ARE you a book lover who finds joy in the pages of a captivating novel or the insights of a thought-provoking non-fiction book? Do you seek solace in masterfully written stories, unravel mysteries, or delve into knowledge that broadens your perspective? Whether you cherish the magic of fiction or the depth of real-life narratives, the literary world offers endless possibilities to explore.
Books have the power to inspire, educate and transport the readers to different worlds, making each reading experience truly unique.
Now, you have the chance not only to celebrate literature but also to honour the remarkable authors behind these works.
The Popular – The Star Readers’ Choice Awards (RCA) 2025 is back, offering book enthusiasts the opportunity to champion their favourite authors and books. Established in 2008, the Popular – The Star RCA serves as a platform to recognise outstanding contributions to Malaysian literature.
By acknowledging the creative brilliance of local authors, the awards play a pivotal role in nurturing and elevating the nation’s literary landscape.
Now in its 15th edition, the RCA remains a highlight of BookFest @ Malaysia, drawing attention to exceptional books across diverse genres.
The awards are based on a carefully curated selection process, where nominees are chosen from the best-selling fiction and non-fiction titles sold at Popular and Harris bookstores nationwide in the previous year.
This ensures that the books featured are not only popular among readers but also make a significant impact in the literary community.
What makes the RCA truly special is that the power lies in the hands of the readers, as they get to vote for their favourite titles and determine the winners.
Nominated authors
This year’s RCA nominees include a diverse selection of books that have captivated Malaysian readers.
The fiction category features an array of genres, from romance and fantasy to historical fiction and thrilling narratives.
The nominees are:
> Norhafsah Hamid, the author of If Only You Remember
> Nuruljannah Usop, the author of Lyrics and You
> Raffeera, the author of Ready Alert for Love
> Yangsze Choo, the author of The Fox Wife
> Sue Lynn Tan, the author of Celestial Kingdom #3: Tales of the Celestial Kingdom
> Vanessa Chan, the author of The Storm We Made
> Shih-Li Kow, the author of Bone Weight and Other Stories
> Hanna Alkaf, the author of The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette's
> Aida, the author of Forgive, Forget
> Sajeet Soudagar, the author of Silencing The Lambs
Meanwhile, the non-fiction category presents books that offer deep insights into history, politics, mental health, religious belief and personal growth.
The nominees include:
> Liew Chin Tong, the author of Second Takeoff: Strategies for Malaysia's Economic Resurgence
> Kee Thuan Chye, the author of Lim Kit Siang: Malaysian First - Volume Two
> Ezzah Mahmud, the author of The Art of Awaiting
> Khoo Boo Teik, the author of Anwar Ibrahim: Tenacious in Dissent, Hopeful in Power
> Romen Bose, the author of Shattered Hopes
> Pahrol Mohd Juoi, the author of Finding Beauty in the Storm
> Datuk Joe Samad, the author of Revisiting the Social Contract: The Malaysia-Borneo Perspectives
> Chow Ee-Tan, the author of An Elated State of Mind: Memoir of A Bipolar Person
> Lilian Tan, the author of Behind the Stories: The Making of The Edge, The People, The Elations + Heartbreaks of the past 30 years
> Nuurianti Jalli and Ika Idris, co-authors of Misguided Democracy in Malaysia and Indonesia: Digital Propaganda in South-East Asia
Honouring literary excellence
The top three authors in each category will be honoured with a certificate of recognition, a trophy and a cash prize during the Popular – The Star RCA 2025 awards ceremony.
This grand event will take place on April 5 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), coinciding with BookFest @ Malaysia 2025, which runs from March 29 to April 6 at the same venue.
To give readers a closer look at the nominated titles, Popular and Harris bookstores across Malaysia will prominently showcase the 20 shortlisted books.
Adding to the excitement, all nominated books will be available at an exclusive 20% discount throughout the promotional period, lasting until May 4.
This is the perfect opportunity for readers to add these remarkable titles to their personal collections at a special price.
Vote and win
As the RCA celebrates its 15th year, readers are encouraged to participate under the campaign slogan: “Read to Vote, Vote to Win.”
Your vote matters and by supporting your favourite authors, you play a part in shaping the literary landscape of Malaysia.
Additionally, voters stand a chance to win exciting rewards. A total of 100 lucky voters will be selected to receive a one-year Popular e-card membership along with an RM50 gift voucher. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate your love for books while standing a chance to be rewarded.
Voting is simple — readers can cast their votes online via Popular’s website, BookFest @ Malaysia website or Popular Malaysia’s Facebook page.
Make sure to submit your votes before the deadline on March 2.
Celebrate literature, inspire the future
The Popular – The Star RCA 2025 is more than just an award — it is a celebration of the stories, ideas and voices that shape Malaysia’s literary landscape.
Whether you are an avid fiction reader or someone who thrives on insightful non-fiction, this is your chance to honour the authors who have enriched your reading experience.
Cast your vote today and be part of an initiative that recognises and uplifts the best in Malaysian literature.
To learn more about Popular and its wide selection of offerings, visit https://www.popular.com.my/.
