BOOKFEST @ Malaysia returns in 2026, celebrating its 20th Anniversary and commemorating two decades of championing books, knowledge and a thriving reading culture.
Taking place from March 18 to 26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), this year’s edition promises a meaningful celebration that reflects BookFest @ Malaysia’s enduring impact on generations of readers.
Anchored by the theme “Read 20, Rise Beyond,” BookFest @ Malaysia 2026 celebrates the transformative power of reading and the remarkable journey the festival has taken over the past 20 years.
Recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records in 2016 as the nation's largest trilingual book exposition, the annual book fair has grown into one of Malaysia’s most anticipated literary events, bringing together readers, authors, publishers and communities through a shared passion for books and storytelling.
As the festival turns this milestone page, visitors are invited to reflect on how reading shapes perspectives, inspires growth and connects people across generations – while looking ahead to even greater stories and possibilities beyond the ordinary.
Spanning an impressive 100,000 sq ft, the event invites visitors to explore Halls 1-5 of KLCC, where every corner brims with exciting discovery and boundless inspiration.
This year’s edition promises an immersive and thoughtfully curated experience. Halls 1 and 2 will feature a diverse range of Chinese books, text and assessments, CDs, DVDs, intellectual property (IP) products and collectables, while Halls 4 and 5 will showcase an extensive collection of English and Malay books, complemented by an exciting array of stationery and gadgets and IT products, along with a variety of titbits for visitors to enjoy.
Visitors can expect a range of entertaining and engaging activities throughout the nine-day event, including local and overseas author-sharing sessions, live orchestra, 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.
Live orchestra
To mark its milestone celebrations, BookFest @ Malaysia 2026 presents a special Live Orchestra Concert on March 23 at 3pm at Conference Halls 1–3 (Level 3), KLCC.
The orchestra will feature 26 musical instruments under the conductor’s direction, performed by members of the Persatuan Bunyi-Bunyian Shin Yun, a distinguished ensemble celebrated for their seamless fusion of traditional Chinese music with contemporary orchestral arrangements.
Audiences will enjoy a curated selection of iconic songs from the 1980s to 2000s, complemented by special guest appearances by Priscilla Abby and Fuying & Sam, promising an immersive musical experience for all generations. Tickets are priced at RM60 nett and available at selected Popular/Harris bookstores and Popular Online, or at the Ticket Counters or Cashier Counters at BookFest @ Malaysia 2026.
Amazing deals
BookFest @ Malaysia 2026 will kick off with a free entry on March 18 and visitors can start their shopping spree with unbeatable savings. The event opens with the Early Bird Craze on March 18, where customers who purchase two or more books in a single receipt will enjoy 30% off the original price.
In addition, RM1 nett deals will be offered to the first 100 customers on March 18 and 19. Shoppers can also look forward to other exciting promotions like the Must-Grab items, Purchase-With-Purchase (PWP) deals, daily special offers and 20% off selected titles.
DIY button badge
The event will feature 10 local comic artists, including Keith, Kaoru, Eddie See, Black Jellyfish, Ernest Ng, Bichi Mao and more, who will be creating exclusive artwork especially for the occasion. With a minimum spend of RM40nett on English or Malay comic books, customers can choose their favourite design and have a personalised button badge customised by the staff.
Card privileges
Celebrate in style with the BookFest 20th Anniversary limited edition Popular Privilege Card, a three-year membership available exclusively at BookFest @ Malaysia.
Sign up or renew your Popular card to receive free RM20 worth of promotional vouchers, plus additional privilege vouchers.
Event and activities
The 16th Popular–The Star Readers’ Choice Awards (RCA) for English reads and Popular-BH Anugerah Pilihan Pembaca (APP) for Malay reads continue to celebrate the finest in local literature.
Readers are invited to join the Awards Ceremony on March 18 at 12pm, at the Main Stage, Hall 1, KLCC, to witness the announcement of the winners.
The other highlights include:
> Meet and greet sessions: Meet prominent local authors such as Toh Han Niann, Dr Tan Ran Zhi, Charles Kuay, Feng Yi Liang, Chef Ivan, Loong Neck, Black Jellyfish and more, alongside renowned authors from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, including Liu Zhenyun, Blue GodZi, Peter Su, Huang Shan Liao and many more.
Attendees can also participate in thematic talks by renowned Malaysian Chinese writers, offering unique perspectives on literature, culture and storytelling.
Visit the Main Stage at Hall 1 or the Hospitality Lounge 1 for engaging meet-and-greet sessions, celebrating the creativity and voices of Malaysia’s Chinese literary community.
> Children’s choir competition: A celebration of music and talent, the choir competition returns on March 19 from 10am to 11.45am where young performers showcase their talent as they compete for prizes worth over RM6,500.
> Chinese storytelling competition: Supported by the Selangor State SJK (C) Principals Association and media partner, Sin Chew Daily, this competition offers an exciting platform for Primary 4 to 5 pupils from Selangor to showcase their storytelling talents for a chance to win prizes worth a total of RM32,400.
The competition will be held in two rounds on March 20: the semi-final from 10am to 4pm at Hospitality Lounge 1, 4, and 5, followed by the final from 6pm to 8.30pm at the Main Stage at Hall 1.
> Cosplay competition: Winners stand a chance to bring home exciting prizes worth over RM4,000, and each participant will receive a free exclusive gift.
Cosplayer influencers like Weon Haur and Fujiwara Kazuko will be serving as guest judges for this competition on March 24, which will be held from 2pm at the Main Stage at Hall 1.
> Children's colouring competition: The competition will feature Category A (aged 5 to 8) on March 26 from 10am to 11am, followed by Category B (aged 9 to 12) from 11.30am to 12.30pm. Both sessions will be held at the Main Stage at Hall 1. Winners stand a chance to bring home prizes worth over RM10,400 sponsored by Faber-Castell, while the first 100 participants from each category will receive an exclusive free gift.
> Culinary delight: More than just a celebration of books, BookFest @ Malaysia also brings together a shared love for food.
On March 25, food enthusiasts can look forward to a delightful series of live cooking demonstrations at the Main Stage, Hall 1, from 12pm to 3pm.
The hourly sessions will feature renowned chefs including Chef Ivan, Chef TK Dong, Chef Amy Wong, Chef Andrew Kow, Chef Mischelle Teoh and Chef Squall Chin, promising an engaging and flavourful experience for visitors.
> Art and craft workshop: Nurture your child’s creativity with interactive workshops by JoyCat and Loka Made at Hospitality Lounge 1, which include the DIY Fridge Magnet Workshop at 3pm and Foil Sticker Workshop at 4pm on March 22, as well as #StampWithLoka: The 100-Stamp Challenge at 12pm on March 23.
To participate, simply purchase selected products and register online to secure your seats. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration is encouraged.
Charity campaign
To ensure that quality reading materials are accessible to everyone, Popular has partnered with Sin Chew Daily to organise the "Hope for Reading" charity campaign since 2012.
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 20th Anniversary limited edition bookmarks and BookFest tote bag, the former available in a set of five at RM10 nett and the latter priced at RM16 nett.
All proceeds from these purchases will be channelled towards providing quality reading materials to those in need.
Shopping guide
Plan your ultimate shopping adventure with the BookFest @ Malaysia guidebook, available at Popular bookstores in Klang Valley. Priced at RM2.50, it also serves as your entry ticket, or opt for the RM10 season pass for unlimited access throughout the nine-day event.
BookFest @ Malaysia 2026 runs daily from 10am to 10pm at KLCC. Celebrate 20 remarkable years of reading and rediscover the joy and power of books from March 18 to 26.
For more information, visit: www.bookfestmalaysia.com.
