KUALA LUMPUR, 26 July 2024 – The achievement of a local animation production company in being listed on Bursa Malaysia showcases the huge potential of the animation industry in the country.

Kucingko Berhad inked its name in our history books as being the first local animation production company to be listed on the Malaysian stock exchange.

Having started its journey as Inspidea 22 years ago, Kucingko has grown from a startup with two founders in 2002 to a thriving enterprise employing over 260 creative artists in Malaysia. The company has held Malaysia Digital (MD) Status since 2004, and has generated over RM250 million in export revenue – significantly contributing to Malaysia's digital economy.

"We have had the privilege of witnessing Inspidea effectively leverage the industry development initiatives under the MD Status umbrella while giving back to society and the animation industry in various ways,” said Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo.

“Through Inspidea, Kucingko has mentored new creative professionals under the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation’s (MDEC) Digital Content Creators Challenge (DC3) programme for more than four years. The company has also supported community-building initiatives nationwide by encouraging children to embrace digital animation.

“Kucingko's post-listing talent-building initiatives in Sabah and Sarawak are particularly commendable. We should continue to support companies that aim to grow while contributing back to the industry.

“I am pleased to note that Kucingko is now listed on Bursa Malaysia, and I would like congratulate the team at Kucingko on this significant milestone.”

Gobind added that Kucingko's achievement will inspire other players in the creative industry to follow suit.

See Chin Joo, Executive Director of Kucingko, said the MD Status is one of the most impactful programmes ever introduced by the Malaysian government to support startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the digital sphere.

“The pioneer status has enabled early-stage companies to reinvest their income and grow, and Inspidea enjoyed a productive decade under this status,” said See.

“MD Status companies also benefit from numerous industry development programmes, including development and production grants, market access initiatives, and talent development," See said.

Inspidea had been a beneficiary of substantial grant support from MDEC since 2006, significantly contributing to the creation and international success of these animation projects.