KUALA LUMPUR: More than 250 local and international companies will occupy 1,113 booths at the 42nd Kuala Lumpur International Book Festival (PBAKL) next month.
Education Ministry director-general Datuk Azman Adnan said of the total, 28 would be international exhibitors, including from Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, the United Kingdom and Turkiye.
“This is a remarkable achievement that reflects strong global confidence in Malaysia’s book ecosystem,” he said at the PBAKL pre-launch event on Wednesday (April 23).
Azman said one of the highlights at the festival would be the Asian Rights Fair (ARF) for the third consecutive year, featuring publishers from across Asean.
He said that through initiatives like the ARF, Malaysia could elevate the voices and works in Asean so that it “does not drown in the waves of globalisation”.
“We want Asean writers not only to be recognised within the region, but to become influential voices on the international stage,” he said, adding that this was in line with Malaysia being the Asean chair this year.
With this year’s theme being “Books: Read and Lead”, Azman said books could be a medium to empower culture, language, and thought, positioning Malaysia at the forefront of this effort aligned with the vision of “Asean Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.”
He added that Malaysia should not only lead administratively but also in promoting values and cultural identity, with the book industry playing a pivotal role in shaping the regional narrative through cross-translations, joint publications and compelling local stories with universal appeal.
“Book publishing is no longer a small sector in the cultural economy — it is a soft power instrument that builds national identity, unites the region, and elevates Malaysia as a leader in progressive thought in Asean,” he said.
Organisers said PBAKL 2025 are expected to draw between 1.9 million visitors this year.
The book fest will take place at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) from May 23 to June 1, 10am to 10pm.
