MDEC launches #YoungCreators initiative for youths

KUCHING: The #YoungCreators virtual event organised by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will see the launch of a new platform to nurture creative digital skills of youths in the country.

Placed within MDEC’s on-going #SayaDigital movement, the #YoungCreators will provide an opportunity for young and budding content creators to learn how to leverage digital platforms as a means to upskill, empower creativity and generate income.

Programme participants can strengthen their capabilities and visibility on a regional or international stage. Featuring top influencers, talents and industry giants within the creative space, the twoday event will be highlighted on Aug 28 and 29, 2020.

Chalking up another first, MDEC has partnered with TikTok, Snapchat, Binumi to leverage on a strong core group of influencers who will share their experience, insights and advice.

Providing a “platform” to participants to power their content creating efforts and monetisation goals, the interactive sessions will also discuss how to leverage digital and social media platforms and leading technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR).

The highlight of the event is the Creative Content Challenge with cash rewards and certificates given by TikTok to #YoungCreators’ winners. From this, ten young creators will then be chosen to be inducted in a 12-month Creators Network Programme conducted by CastingAsia.

To participate in this challenge, all Malaysian TikTok users aged 16 and over are encouraged to upload original informative and educational videos using the hashtags #YoungCreators and #TikTokGuru from Aug 22-31.

Each video must be at least 10 seconds long and the themes include general knowledge, technology, health and fitness, beauty, culture and life hacks.

MDEC’s chief executive officer Surina Shukri believes that despite the ongoing global pandemic, Malaysian digital content creators have been far ahead of the curve when it comes to digital adoption.

“The journey is just starting. With the global pandemic threatening jobs and the overall economy, we have a chance to cushion that blow by empowering the younger generation to embrace digital technology to enhance their creativity and monetise their creations as a sustainable form of living, which speaks to the country’s aspiration to achieve inclusive growth and shared prosperity for all.

“Today, we are living in the new normal and we believe by partnering with vibrant industry players like TikTok, Snapchat and Binumi, the #YoungCreators initiative will serve as a platform to encourage youngsters to trust in their own creative spirits and make a name for themselves, not only in Malaysia but also globally,” said Shukri.

This is also in line with MDEC’s agenda to accelerate participation of the younger generation and to enable digitally-skilled Malaysians during a time where digital transformation is no longer a choice but a necessity.

The #SayaDigital movement is a monthlong national programme organised by MDEC to create awareness, adoption and advocacy of digitalisation to further promote a digitally-skilled Malaysians and digitally-powered businesses in Malaysia.