The event also marked Ham’s 25th anniversary in the creative industry and his 50th birthday, celebrating half a century of his life’s journey and a quarter-century of dedication to building cross-border connections across industries and countries.

Themed ‘Nightmare on Adam’s Street,’ the event was officiated by Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup and held under the patronage of former National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) chairman Datuk Kamil Othman. It was attended by local celebrities such as Diana Danielle, Ruhainies, Elizabeth Tan, and Amelia Henderson.

Supported by more than 70 sponsors and strategic partners, among them Gintell, Vivo, OneCare Wellness, VitaHealth, and Kinohimitsu, the event underscored Ham’s role as a connector across communities.

Arthur, in his speech, praised Ham’s contributions to Malaysia’s creative economy, describing him as an individual who embodies the spirit of resilience, adaptability and innovation, and who continues to ensure that the industry remains vibrant and that people stay employed even in challenging times.

Meanwhile, Kamil said he had witnessed Ham’s transformation from a young industry executive into a regional connector, who never stops building bridges. Ham’s passion for linking Malaysia with the world has opened doors for countless creators and entrepreneurs as he truly understands that the creative industry is about people, relationships, and shared growth.

A graduate of Western Michigan University, United States, Ham began his career in 2000, introducing the concept of ‘Clevonomic opportunities,’ which integrates creativity and economic opportunity to elevate local talent to the international stage. He previously served with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) before joining FINAS.

Under Kamil’s guidance, Ham played a key role in promoting Malaysian creative content internationally, including titles such as Upin & Ipin, Bola Kampung, Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam, and Legenda Budak Setan, in addition to helping promote Malaysia as a preferred filming location for international film productions.

While at FINAS, he focused on promoting Malaysian films and music at major international festivals and markets, including the Sundance Film Festival, American Film Market, Marché du Film in Cannes, Busan International Film Festival, and the MIDEM Music Festival.

He later founded the GCMA in 2011 to further connect Malaysia’s creative industries with global markets.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought international content trade shows and festivals to a standstill, Ham quickly shifted gears. Instead of waiting for borders to reopen, he turned his focus to bridging the entertainment and retail sectors, pairing celebrities with brands for commercials, endorsements, and live appearances that helped keep both industries alive and connected during a challenging time.

Commenting on the ASEAN Records recognition, Ham said his experience working with both the public and private sectors had taught him that relationships and trust form the foundation of success. He added that Malaysia’s supportive creative ecosystem continues to inspire him to help industry peers, regardless of their background.

“Now, with a network of more than 25,000 professional contacts across ASEAN, my goal is to keep building regional connections, expand our creative reach, and leave behind a legacy that inspires the next generation of Malaysian talent,” he said.

-- BERNAMA

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