Visitors checking out the figurines at a stall.
THE three-day Cosworld Festival at the 1st Avenue Mall in Jalan Magazine, George Town, Penang, drew an estimated 50,000 fans from all over the country as well as from China and Singapore.
Many came dressed as their favourite anime and manga characters from comic books, video games and television shows.
Among those represented were the beloved Pokemon character Pikachu, katana-wielding Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer and Kamen Rider – the masked superhero from the long-running Japanese television series.
Cosplayers at the Cosworld Festival representing a spectrum of characters from comic books, video games and television shows.
These characters brought a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere to the event, showcasing the diverse interests and creativity of the cosplay community.
Saatira Izumi, 29, came dressed as D.Va, the skilled pilot from the widely acclaimed video game Overwatch, known for her formidable combat skills and pink battle suit.
“I like dressing up as this character as she’s very girly but tough at the same time. I came all the way from Selangor as I was invited to be part of the cosplay jury,” she said.
Cosplayers at the Cosworld Festival representing a spectrum of characters from comic books, video games and television shows.
Other than cosplayers, there was also a Dota (Defense of the Ancients) 2 competition, and numerous stalls selling toys, posters, original art pieces and keychains.
Also present were Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, who was attending her first cosplay event, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Penang Island City councillor Benji Ang, event founder Richard Lim and mall general manager Tracy Tan.
Hui Ying said she was impressed by the tremendous effort put in by cosplayers for their colourful and intricately designed costumes.
(From left) Cosplayers Liliyati Abdul Fattah, Mala Hayati Mohd Fadzli, Nur Izzatul Shahirah and Saatira dressed as their favourite characters at the Cosworld Festival. — Photos: KT Goh/The Star
“This not only showcased their creativity but also their dedication and passion for the art of cosplay,” she said.
“Each costume is a testament to the countless hours of hard work and attention to detail, reflecting the commitment of these cosplayers to bring their favourite characters to life.”
Hui Ying, who is also Deputy Finance Minister, said cosplay and esports cultures in Malaysia were increasingly being embraced by society and would continue to grow into a popular cultural phenomena.
Participants flocking to stalls selling figurines, art pieces and keychains.
“In reality, cosplay and esports events not only stimulate the creative industry but also contribute to and boost the national economy by attracting international participation and showcasing local talent.
“This can in turn generate income for businesses in the events industry, including hotels, restaurants and transportation services,” she said in her opening speech.
Hui Ying said the esports industry in Malaysia was experiencing rapid growth, with the market value of esports in Malaysia expected to be worth RM1.6mil this year.
The number of local fans was expected to reach 7.8 million this year, from 4.8 million in 2020, she said.
Two young cosplayers, who only wanted to be known as Katelyn Cat 24 and N. Azukii, 23, at the CosWorld Festival held at the 1st Avenue Mall ( July 07,2024 ). —K.T.GOH/The Star
“However, we still have a long way to go to catch up with global performance, such as the Esports World Cup 2024, which has offered prize money exceeding US$62mil (RM289.8mil), and this highlights the immense potential of the esports industry,” she said.
The state government had taken steps to support and promote cosplay and esports adding that his service centre had sponsored and supported several such programmes over the years, said Teh.
“For the first time, the organisers also held a ‘Hijab Cosplay’ in Penang at this year’s event.
“I hope that young women will continue to actively participate in programmes that interest them,” he said.
Teh said in May, thousands of participants from all over the country took part in the “Esport Madani Rakyat – Jelajah Esukan Barat Daya” programme, demonstrating how esports had become an important sports field for Penang and Malaysia.
Jason Yaw, 40, and his son Cayden Yaw, eight, dressed as a ninja and soldier during the Cosplay Festival held at the 1st Avenue Mall on Subday. ry Main event Ceremony at Lower Ground Floor, 1st Avenue Mall ( July 07,2024 ). —K.T.GOH/The Star
“Additionally, the Penang State Sports Council is making an effort to identify potential esports talent to represent Penang at the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak this year.”
Richard said this was the second time that the Cosworld Festival was being held.
Some 30,000 people attended last year’s event, he said.
