Contributing Writer: Cassie Forsythe
Who is SCENIC
The Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (SCENIC) was established under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation Sabah (KSTI) with approval from the State Cabinet in August 2019. Its core mission is to accelerate Sabah’s economic growth by driving entrepreneurship, technology adoption, innovation, and creativity.
SCENIC’s programmes are built around three main pillars: the creative industry, technology and innovation, and startup development. Through these, the centre is working to advance seven key focus areas in the state:
* creative media
* digital skills and talent
* Industry 4.0 manufacturing
* tourism
* smart agriculture
* mobile technology, and
* game development.
Digital tools such as AR/VR, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, big data analytics, robotics, animation, and filmmaking are used to support these initiatives.
To further its mission, SCENIC has introduced several funding opportunities under the SCENIC Impact Grants, which include:
- SCENIC Enabler Grant
- SCENIC Innovation Kickstart Grant
- SCENIC Creative Grant
- Social Procurement Initiative Fund
These grants aim to accelerate innovation, strengthen the creative ecosystem, and expand opportunities for Sabahan entrepreneurs and creators.
SCENIC Enabler Grant
This grant is tailored for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators in Sabah to gain national and international exposure. It provides financial support for participation in conferences, festivals, exhibitions, pitching competitions, and training programmes—platforms that can help them grow and position Sabah as a strong player in the creative and innovation economy.
Eligible uses:
- Registration fees for events/competitions
- Travel (domestic/international flights, local transportation)
- Accommodation during event participation
Not allowed:
- Personal consumption
- Salaries
- Entertainment
- Debt repayment
SCENIC Innovation Kickstart Grant
This seed grant provides up to RM10,000 per individual to help entrepreneurs develop prototypes, validate markets, initiate early marketing, or implement proof-of-concept projects with commercial, social, or environmental potential.
Eligible uses:
- Consultancy and advisory services directly related to enterprise establishment.
- Acquisition of specialized equipment (e.g., machines, testing tools) – items exceeding RM5,000 require justification.
- Initial marketing and outreach activities to promote products or services, capped at 20% of the total grant.
- Software licenses, app development, hosting, security testing for prototypes/proof of concept.
- Product/prototype development: raw materials & components.
- Market validation (surveys, focus groups), user testing, preliminary certification.
- Critical operational costs related to implementation (e.g., short-term lab/co-working space rental) – subject to specified limits.
Not allowed:
- Ongoing staff salaries or allowances.
- Debt repayment or settlement of existing financial obligations.
- Personal or unrelated expenses not connected to the approved project.
- Capital market investments (stocks, crypto, etc.).
- Any other unreasonable or unrelated expenditures.
SCENIC Creative Grant
The Creative Grant supports Sabah’s creative and film sector by funding short films that tell cultural, social, or innovative stories. It aims to empower both new and established filmmakers in strengthening Sabah’s creative identity.
Eligible uses:
- Script/concept development and pre-production.
- Production costs (equipment rental, 3rd party services with quotation/invoice).
- Post-production (editing, sound, VFX, etc.).
- Marketing, distribution, and festival submission fees.
Not allowed:
- Purchase of permanent equipment
- Personal or unrelated expenses
Social Procurement Initiative Fund
This fund is designed to expand market access for locally produced social and creative products. It supports enterprises in improving branding, packaging, and marketing so that their products meet standards for corporate and government procurement, in line with Sabah’s directive to prioritize local entrepreneurs.
Eligible uses:
- Product design and packaging improvements.
- Branding and marketing materials.
- Certification and quality assurance processes.
- Small-scale production support to meet corporate or bulk orders.
Not allowed:
- Personal expenses.
- Unrelated inventory not linked to the proposed product.
- Imported goods that are not locally produced in Sabah.
Applications for these grants are currently open until further notice.
For details, visit: https://scenic.my/
