Can Malaysia’s Orange Economy Deliver Real Growth?

Malaysia's proposed Orange Economic Council could be a turning point for the country's creative industries—but only if it overcomes deep-rooted fragmentation and political interference. Rizal Kamal, CEO of LOL Asia and advisor to Alive Malaysia, argues that while the council hasn’t yet been formally launched, its creation is long overdue. The current ecosystem is splintered across ministries and agencies, each operating in silos, which stifles innovation and collaboration. Kamal emphasizes that the government’s role should focus on enabling infrastructure—like creative hubs—and establishing clear, non-political policies that protect concerts from arbitrary cancellations. He warns that even minor disruptions due to political whims can erode investor and audience confidence. Despite improvements in Malaysia’s permit system—now among the best in the region—concerts still face risks from economic volatility, especially rising USD costs and global instability like the Middle East conflict. While Visit Malaysia 2026 may bring short-term boosts, long-term success depends on structural reforms, not reactive tourism campaigns. The real test will be whether the council can deliver reliable, consistent support that turns Malaysia into a trusted regional entertainment destination.