by a youthful population, vast internet user base, and burgeoning markets like gaming and animation.
A Region Primed for Digital Dominance
ASEAN, a bloc of 10 nations with a combined population of 680 million, boasts the third-largest internet user base globally. More than half of its people are under the age of 35, providing a dynamic and tech-savvy workforce that is fueling innovation. This demographic advantage, coupled with a rapidly growing digital infrastructure, positions the region as a powerhouse in the global creative economy. Wilson Ugak emphasized these strengths, noting that ASEAN has the talent, youth, and market demand to lead on the world stage.
The economic figures are striking. The gaming industry in Southeast Asia alone generated US$6 billion in revenue in 2024, making it the fastest-growing gaming market worldwide. Beyond gaming, the animation sector is gaining international acclaim, contributing to a global animation industry valued at US$400 billion. These sectors are not just economic drivers but also cultural ambassadors, showcasing ASEAN’s creative output to a worldwide audience. 
Wilson Ugak underscored the importance of these numbers, stating, “These figures tell a clear story. ASEAN does not just have the numbers, we have the youth, talent, and market demand to lead the global creative economy.” His remarks reflect a broader vision of transforming ASEAN into a hub for digital innovation, where economic growth and cultural influence go hand in hand.
Collaboration as the Key to Success
While the potential is undeniable, the minister stressed that collaboration across the region is essential to unlocking it. In a world increasingly defined by interconnectedness, isolated efforts fall short. “Creativity in isolation can only take us so far. In today’s interconnected world, collaboration is the currency of success” Wilson Ugak noted during his speech. He urged ASEAN nations to unite by sharing talent, resources, and platforms to amplify their collective impact on the global stage.
The ADCS 2025, a three-day event held at the Persada International Convention Centre, aims to serve as a catalyst for such partnerships. Featuring global leaders in gaming, animation, and immersive content, the summit provides a platform for sparking ideas and forging connections. It also showcases homegrown successes, such as Malaysia’s animated series Ejen Ali and BoBoiBoy, which have captured audiences both locally and internationally. Among the keynote speakers was Japanese animator Koji Morimoto, renowned for his work on iconic projects like Akira and Animatrix, highlighting the event’s international draw.
Wilson Ugak called on participants to seize the opportunity, declaring, “Let us make ADCS 2025 a turning point. Let us connect, collaborate, and create a future where ASEAN’s creative economy leads the world.” His vision is one of unity, where the region’s diverse talents converge to build a shared legacy of innovation.
Malaysia’s Rising Role in the Creative Ecosystem
Malaysia, as the host of ADCS 2025, is positioning itself at the forefront of ASEAN’s creative surge. The country’s creative industry has already generated RM87.25 billion in revenue and created over 10,000 jobs between 2011 and 2023, according to Wilson Ugak. This economic impact is complemented by cultural milestones, with local productions gaining global recognition. For instance, Ejen Ali The Movie 2 grossed over RM50 million at the box office, while Mechamato became the first ASEAN production to win the Tokyo Anime Fan Award.
Further cementing Malaysia’s ambitions, Wilson Ugak announced that the country has successfully secured the bid to host SIGGRAPH Asia 2026, one of the world’s largest conferences on computer graphics and interactive techniques. Expected to attract over 3,000 industry professionals from Asia, the US, and Europe, the event is set to bolster ASEAN’s reputation as a creative powerhouse. “This will further strengthen our ecosystem and position ASEAN as a global creative powerhouse” the minister said.
These achievements are not isolated to Malaysia. Across the region, creative works are breaking barriers. Indonesia’s Jumbo surpassed Disney’s Moana 2 at the box office, a testament to the growing appetite for local content that resonates with global audiences. Such successes signal that ASEAN’s creative industries are not just catching up but are already competitive on the international stage.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
The projected growth of ASEAN’s digital economy to US$1 trillion by 2030 offers immense opportunities for economic development, job creation, and cultural exchange. The region’s gaming and animation sectors, in particular, are poised to drive a significant portion of this expansion. With Southeast Asia’s gaming market already outpacing others in growth, investments in infrastructure, talent development, and cross-border collaborations could further accelerate progress.
However, challenges remain. The digital economy’s rapid expansion raises questions about equitable access to technology, intellectual property protection, and the need for regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with consumer rights. While ASEAN nations share common goals, disparities in infrastructure and policy environments could hinder collective progress. Addressing these gaps will require not just collaboration but also targeted investments in education and digital literacy to ensure that the benefits of this economic boom reach all segments of society.
Moreover, as ASEAN’s creative industries gain global prominence, they must navigate the complexities of cultural representation and market competition. Producing content that reflects the region’s diverse identities while appealing to international audiences is no small feat. Events like ADCS 2025 and SIGGRAPH Asia 2026 offer platforms to tackle these issues, fostering dialogue among creators, policymakers, and industry leaders.
A Vision for ASEAN’s Creative Future
The trajectory of ASEAN’s digital and creative economies points to a future where the region could redefine global standards of innovation. With a youthful population driving demand and talent shaping supply, the building blocks are in place. The success stories of Ejen Ali, Jumbo, and Mechamato are not anomalies but previews of what is possible when creativity meets opportunity.
Wilson Ugak’s call for unity at ADCS 2025 resonates as a reminder that ASEAN’s strength lies in its diversity. By pooling resources and expertise, the region can overcome individual limitations and project a unified voice in the global creative economy. As the minister aptly put it, “These milestones prove that ASEAN is not just ready for the global stage, but we are already shining on it.”
Yet, as the digital economy races toward the US$1 trillion mark by 2030, the question looms: can ASEAN sustain this momentum while ensuring inclusive growth? The answer may lie in the partnerships forged today, at summits like ADCS, where the seeds of tomorrow’s creative revolutions are being sown.
