Reconceptualising creative hubs in Malaysia: Needs and voices from creative hub users

Abstract

Globally, as cities shift towards becoming cultural and creative cities, the role of creative hubs as catalyst of economic development has garnered attention. The paper aims to examine and reconceptualise creative hubs based on a Malaysian perspective. Findings from a questionnaire survey conducted for this study highlighted that creative hubs tend to attract the youth, and can be a viable employment opportunity for them. Physical hubs are preferred over virtual spaces, and the location aspect is deemed still important for creative hubs. As way forward, more government support, better stakeholder coordination and capacity-building are required. The findings will have implications on urban and cultural/creative policies as well as trigger the need for a clearer conceptualisation of creative hubs in theory, policy and practice.