Prepare to embark on a literary adventure because BookFest @ Malaysia has returned after a three-year hiatus.
The 17th edition of BookFest is set to take place from June 3 to 11 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Many are looking forward to meeting up as BookFest @ Malaysia has always been the platform for everyone, including bibliophiles, authors, and publishers among others to reunite.
With the theme 'Reunite and Excite', it invites everyone to come together with excitement, ignite the flames of imagination and let the adventure begin.
This year's BookFest is set to be the ultimate destination for book enthusiasts of all genres, with exhibitors from Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, United Kingdom and Canada.
Covering a massive 100,000 sq ft, visitors can explore Halls 1 – 5 of KLCC, taking a leisurely stroll through the exciting exhibits. Halls 1 and 2 will feature Chinese-language reading materials, CDs and DVDs, text and assessment, as well as the latest attraction - Anime and Comics Fest. Meanwhile, Halls 4 will offer stationery, titbits, gadgets and IT, while Hall 5 will be offering English books.
Visitors can expect a range of entertaining and engaging activities throughout the nine-day period, including local and overseas author-sharing sessions, children's colouring competition, Anime and Comic Cosplay competition, primary school choir competition, Art and Crafts workshops, live performances, cooking demos by well-known chefs and more.
Enriching works, enriching awards
The Popular-The Star Readers’ Choice Awards (RCA) for English reads and Popular BH-Anugerah Pilihan Pembaca (APP) for Malay reads mark their 13th itineration this year, in tandem with BookFest @ Malaysia 2023. Incepted in 2008 to encourage and recognise the talent of local authors, the RCA is organised in partnership with The Star Media Group, and the APP, in partnership with Berita Harian.
Each award consists of the fiction and non-fiction categories, with readers invited to vote for their favourite authors, whilst standing the chance to win an RM50 Popular gift voucher and a free 1-year Popular e-Card.
Since both awards feature the preceding year’s top 10 fictional and non-fictional works in their respective languages, these written masterpieces obviously come highly-recommended by Popular.
This year’s nominated works of fiction for the RCA include those by Hanna Alkaf, the author of Queen of the Tiles, Karina Robles Bahrin, the author of The Accidental Malay, Norhafsah Hamid, the author of Time to Heal.
Non-fiction works include Sharifah Nadirah and Muhammad Anas, the author of Healing the Heart: Leaving Darkness for Light, Yeo Bee Yin, the author of The Unfinished Business, Lim Teck Ghee and Murray Hunter, the author of Dark Forces Changing Malaysia.
APP-nominated fictional works include Anjell, the author of King Haidar, Suri Ryana, the author of Perfectly Halal!, Anuar Darwisy, the author of The Story Of Maria.
Non-fiction counterparts include Sofia Roses, the author of Surat Dari Semesta, Zahirah Zamree, the author of Buat Muslimah Yang Jatuh Cinta, Aiman Azlan and Dr Harlina Halizah Siraj, the author of Sekufu.
True to the awards’ theme, “Read to Vote, Vote to Win”, the results of the voting campaign will be announced during the RCA and APP ceremony at 11am on June 3 at the KLCC’s main stage @ Hall 1.
The top three authors in each category will be rewarded with a certificate of recognition, a trophy and cash during the awards ceremony.
Enjoy yourself and be filled with loads of excitement with events we have curated just for you in this year’s BookFest!
> Meet and greet local and overseas authors
Experience the unique perspectives and stories of acclaimed writers at BookFest @ Malaysia.
From the wit of comic artist Cheeming Boey to the insight of award-winning author Neil Humphreys from Singapore and bestselling self-help author Tim Castle from UK, there's something for everyone.
Meet Chinese authors like Huang Shan Liao, Peter Su and Fong Yee Leong, and local talents such as Tan Chia Yong and Cheryl Lee.
Join Popular at main stage @ Hall 1 or Hospitality Lounge 1 for these exciting meet-and-greet sessions in both English and Chinese.
> Keynote author appearance
Join renowned Taiwanese essayist and cultural critic, who has written 23 books to date, Lung Ying-tai at her special, closed-door appearance on June 10, at Banquet Hall, Level 3, KLCC from 3pm – 5pm.
To join the event, you will need to purchase the ticket at selected Popular Bookstores today or at BookFest @ Malaysia from June 3 - 11 for RM20. What’s exciting, the tickets will include an RM20 book voucher* for you.
> Primary school choir competition
This year, BookFest @ Malaysia is teaming up with Young Choral Academy to bring you an exciting choir competition on June 6 at main stage @ Hall 1 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
By joining this competition, talents will stand a chance to win prizes worth over RM5,000.
Get ready to witness the incredible talent of young performers and join in on the fun.
> Anime and comic cosplay competition
Cosplayers - they are thrilled to announce that they will be having Anime and Comic Cosplay Competition on June 8 from 2pm to 2.45pm at main stage @ Hall 1.
Winners will bring home attractive prizes worth over RM6,000.
What’s more, all participants will receive a free exclusive gift too!
They have also invited cosplayer celebrity King Angel as its judge for this competition.
> “Reunite and excite” children’s colouring competition
Get ready for the "Reunite and Excite" children's colouring competition happening on June 11 at main stage @ Hall 1!
Category A for ages 5-8 will be held from 10am – 11am, while Category B for ages 9-12 will take place from 11.30am – 12.30pm.
Winners will be taking home amazing prizes worth over RM10,000 sponsored by Faber-Castell.
The first 100 participants from each category will receive an exclusive free gift.
> Win-Win notebook contest winners live selection
You shouldn’t miss its Win–Win notebook contest winners live selection on June 10 at 11am at main stage @ Hall 1!
A total of 10 lucky winners will have the chance to receive a total of RM10,000 cash, sponsored by Sharpie.
> Bon Appétit day @ Cook–Out day
Feel free to join in its events, which include a fabulous line-up of chefs’ cooking demonstrations at Hospitality Lounge 1, Hall 1.
On June 3, they will be having Amy Wong at 3pm, Squall Chin at 4pm, and Valerie Yap at 5pm.
They will also have Star Chef Ivan’s cooking workshop on June 7 at 3pm and on June 11, there will be a whole day-long event from 1pm till 5.45pm with its Chefs - Suwarsi M.Arukin, Andrew Kow, Tan Ye Ting, Michelle Teoh and TK Dong to demonstrate for you.
> Art and craft workshops
Cultivate creativity in your children by giving them an opportunity to learn useful tips for arts and crafts from its co-organiser: Elmer’s, 3M, Uni and Plus and Faber-Castell workshops sessions at Hospitality Lounge 1. There will be a few different workshops for children to explore such as Father’s Day Craft Card on June 3 at 12pm, Uniball One Colouring Session on June 3 and 4 June at 2pm, Elmer’s Slime Making on June 4 at 3pm, Creative Bookmark Making on June 4 at 4pm, Doodling with Poster Colours, Father’s Day Card in Black Edition and Happy Family Lightbox with Acrylic Colours on June 10 from 3pm, 4pm and 5pm, and 3M’s Strong together session on June 5 and 10 at 2pm.
Special events
> Meet and greet with the local KOL
Join them every weekday from June 6 to 8 at main stage @ Hall 1 from 5pm – 5.45pm.
They have invited the founder of BBK network – Lucas to join them for a stand-up comedian show, and also join Dayana, the booktoker sharing sessions with the theme of “Tea with Dayana”!
Not only that, they have invited news reporter – Owen Yap to share his amazing travel experience this year.
> “Happy Hours” live performances
Head over to KLCC’s Main Stage @ Hall 1 to enjoy live performances from June 6 to 9, 6pm to 6.45pm.
Amazing Deals
Experience feel-good deals with Popular throughout the whole nine-day span of BookFest @ Malaysia 2023.
> All Books 20% oFF
They have a variety of English, Malay and Chinese book genres* for you to choose from!
Here’s an opportunity for you to buy your favourite titles that you’ve been eyeing at a reduced price!
Enjoy 20%* off when you purchase any of your favorite books.
> Spend more and get more
Enhance your joy with rewards by spending RM100nett and above to get a reward voucher worth more than RM10 or spend RM150nett and above to receive reward vouchers worth more than RM80.
Likewise, spend RM300nett and above to bring home vouchers worth over RM150.
> Wow! Grab now at BookFest
Check out its list of 14 Must-Buy items, which they have shortlisted for you.
From books to snacks, and everything in between, you can get them all at attractive prices as low as RM10.
> Star Buys
Check out its list of Star Buys to enjoy special discounts ranging from books, gadgets, IT to stationery.
With prices starting as low as RM1.70, it's definitely worth checking out the Star Buys’ list to see what catches your interest.
> Weekday specials
Get ready to snatch our Weekday Specials from June 6 – 9, with more than 350 products, ranging from English, Malay and Chinese books, gadgets IT as well as stationery and discount up to 80%*.
> Happy hours
Get ready for some exciting sessions from June 6 to 9, from 6pm to 10pm.
They have amazing rewards waiting for you, including a chance to win up to RM40,000 BookFest cash vouchers with 100 daily winners when you spend RM50 and above in a single receipt.
Not only that, you are able to purchase RM100 cash vouchers for just RM90, exclusively for use when purchasing English, Malay and Chinese books in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan Sections only.
And don't miss out on its Super deals with up to 75%* off on selected boxsets, gadgets, and home appliances, perfect for treating yourself or getting a gift for someone special.
> Anime and comic fest
Visit Popular at Hall 1 for Chinese comic books with special prices and explore Hall 2 for collectible toys and figurines, prize games and anime merchandise and DVD with discounts up to 25%.
> PWP deals
Spend RM60nett or more at BookFest @ Malaysia 2023 and take advantage of our offers on a variety of hand-picked goods.
> Popular card members’ exclusives
Renew or register for a Popular Privilege three-year card or E-card and be entitled to get an exclusive Popular foldable travel bag worth RM25.
Alternatively, you can renew or register your Popular card or E-card for one year to get a Pilot Juice Up Pen.
> ‘Hope for Reading’ charity campaign
Support the ‘Hope for Reading’ charity campaign, and you’ll be supporting a noble cause.
To ensure that quality reading materials are accessible to everyone, Popular has partnered with Sin Chew Daily to organise the "Hope for Reading" charity campaign.
The campaign aims to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged individuals by providing them with access to essential tools and resources.
Visitors are encouraged to purchase the limited edition "Hope for Reading" bookmark as well as BookFest Coaster.
The bookmark comes in a pack of five worth RM10nett and coaster comes in a pack of four that costs RM12nett.
All proceeds from these purchases will go towards providing quality reads to those in need.
> Bring your own bag
Go green, by bringing your own recycle bag to carry your purchases.
Alternatively, you are welcome to purchase our “Read in Style” small non-woven bag for RM 2.50nett or
“Read More Books” large non-woven bag for RM4.50nett.
Assorted designs and colours for you to choose from too.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit Popular /Harris Bookstore in West Malaysia and purchase the BookFest @ Malaysia guidebook. It will assist you in planning your ultimate shopping adventure! Available at a price of RM2.50, the guidebook also serves as an entry ticket.
Alternatively, you can opt for the RM10 season pass for unlimited access throughout the entire nine-day duration.
BookFest @ Malaysia 2023 will be open daily from 10am to 10pm, so brace yourself for a spectacular experience as they have returned to KLCC with a wide array of offerings tailored to suit everyone's interests.
For more information and exciting deals, visit www.bookfestmalaysia.com.my or BookFest Malaysia’s official Facebook page or download the Popular MY App.
