THE much anticipated literary event, BookFest @ Malaysia, will be held from March 18 to 26, promising a celebration that reflects the event’s imprint on generations of book lovers.
Themed “Read 20, Rise Beyond”, the event will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Since its inception, BookFest @ Malaysia has brought together readers, authors, publishers and communities through a shared passion for books and storytelling.
Its 20th anniversary celebration would include a live orchestra performance on March 23 at 3pm in KLCC Conference Halls 1-3 (Level 3).
Persatuan Bunyi-Bunyian Shin Yun, a distinguished ensemble celebrated for its seamless fusion of traditional Chinese music with contemporary arrangements, will feature musicians playing 26 instruments.
Audience can look forward to beloved Chinese hits, from classic favourites to modern tunes spanning the 1980s to the 2000s.
Singer Priscilla Abby, who made her mark in Taiwan and Hong Kong, will join pop duo Fuying & Sam for a special appearance.
More than a musical showcase, the live orchestra will pay tribute to BookFest @ Malaysia’s 20-year journey of inspiring minds and connecting communities through art.
Tickets are priced at RM60nett and available in limited quantities at selected Popular/Harris bookstores.
For details, visit bit.ly/bookfest2026.
Meanwhile, the Popular-The Star Readers’ Choice Awards (RCA) for English reads and Popular-BHAnugerah Pilihan Pembaca (APP) for Malay reads will mark the 16th iteration this year together with BookFest @ Malaysia 2026.
Incepted in 2008 to encourage and recognise the talent of local authors, the RCA is organised in partnership with Star Media Group.
Each award consists of fiction and non-fiction categories, with readers invited to vote for their favourite authors, while standing a chance to win a RM50 Popular gift voucher and free Popular e-Card for one year.
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.
The voting results of the “Read to Vote, Vote to Win” campaign will be announced during the RCA and APP ceremony at noon of March 18 at KLCC’s Main Stage @ Hall 1.
The top three authors in each category will receive a certificate of recognition, trophy and cash prize.
A total of 10 books will be nominated in each category and all Popular/Harris outlets nationwide will display the 40 RCA and APP nominated titles for readers to view.
All nominated titles will be sold at a 20% discount during the promotion period until April 26.
Until Feb 22, readers can vote for their favourite fiction and non-fiction titles via Popular’s official website at www.popular.com.my or BookFest @ Malaysia’s official website at www.bookfestmalaysia.com, as well as through BookFest @ Malaysia’s social media platforms.
