PUBLIC think tank - the Penang Institute will again play the leading role to champion literacy supremacy at the annual George Town Literary Festival.
Into its 15th edition, the organisers hope to showcase that literacy awareness prevails despite the contention that people hardly read now.
This year’s theme, Urban Myths and Memories, centres on the unseen emotional geographies that shape city life.
The festival from November 28 until 30, will again debut in the state heritage capital, blending its surroundings with words and reading material.
The institute's executive director Datuk Ooi Kee Beng said: “What we have come to realise over the last two years organising the festival, is that the interest to participate is broadly spread, not only locally, but regionally and internationally as well. As we have always known, Penang sells itself."
The brand power of the names “Penang” and “George Town” is strong; but that also brings with it a great responsibility, Ooi told a media briefing.
Marking its 15th year, the festival reflects on its growth from a local gathering into one of Southeast Asia’s most respected literary events.
This year’s festival welcomes an exceptional line-up of literary voices from around the world, including Belgian author Lize Spit, Canadian novelist Madeleine Thien, Dutch author Reggie Baay, French author Wilfried N'Sondé, Indian writer Nirmala Lakshman, Bornean-Australian poet and performer Omar Musa, Palestinian writer, historian, and academic Nur Masalha, Palestinian writer and director Dr Ahmed Masoud, Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-Zi, and Singaporean writers Amanda Lee Koe, Ng Yi-Sheng, and Shivram Gopinath.
From Indonesia, the festival features acclaimed writers Cyntha Hariadi, Ramayda Akmal, and Ratih Kumala, whose work spans poetry, fiction, and screenwriting.
They will be joined by celebrated Malaysian authors such as Bernice Chauly, Tunku Halim, and Malachi Edwin Vethamani, alongside other distinguished writers from India, Taiwan, and the United States—bringing together voices from at least 12 countries in total.
The festival is made possible through the continued support of partners who recognise the value of literature, imagination, and cultural dialogue.
As a returning main sponsor, Greatech Technology remains committed to nurturing creativity and community in Penang and beyond.
The full programme will be available from September 2025 via the Festival’s website.
Festival events are free and open to the public, with registration details to be announced soon. - July 30, 2025.
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