KUALA LUMPUR: Beyond rows of books and bustling crowds, BookFest @ Malaysia 2026 is telling a bigger story this year, which is one of transformation, opportunity and the enduring power of reading to shape lives.
Marking its 20th anniversary, the trilingual book fair returns to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from March 17 to 26, drawing readers of all ages into a vibrant space where stories, ideas and dreams converge.
Under the theme “Read 20, Rise Beyond”, the festival invites Malaysians to view reading not just as a habit, but as a lifelong journey – one that opens doors to new perspectives, nurtures empathy and builds bridges across cultures.
The fair features books in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Chinese.
Opening the event, Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man said reading goes beyond academics.
“It is also a gateway to culture and heritage. At the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, we believe literature plays an important role in preserving our cultural identity and sharing Malaysia’s rich traditions with the world.
“Events like BookFest @ Malaysia help encourage a reading culture while celebrating Malaysia’s multilingual and multicultural heritage.
“I am pleased that it continues to showcase books in Chinese, English and Malay, reflecting the inclusive spirit of Malaysia and strengthening connections between our communities,” he said in his opening address yesterday.
Among those present were China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing; Media Chinese International Limited (Malaysia) group editor-in-chief Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang and POPULAR Holdings Limited chairman Yiu Chi Shing.
Chiew noted that the event has grown into more than just a book fair over the past two decades.
“It has become an important platform that brings together readers, writers, publishers and families who share a love for knowledge and learning.”
The celebration also featured a meaningful charitable initiative, with four organisations – Yayasan Chow Kit, Rumah KIDS, The Budiman Charitable Foundation and Suriana Welfare Society Malaysia – each receiving RM30,000 under the Children’s Carnival 4.0 @ POPULAR campaign.
Recognised for their work in supporting marginalised children, the organisations benefit from the initiative, now in its fourth year, which channels 10% of sales towards helping underprivileged youth overcome challenges such as poverty, hunger, limited access to reading materials and education.
In addition, 13 schools received RM1,000 worth of book vouchers, while 185 schools will each be equipped with RM3,000 worth of books for their libraries under the Fiction Carnival @ POPULAR campaign – marking the fourth consecutive year of support.
Meanwhile, the 16th edition of the POPULAR-The Star Reader’s Choice Awards (RCA) and Popular-Berita Harian Anugerah Pilihan Pembaca (APP) continued to honour outstanding literary contributions.
For the RCA Fiction category, Library of Lost Hearts by Afrina emerged as the winner, followed by Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan and Thinking of Loving You by Ain Nabilah.
In the RCA Non-Fiction category, When Worries Turn to Hope by Ezzah Mahmud took the top spot, ahead of For the Heart That’s Still Hurting by Iffah Nizar and The Beauty of Promised Rizq by Ayesha Syahira.
For the APP awards, Teme Abdullah won the fiction category with Rahsia Danny, while Di Antara Dua Sujud by Mawaddah Hamdan and Ahmad Fathiyakan Husni secured second place. Third place went to Effalee for 3 Qaid – The Unknown.
In the non-fiction category, Surat Cinta dari Tuhan by Adnin Roslan emerged champion, followed by Ibu Penat, Tapi Ibu Sayang by Bonda Umirah and Seberat Itu Ya Menjadi Dewasa by Iddin Ramli.
Prizes were presented by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka board chairman Datuk Dr Mohd Anuar Rethwan, accompanied by Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and Berita Harian group editor Zulkifli Jalil.
