The inaugural Penang ASEAN Book Fair (PABF) 2026 is set to welcome 350,000 visitors, positioning itself as one of the region’s largest literary and educational events while reinforcing Penang’s role as a growing hub for knowledge exchange, publishing and cultural collaboration across ASEAN.
Scheduled from 3 to 6 July 2026 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), the four-day event aims to bring together publishers, authors, educators, students and book enthusiasts through a diverse programme of exhibitions, educational activities and cultural showcases.
Advancing Literacy Across ASEAN
Organised by the Penang Public Library Corporation (PPAPP) in collaboration with the National Library of Malaysia, the Penang State Education Department and more than 21 government agencies, the fair represents a significant regional initiative to promote reading, lifelong learning and knowledge sharing.
With preparations reported to be approximately 95% complete, organisers aim to deliver a large-scale event that strengthens literacy while encouraging greater collaboration among ASEAN’s publishing and education communities.
Bringing Regional Publishing Closer to Readers
One of the fair’s key highlights is the participation of publishers that also exhibited at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL), allowing visitors in northern Malaysia to access many of the latest book releases without travelling to Kuala Lumpur.
The event will also feature publishers and exhibitors from Indonesia, Singapore, China, Taiwan and other ASEAN countries, further expanding opportunities for regional literary exchange and cross-border publishing collaboration.
More Than a Book Fair
Beyond book exhibitions and sales, the fair has been designed as a family-friendly educational festival offering programmes for visitors of all ages.
Activities include:
- STEM exhibitions and educational workshops
- Book talks featuring writers and academics
- ASEAN Calligraphy Festival
- Cultural performances
- E-sports competitions
- Children’s educational activities
- Interactive contests and creative workshops
- Lucky draws and promotional campaigns
Visitors can also enjoy book discounts of up to 70%, alongside Rahmah sales initiatives organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
Supporting Education, Culture and Tourism
The Penang ASEAN Book Fair is expected to contribute not only to literacy development but also to the state’s creative economy and tourism sector.
By attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, the event is anticipated to generate increased economic activity for local businesses while showcasing Penang as a destination that values education, culture and innovation.
The initiative also supports the Penang2030 vision of developing a knowledge-driven, family-focused and smart state through education and lifelong learning.
Strengthening ASEAN Cultural Connectivity
As ASEAN continues to deepen cooperation in education and cultural exchange, regional events such as the Penang ASEAN Book Fair provide valuable platforms for strengthening people-to-people connections.
By bringing together readers, educators, publishers and creative professionals from across Southeast Asia, the fair demonstrates how literature and knowledge can foster greater regional understanding while supporting the growth of ASEAN’s publishing ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
With its ambitious visitor target and diverse programme, the inaugural Penang ASEAN Book Fair is poised to become a flagship literary event in the region.
Beyond promoting books and reading, the fair reflects ASEAN’s broader aspiration to build a knowledge-based community where education, culture and innovation drive sustainable development and regional cooperation for future generations.
