In a trailblazing initiative, Malaysia has launched the Creators IRL (In Real Life) programme, a significant collaboration between the Ministry of Communications, Meta Platforms, Inc., and CelcomDigi. This programme, which marks a major public, private, and cross-industry partnership, is set to redefine how online safety and scams are addressed in the digital landscape.
Unveiled at a high-profile event in Kuala Lumpur, the Creators IRL programme brought together over 30 of Malaysia’s most influential content creators, alongside key industry stakeholders. This marks the beginning of a unified effort to equip content creators with the knowledge, tools, and experiences necessary to combat online threats and advocate for digital safety.
The event also provided a preview of the fellowship programme designed for content creators, featuring a dynamic panel discussion with leading experts from Meta, CelcomDigi, and the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum). The panel explored critical issues such as online scams and child online safety, offering valuable insights and strategies to safeguard online users.
Following the panel, attendees engaged in a hands-on content creation workshop led by REV Media. This workshop offered practical guidance on crafting impactful content that addresses serious online safety issues while effectively engaging audiences.
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New Su Shern, Executive Director of Ratio, the social change impact agency executing the programme, highlighted the importance of authenticity in content creation. “It’s essential for content creators not only to be aware of an issue but also to feel empowered to take meaningful action. Authenticity is key, especially with the brands they choose to promote. When content creators genuinely believe in a brand, their content is authentic and resonates with their audience. Our goal is to engage content creators in a way that goes beyond merely sharing information; we aim to foster behavioural change and empowerment,” she said.
Creators IRL stands as the flagship initiative of the broader Online Safety and Anti-Scam Programme. It is designed to build a dynamic community of content creators dedicated to addressing online harms. At its core is a transformative three-month fellowship for 10 selected content creators. These creators will dive deep into advanced content creation techniques that focus on behavioural strategies and online safety, guided by top industry experts. Moreover, they will gain real-world insights through visits to key digital organisations and institutions, and have the opportunity to network with government officials, corporate leaders, and fellow content creators to forge invaluable relationships and partnerships.
The programme also includes grant support totalling RM80,000.00, enabling the selected creators to produce and create impactful content that drives change on online safety issues. This comprehensive fellowship will empower content creators to harness their creativity and craft content that not only engages audiences but also promotes profound digital safety messages.
Daniel Lim, Head of Public Policy at Meta Malaysia, emphasised the importance of this initiative. “Meta is committed to creating a safe and positive online environment. The Creators IRL programme represents a significant step forward in empowering content creators to not only understand the issues of online safety but to take active, meaningful steps to address them. We are excited to see the transformative impact this programme will have on our digital community,” he stated.
Philip Ling, Head of Sustainability at CelcomDigi, echoed the importance of collective action. “As a company that serves over 20 million customers, we have a responsibility to protect the safety and security of our customers while fostering a more secure digital environment for all Malaysians. To effectively combat online harm and scams, our mission is clear – to ACT, that is to create Awareness, drive Compliance to high security and safety standards internally while supporting enforcement agencies, and leverage Technology advancements to build safeguards against cybercrime. We believe that large-scale action through partnerships like this is key to tackling this pressing social epidemic and continue to advocate a whole-of-society approach to combat various online threats and scams more effectively.”
Mediha Mahmood, CEO of the Content Forum, underscored the power of collaboration. “The Content Forum firmly believes that collaboration and a multi-stakeholder approach are paramount to ensuring a safe and thriving content environment. We are strong advocates for open dialogues on critical issues as they not only foster understanding and innovation but also serve as powerful catalysts for meaningful change.”
For content creators passionate about making a difference in the digital world, the Creators IRL programme presents a transformative opportunity. Apply now at onlinesafetyirl.com and be a driving force for positive change in the digital community.
