It was a night to remember as some of Malaysia’s biggest names in the creative and entertainment world gathered to celebrate Adam Ham, the man widely regarded as one of the country’s most connected figures in the industry. The event marked his 25th year of championing Malaysia’s creative economy in conjunction with his 50th birthday in a grand celebration that was as heartfelt as it was star-studded.

At the event, Ham was presented with a special award from ASEAN Records recognising him as the region’s most connected entrepreneur in the creative media and entertainment sectors across Southeast Asia with the official record title being the “Largest Collection of Creative Media & Entertainment Contacts in a Single Mobile Directory by One Individual”. Held jointly at Laut and The Fishermen’s Club in Mont Kiara Meridin, the celebration drew more than 300 guests including VIPs, media, industry leaders and celebrities.

The evening, themed “Nightmare on Adam’s Street”, was officially graced by Dato’ Sri Arthur Joseph Kurup, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. It was held under the patronage of Dato’ Kamil Othman, former chairman of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS). The event also saw the presence of numerous celebrities including multitalented actress Diana Danielle, actress and model Ruhainies, and actress-singer Elizabeth Tan among others. Actress and host Amelia Henderson added a personal touch by joining Ham in a joint birthday celebration. Supported by over 70 corporate sponsors and partners including Gintell, Vivo, OneCare Wellness, VitaHealth and Kinohimitsu, the celebration was filled with music, performances, and moments of camaraderie that perfectly reflected Ham’s role as a connector across communities.

“Adam represents the kind of creative resilience and adaptability that Malaysia is proud of. Even in the toughest times, he found ways to keep the industry moving and people employed. His work embodies the spirit of innovation that drives our creative economy forward,” said Arthur, commending Ham’s passion and contribution to the nation.

Ham’s career began in 2000, driven by his belief in what he calls “Clevonomic opportunities”; creative ventures built to deliver real value and global reach for Malaysian talent. After graduating from Western Michigan University, he worked at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, working on innovation funds, before moving to Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), then-known as Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC). Under then-VP Dato’ Kamil Othman, he helped Malaysian titles such as Upin & Ipin, Bola Kampung, Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam and Legenda Budak Setan gain traction at international festivals, and secured co-production, distribution and trade deals while promoting Malaysia as a filming location for international production houses.

Later, as a creative economy specialist at FINAS, he focused on elevating Malaysian films and music at major international festivals and markets including NATPE Budapest (then known as DISCOP), Sundance Film Festival, American Film Market, Marché du Film in Cannes, Busan International Film Festival, and MIDEM Music Festival, among others. In 2011, Ham founded the Global Creative & Media Agency (GCMA) to further connect Malaysia’s creative industries with global markets.

When the 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. Driven by his deep love for Malaysia, Ham channelled his energy into contributing meaningfully to the nation, its people, and its economy, believing that his success stemmed from striking the right balance between fostering collaboration across the public and private sectors to create shared growth and opportunity.

Reflecting on Ham’s growth and dedication, Kamil remarked, “I’ve watched Adam evolve from a young industry executive to a regional connector who never stops building bridges. His passion for linking Malaysia with the world has opened doors for countless creators and entrepreneurs. He truly understands that the creative industry is about people, relationships, and shared growth.”

The ASEAN Records recognition reflects the breadth of his network. “Working across government and private sectors taught me that relationships and trust are everything,” Ham shared. He added that Malaysia’s supportive environment motivates him to help fellow Malaysians regardless of background. “Malaysia’s creative community has always been about lifting each other up, and that’s what keeps me going.”

With a network exceeding 25,000 contacts of prominent people such as across ASEAN, Ham remains focused on the future, “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.”

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