KUALA LUMPUR — For Datuk Hans Isaac, his reappointment as chairman of the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) is a homecoming of sorts.
“It is an honour to return to my industry,” said Hans, who was appointed today, succeeding Datuk Kamil Othman, who has been made an advisor.
“After Stadium Corp, I am back in the industry where I made my name,” Hans told Scoop.
The 54-year-old former actor previously held the job from April 2019 to May 2020.
He was then appointed chairman of the Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) from May 2023 to March this year.
Scoop was the first to report Hans’ exit on March 8.
In thanking Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil for his trust, Hans said he wants to fulfil a number of manifestos in the industry, which includes emphasising the importance and uplifting the welfare of the film crew community so as to be on par with their more prominent counterparts.
“I will perform my duties for the industry and hope to serve everyone with fairness through policy-driven programmes and help steer Finas’ direction for the industry,” he said while paying homage to his predecessor Kamil.
“I look forward to working with the board of directors; CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib and the Finas management for the next two years,” Hans added.
Meanwhile, Kamil, who has been appointed as the industry advisor is enthusiastic about his new role.
“I would like to thank the minister for his continued faith in me and I am looking forward to the new role,” Kamil told Scoop.
“I congratulate Hans on his appointment as chairman and am eager to work with him and Azmir in taking Finas and the local film industry forward.”
Kamil, 69, said his two years as chairman had revealed a number of challenges that the local film industry is facing and new challenges that it will face.
“The way films are made and even consumed is changing rapidly, especially with evolving technology such as AI (artificial intelligence) and the like.
“With the minister’s emphasis on the Malaysian film industry to face these challenges and for Finas to lead the way, the new role of industry advisor is timely,” said Kamil who also served as Finas director from 2014 to 2016.
“We need to be up to speed with the changing landscape of filmmaking, film distribution, audience expectations and new and non-traditional platforms,” he added.
Kamil views his role as one that will complement those of the chairman and CEO who need to be focused on the important issues of the administration of Finas, financing, regulatory matters and the welfare of industry practitioners.
“I am enthusiastic about the future of Finas under this leadership and direction, and will help in any way I can,” he said. — March 26, 2025