by Theleaders | August 24, 2026 9:07 pm
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today officially opened the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Tower in Damansara, marking a new phase in strengthening Malaysia’s film and audiovisual industry under the Orange Economy framework.
The opening ceremony, was attended by international guests, industry figures and members of the media.
Anwar said the historic occasion reflected the need to further raise the capabilities and stature of Malaysia’s film industry while empowering the country’s culture.
He stressed that Malaysia must move forward with greater speed and fresh ideas by embracing new technologies, including animation, information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI), while remaining firmly rooted in its values, language, culture and national identity.
“This country needs to move forward with greater strength, embracing new technologies, IT and AI, while remaining strong in our values, language and culture,” he said.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said Menara Finas, developed on a 5.14-acre site, began construction on January 20, 2021, and has now become the country’s new film industry hub.
He said the building is equipped with modern facilities, including Dewan Panca Delima, two sound stages, the P. Ramlee Digital Cinema, training spaces, a Mediatheque, a Museum of Moving Image and a Film Vault.
“The Film Vault serves as the national audiovisual archive storage centre and currently houses 81,770 collections.
“Menara Finas received its Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) on December 18, 2025, as well as its Certificate of Practical Completion on May 22, 2026.
“Following a phased relocation process, Finas began operating fully from the tower on August 6, 2026,” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony.
Fahmi also said the new facilities are expected to strengthen the development of the country’s creative industry, while also serving as a reference centre and a hub for preserving Malaysia’s audiovisual heritage.
Finas chairman Datuk Hans Isaac described the new building as an important milestone for Malaysia’s creative industry.
“The building is a magnificent one for our industry.
“But the building means nothing if the individuals working inside it do not carry out their responsibilities well and sincerely, to help the creative industry,” he said.
“We hope this building will be open to all of you, not just the PTD officers here.
“I hope the industry will make the best possible use of this building,” he said.
He also confirmed that the government would retain Finas’ production facilities in Hulu Kelang, describing the site as an important part of the industry’s development.
“Never let that land go,” he said, adding that the site had played an important role in the development of many industry players.
The opening of Finas Tower also marked a significant milestone, coinciding with 2026, which commemorates the 45th anniversary of Finas and 80 years of the legacy of the Malayan Film Unit–Filem Negara Malaysia.
Finas was established in 1981 and officially began operations at the Merdeka Studio Complex in Hulu Kelang in 1988.
The Malayan Film Unit was established on April 1, 1946, renamed Filem Negara Malaysia in 1963, and officially merged with Finas on January 1, 2013.
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