Development Issues for the Creative Economy in Malaysia PhD Thesis Siti Suriawati Isa n6181228 Creative Industries Faculty Queensland University of Technology Submitted in full requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2012 Page | i Keywords Animation, museums, creative economy, experience industries, creative industries Malaysia. Page | ii Abstract Cultural tourism and creative industries have intersecting policy agendas and economic interdependencies. Most studies of the creative industries have focused on western countries. Cultural tourism is rarely included. However the arrival of the creative economy and its movement through developing countries has changed the relationship. Supporters of the creative economy now see fit to include tourism. This thesis addresses the development of the creative economy in Malaysia. The thesis conducted case studies on animation and museum sectors in Malaysia. These two case studies provide information on the development of creative economy in Malaysia. The study found that a top-down cultural management approach is being practised but that Malaysia is now influenced by new ideas concerning innovation and technical creativity. The study examined whether or not technical innovation by itself is enough. The reference points here are the Multimedia Super Corridor in Cyberjaya and other similar projects in the region. The museum case study was situated in Malacca. It showed that museums needed to adapt new media and new experiences to remain relevant in today’s world. In applying a case study approach, the thesis made use of interviews with key stakeholders, as well consulting numerous policy documents and web sites. Both case studies imitated similar products and services in the market but added local characteristics. This research project contributes significantly to the existing body of knowledge in the field of creative economy within the context of developing countries. Finally the thesis makes recommendations for Malaysia to better position itself in the regional economy while retaining its distinctive cultural identity. Page | iii Acknowledgements This section acknowledges all the people who were directly or indirectly involved in my PhD journey at QUT. First and foremost, I offer my humble gratitude to Allah for making all of this happen. Secondly, I would like to thanks my parents, Siti Aishah Tafazul, and Isa Hashim, my gorgeous daughter, Siti Nurellyza Suria Ab Rahim, my three beautiful sisters, Siti Sabariah Isa, Siti Sarah Isa and Siti Salwa Isa, my lovely brothers and brothers-in-law, Mohd Hasni Isa, Mohd Husna Isa, Mohd Husba Isa, Ahmad Fuad Hassan, Izzuddin Loi-Abdullah, Abu Ali and other family members and relatives for their great support, encouragement and prayers while I worked on my PhD. Importantly, I am totally indebted to my Principal Supervisor, Associate Professor Michael Keane and Associate Supervisor, Professor Greg Hearn for their valuable contribution towards my thesis. Without them I would not have been able to finish my study. I will always remember their kindness and willingness to take me under their wings. I also would like to express my gratitude to my employer in Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and all the staff at the Faculty of Economics and Management, specifically the Department of Hospitality and Recreation, my sponsor, the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, and the Creative Industries Faculty of the Queensland University of Technology for all their great support and assistance throughout my study. I also thank all of the staff at the two organisations involved in my case studies: Les’Copaque Production Sdn. Bhd., and the Malacca Museum Corporation. Their kind assistance and support is very much appreciated. Also, I thank the International Support Services staff—Nazrin Rashid, Graeme Baguley Andy Ng, and Don Foster—for helping me significantly in completing this research. I thank my Malaysian community in Brisbane and Queensland, and finally, my friends, specifically Naza Amit and Eric Shelton, my relatives Jessine Izz-Loi, Siti Jessmine Izz-Loi, Aini Zainol, and great research colleagues (Cindy, Natalie, Tim, Cori, Donna, Jaz, Clare, Rachael, Joy, Mike and Asti), my dearest friend, Susan Gasson at the RSC, who has always believed in me, and other QUT staff members, in particular, Kate Simmonds and Professor Caroline Hatcher. Thank you very much for all your kindness and in putting up with me through thick and thin. All of you have made this possible, and I will surely miss all of you after this. Words cannot express how grateful I am for what you all have contributed towards my research. May Allah bless all of you. TERIMA KASIH. A friend cannot be considered a friend until he is tested in three occasions: in time of need, behind your back, and after your death (Ali ibn abi Talib) Page | iv Statement of Authorship The work contained in this thesis has not been previously submitted to meet requirements for an award at this or any other higher education institution. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the thesis contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made. Signature Date Page | v Table of Contents Keywords .......................................................................................................................................... ii Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................... iv Statement of Authorship .................................................................................................................. v Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...vi List of Tables and Figures...................................................................................................................x Abbreviations and Glossary...............................................................................................................xi 1. THE CREATIVE ECONOMY IN MALAYSIA ........................................................................................ xi 1.1 Introduction to Creative Economy ................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Research Problem ............................................................................................................................ 2 1.3 Research Methodology .................................................................................................................... 3 1.4 The Development of Creative Economy in Malaysia ....................................................................... 4 1.5 Cultural Tourism ............................................................................................................................... 5 1.5.1 Creative Tourism ............................................................................................................... 6 1.6 Creative Industries: A Discussion ..................................................................................................... 7 1.6.1 Creative Industries and the Cultural Industries ................................................................ 8 1.6.2 Creative Industries and the Experience Industries ........................................................... 8 1.7 Research Outline .............................................................................................................................. 9 2. THE LITERATURE ON CREATIVE SECTORS ..................................................................................... 11 2.1 Introduction to the Creative Economy .......................................................................................... 11 2.2 Domains of Creative Activity .......................................................................................................... 12 2.2.1 Scientific, Economic, Technological, & Cultural Creativity .............................................. 14 2.3 Economic Creativity ....................................................................................................................... 14 2.3.1 The Differing Creative Economies in Developing Nations .............................................. 15 2.3.2 Creative Industries: New and Untested Ideas ................................................................. 16 2.4 Technological Creativity ................................................................................................................. 18 2.4.1 Content Industry ............................................................................................................. 20 2.4.2 Cultural Creativity ........................................................................................................... 21 2.4.3 Cultural Tourism .............................................................................................................. 23 2.5 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 24 3. CREATIVE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA ..................................................................... 26 Page | vi 3.1 The Malaysian Experience in Developing a Creative Economy ..................................................... 26 3.2 Developing Malaysia’s Creative Economy ....................................................................................