Why is Malaysia not exporting arts and culture despite the Look East Policy?

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Malaysia's Arts and Culture Export Strategy is Contingent on Cultivating Stronger Values

Malaysia's government currently has no plans to export its arts and culture, even with the renewed adoption of the Look East Policy. Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad indicated that the development of arts, culture, and heritage as viable exports is a secondary concern, contingent upon the prior establishment of robust national values. He pointed to the successful cultural exports of Japan and South Korea as examples of nations that first cultivated strong internal value systems before achieving global soft power influence.
Precedence of Values Over Cultural Exports

Dr Mahathir articulated that the export of arts and culture, often referred to as soft power, is a derivative of a nation's underlying value system. He suggested that countries like Japan and South Korea have achieved significant success in exporting their pop culture, encompassing areas such as anime, manga, music, and film, precisely because these exports are underpinned by deeply ingrained cultural values. The emphasis is placed on the foundational importance of these values before any attempt to market the cultural products themselves on an international scale.
The Role of 'Malu' in National Success

A key aspect highlighted by Dr Mahathir in the success of Japan and South Korea is their distinct cultural understanding of 'malu,' often translated as shame. He differentiated the Japanese concept of 'malu' as a profound sense of shame associated with failure in one's endeavours, which drives a culture of intense hard work and a commitment to excellence. This contrasts with the Malay understanding of 'malu,' which he described as more akin to embarrassment in social situations. This intrinsic motivation to avoid failure, he posited, is a critical factor enabling their citizens to strive for the best and maintain trustworthiness, thereby contributing to national success.
The Look East Policy and Its Underlying Principles

The renewed Look East Policy, which historically encouraged Malaysians to emulate the work ethics and development models of East Asian nations like Japan and South Korea, is seen by Dr Mahathir as an opportunity to re-emphasise these fundamental values. While the policy itself aims to foster a spirit of diligence and innovation, its application in the context of cultural exports is viewed through the lens of character development. The prime minister's stance suggests that a national pride in hard work and honour must be firmly established before Malaysia can effectively leverage its arts and culture for international appeal.

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Why is Malaysia not exporting arts and culture despite the Look East Policy?

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