Malaysians are hooked on Chinese micro-dramas. Can local creators cash in?
They’re like mini grenades of love, betrayal and revenge – and Malaysians can’t get enough. Now to cook up some home-made titles
With their addictive mix of family scandals, jaw-dropping betrayals and steamy romances – all packed into bite-sized, minute-long episodes – Chinese micro-dramas have become a daily indulgence for many Malaysians.
From quick fixes during the morning commute to stolen moments in a busy workday, these fast-paced tales have been tailor-made for smartphone viewing. Now, local content makers are also eyeing the format, hoping to replicate the quick-click, multi-episode formula for home-grown success.
“I just love how everything is so over the top,” said Ng, a cosmetics sales representative who sneaks in episodes whenever she can. “You get so angry, and then 15 seconds later, there’s a twist, and it ends with a cliffhanger. And because it only lasts one minute, it’s easy for me to stop and attend to a customer.”
You get so angry, and then 15 seconds later, there’s a twist, and it ends with a cliffhanger