BookFest @ Malaysia returns with exciting surprises for all book lovers.
KUALA LUMPUR: Get ready to dive into a literary journey as BookFest @ Malaysia returns with even more thrilling surprises.
The 19th edition of BookFest @ Malaysia is scheduled to be held from March 29 to April 6 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
This year's BookFest theme, "Gateway to Knowledge," celebrates the limitless possibilities unlocked through reading.
BookFest @ Malaysia 2025 invites visitors on a journey of perpetual learning, where every page turned brings new insights.
With exhibitors from around the globe, the event offers a rich and inclusive experience for all. Join them in uncovering knowledge, embracing diverse perspectives and igniting a lifelong passion for reading.
Spanning an impressive 100,000 sq ft, BookFest @ Malaysia 2025 invites visitors to explore Halls 1–5 of KLCC, each packed with exciting exhibits.
Having been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as national largest trilingual book exposition in 2016, BookFest @ Malaysia continues to be the ultimate destination for book lovers.
Halls 1 and 2 will feature a diverse range of Chinese books, assessments and gadgets and IT products, while Halls 4 and 5 will showcase an extensive collection of English and Malay books, stationery, CDs, DVDs and collectibles, along with a variety of titbits for visitors to enjoy.
Visitors can expect a range of entertaining and engaging activities throughout the nine-day period, including local and overseas author-sharing sessions, children’s choir competition, Chinese storytelling competition, children's colouring competition, anime and comic cosplay competition, cooking demos by well-known chefs, art and crafts workshops and more.
Enriching works, enriching awards
The Popular-The Star Readers’ Choice Awards (RCA) for English reads and Popular BH-Anugerah Pilihan Pembaca (APP) for Malay reads mark their 15th itineration this year, in tandem with BookFest @ Malaysia 2025.
Incepted in 2008 to encourage and recognise the talent of local authors, the RCA is organised in partnership with The Star Media Group and the APP with Berita Harian.
Each award consists of fiction and non-fiction categories, with readers invited to vote for their favourite authors, whilst standing the chance to win an RM50 Popular gift voucher and a 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.
This year’s nominated works of fiction for the RCA includes those by Norhafsah Hamid, the author of If Only You Remember; Hanna Alkaf, the author of The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette's; Raffeera, the author of Ready Alert for Love and more.
Non-Fiction nominees are Ezzah Mahmud, the author of The Art of Awaiting; Romen Bose, the author of Shattered Hopes; Kee Thuan Chye, the author of Lim Kit Siang: Malaysian First Bold To The Last Battle (Volume Two) and more.
APP-nominated fictional works include Rehan Makhtar, the author of Anak Perempuan Dato’ Pengarah; Teme Abdullah, the author of Bayang Sofea; and Lily Haslina Nasir, the author of Bersyurga Di Rusukmu. Non-fiction counterparts include Nazrin Nashir, the author of Adakah Ini Yang Terbaik?; Hafizul Faiz, the author of Cuma Aku, Lukaku dan Tuhanku; Fakhrul Islam, the author of Duduk Sebentar and many more.
True to the awards’ theme, “Read to Vote, Vote to Win”/“Baca untuk Undi, Undi untuk Menang”, the results of the voting campaign will be announced during the RCA and APP ceremony at 10am on April 5 at the KLCC’s main stage (Hall 1).
The top three authors in each category will be rewarded with a certificate of recognition, a trophy and cash during the awards ceremony.
Event and activities
Enjoy yourself and be filled with loads of excitement with events that have been curated just for you in this year’s BookFest @ Malaysia.
> Meet and greet local and overseas authors
Experience the unique perspectives and compelling stories of acclaimed writers.
Meet prominent local authors such as Toh Han Niann, Chef Ivan, Tan Chia Yong, Hana Xin Yi and more, alongside well-known overseas Chinese authors like Bowie Tsang, Peter Su and Huang Shan Liao.
Additionally, don't miss the thematic talks by medical professionals, offering valuable insights on health and wellness.
Join them at the main stage (Hall 1) or the Hospitality Lounge 1 for engaging meet-and-greet sessions conducted in Chinese, celebrating the art of storytelling and the joy of reading.
> Children’s choir competition
The choir competition, showcasing the incredible talent of young performers, will be held on March 30 from 10am to 11.45am.
Come and be part of the fun as they compete for prizes worth over RM6,000*.
> Selangor SJK(C) Chinese storytelling competition
Attention all Primary 4–5 pupils from Selangor. After excelling in the preliminary round, you are now one step closer to victory in the Chinese storytelling competition.
Supported by the Selangor State SJK (C) Principals Association, this competition offers an exciting platform for pupils to showcase their storytelling talents.
So, get ready to showcase your storytelling skills in the Semi-Final and Final on April 2 for a chance to win prizes worth a total of RM34,000*.
> “Gateway to Knowledge” children’s colouring competition
Get ready for the children's colouring competition happening on April 3.
Category A, for ages five to eight, will be held from 10am to 11am, while Category B, for ages nine to 12, will take place from 11.30am to 12.30pm.
Winners will be taking home amazing prizes worth over RM10,400* sponsored by Faber-Castell.
Plus, the first 100 participants from each category will receive an exclusive free gift*.
> Anime and comic cosplay competition
The anime and comic cosplay competition will be held on April 4.
Winners will take home exciting prizes worth over RM5,700*, and every participant will receive a free exclusive gift*.
Cosplayer celebrities, such as King Angel and Crazed Joker, have returned as judges for this competition.
> Bon appetit day @ cook–out day
A series of live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs will take place as well.
> Art and craft workshop
Cultivate your child’s creativity with fun-filled art and craft workshops by Uni & PLUS and Crayola at Hospitality Lounge 1.
These engaging sessions include the DIY Hari Raya art and craft workshop at 12pm and Posca Marker T-shirt painting at 1pm on March 30, Kindness rock painting at 2pm on April 3 and Scribble Scrubbies at 2pm on April 4.
Book lovers will be spoiled for choice with endless reads at BookFest @ Malaysia.
Amazing deals
Experience feel-good deals throughout BookFest @ Malaysia 2025 with special offers that are “beyond imagination”.
> Wow! must-grab items
From books to snacks and everything in between, you can get them all at attractive prices as low as RM8.
> Daily specials
Get ready to snatch Daily Specials throughout BookFest @ Malaysia 2025 with more than 400 products, ranging from English, Malay and Chinese books, gadgets IT as well as stationery and enjoy discounts up to 78%*.
> Selected books 20%* off
Enjoy 20%* off on your favourite books. Explore a wide selection of English, Malay, and Chinese books across various genres.
> BookFest rewards you
Enhance your joy with rewards by spending RM100 and above to get a voucher worth more than RM10 or spend RM150nett and above to receive vouchers worth more than RM50.
Likewise, spend RM300 and above to bring home vouchers worth more than RM100.
> PWP deals
Spend RM60nett or more at BookFest @ Malaysia 2025 and take advantage of its offers on a variety of hand-picked goods.
> Popular member card/e-card
Renew or register for a Popular Privilege card/e-card three-year and be entitled to get an exclusive Popular limited edition gadgets organiser pouch.
Alternatively, renew or register for a one-year Popular card to get a Uniball One gel ink pen. If you are students, you may choose to renew/register Popular student card for two years.
Whichever you choose, join them and enjoy exclusive privilege vouchers, saving you up to RM1,000*.
Beyond the joy of reading together
Take part in its “Hope for Reading” charity campaign and make a difference by supporting a noble cause.
Hope for Reading charity campaign
The campaign aims to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged individuals by providing them with access to essential tools and resources.
Visitors are encouraged to purchase the limited edition "Hope for Reading" bookmark postcards as well as BookFest Tote Bag.
The bookmark postcards come in a set of four worth RM10 and a tote bag that costs RM15.
All proceeds from these purchases will go towards providing quality reads to those in need.
Bring your own bag
Go green and embrace sustainability by bringing your own reusable bag for your purchases at BookFest @ Malaysia 2025.
Customers can also purchase the “Read in Style” small non-woven bag at RM2.50 or “Read More Books” large non-woven bag at RM4.50 — a practical and eco-conscious choice.
Guidebook
Don't miss the opportunity to visit Popular Bookstores in Klang Valley and purchase the BookFest @ Malaysia guidebook. It will assist you in planning your ultimate shopping adventure.
Available at a price of RM2.50, the guidebook also serves as an entry ticket.
Alternatively, you can opt for the RM10 season pass for unlimited access throughout the entire nine-day duration.
BookFest @ Malaysia 2025 will be open daily from 10am to 10pm, so brace yourself for a spectacular experience at KLCC with a wide array of offerings tailored to suit everyone's interests.
Get ready to push the boundaries of learning with BookFest @ Malaysia 2025 at KLCC from March 29 - April 6 Click for more information: https://bit.ly/bookfest25.
