Introduction
Malaysia’s animation sector exported over RM132 million ($28M+) in content in 2023 — and it’s just warming up.
What was once a low-cost outsourcing hub has evolved into a Southeast Asian creative giant, balancing global service deals with booming local IPs like Upin & Ipin, BoBoiBoy, and Ejen Ali.
The real problem? For CXOs looking to co-produce, license, or outsource animation — separating top-tier studios from flashy websites isn’t easy.
Especially when global-quality work is being done by smaller Malaysian teams you’ve never heard of.
I’ll show you how to identify Malaysia’s Top Animation Studios across game art, original IP, hybrid storytelling, and boutique partnerships — and what makes this market so investable right now.
Key Takeaways
Topic | Description |
---|---|
Malaysia’s animation evolution | From offshore CGI vendor to global IP powerhouse |
Top service studios | Trusted by Marvel, Square Enix, Netflix — with AAA pipelines |
Original IP leaders | Franchises like Upin & Ipin, BoBoiBoy driving global licensing |
What CXOs need to evaluate | Project readiness, co-pro terms, budget, localization pipeline |
Malaysia’s Animation Market
With backing from MDEC and initiatives like the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, the country has quietly built an ecosystem of over 100+ animation studios.
Many participate in global game and streaming content — with local titles now breaking into regional OTT platforms and merchandising.
Exports grew 11% YoY in 2023. Malaysia is now viewed as a “mini Japan” in Southeast Asia — offering IP creation, dubbing, 3D pipelines, and even VFX on par with Tokyo or Seoul, but at 40–60% lower cost.
Strategic Service Studios
Lemon Sky Studios
Lemon Sky Studios has animated for Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Final Fantasy, and Diablo II Resurrected. Known for AAA game art and ISO-certified pipelines, they’re the crown jewel of Malaysia’s B2B animation scene.
Polygon Pictures Malaysia
Polygon Pictures Malaysia is the regional arm of Japan’s CGI powerhouse. Specializes in anime-style assets, 3D modeling, and seamless pipeline integration across geographies.
Silver Ant
Silver Ant worked on Transformers Prime and Barbie Dreamtopia. They’re a favorite among IP owners needing mid-budget CGI with fast turnaround.
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Original IP & Local Franchises
Animasia Studio
Animasia Studio is behind Bola Kampung and Chuck Chicken, both exported to over 30 countries. It’s a prime example of local IP finding international success via co‑pro and licensing.
Astro Productions
Astro Productions, via Astro Shaw, continues to build crossover animation-film franchises while owning the local distribution channels to scale them quickly.
Double Vision
Double Vision blends traditional storytelling with digital-first formats. Their work increasingly supports kids’ animation formats tailored for regional OTTs.
Think Netflix-Level Visibility

Boutique & Hybrid Studios
The Paradox Studio and Lil Critter Workshop specialize in 2D/3D hybrid formats. They shine in transmedia storytelling, pitch-ready decks, and co-productions with festivals in mind.
Circle Studio is newer but focuses on stylized storytelling and mobile‑first formats.
CXO Buyer Considerations
What should you ask when scouting Malaysian animation partners?
- Do they have prior co‑pro experience with cross-border teams?
- Is their budget per minute aligned with your delivery specs?
- Do they offer QC, subtitling, and metadata-ready files?
- Are their deliverables structured for OTT packaging?
Why Malaysia’s Animation Is Trending
Malaysia’s anime sector alone is projected to exceed $398M by 2030.
With fast internet rollout, AI pre-vis tools, and government rebates, CXOs are increasingly looking here for both service work and fresh content pipelines.
Conclusion
Malaysia is no longer “emerging” — it’s a full-service global player across 3D, 2D, hybrid, and IP creation.
Whether you’re sourcing game-ready assets, co‑producing a series, or scouting original IP, these studios are export-ready and battle-tested.Get Your Vitrina Membership Today
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia is known for both high-end CGI outsourcing and original kids’ IP like Upin & Ipin and BoBoiBoy.
Lemon Sky, Polygon Pictures Malaysia, and Silver Ant have all worked on major IPs like Marvel, Transformers, and Final Fantasy.
Yes — budgets are often 40–60% lower than US or Korea, with comparable quality and full compliance pipelines.
Use Vitrina’s profiles to check projects, clients, pipeline, team size, compliance, and regional benchmarks.