Malaysia Oversight

Penang Institute wants to draw locals back to lit fest

By MalaysianInsight in April 24, 2025 – Reading time 2 minute
Penang Institute wants to draw locals back to lit fest


PENANG Institute (PI), the state’s think tank, has now been entrusted with organising the annual George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) with the hope that locals would continue reading books and enjoying discourses on them. 

PI executive director Dr Ooi Kee Beng said people still liked to read books and to digest issues. 

“It may not necessarily be a generational issue; both young and old alike should be encouraged to read so they have a deep understanding of the world that they live in,” he said. 

This marks PI’s return to organising GTLF since it last managed the festival in 2015. The theme this year is “Word on the Street”, which celebrates George Town’s diverse cultures. 

Ooi told the press recently that the 14th edition of GTLF would feature stories, voices, and languages that reflected the vibrant culture of George Town. 

“The festival will underscore the importance of literature in expressing urban experiences and the power of language in shaping society.  

“It is part of the renewed commitment to honour Penang’s formidable cultural past, present and future, and how we can place Penang’s literary heritage and educational prowess on a higher scale,” he said after receiving RM600,000 in sponsorship from Greatech Technology and RM100,000 from HSBC Malaysia. 

The main venue for the festival is Think City, with additional events taking place at various locations around George Town like Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, St Xavier’s Institution, House, and the open spaces in Beach Street and Street Ghaut. 

The festival will showcase prominent Malaysian writers such as Tan Twan Eng, Shih-Li Kow, Aishah Zainal, and Hanna Alkaf, and poets Hafiz Hamzah and Qurratul Ain.

International literary figures such as Flemish author Jeroen Olyslaegers and Taiwanese novelist Kevin Chen would also be there.  

The event is aimed as well at galvanising local talents to explore writing and engage in discourses on published works. – September 16, 2024.  





Source link

“倒安华”集会周六举行 警方宣布16条道路交通改道

“倒安华”集会周六举行 警方宣布16条道路交通改道

“倒安华”集会周六举行 警方宣布16条道路交通改道 Updated 58 minutes ago · Published on 25 Jul 2025 7:03PM · 0 Comments shares A Share this…

Key highlights of Budget 2025

Reinvigorating The Economy, Driving Reforms, And Prospering The RakyatCatch the 2025 Budget Tablingby Prime Minister and Finance Minister.InfographicsBelanjawan 2025fas fa-arrow-circle-right0Achievements0Focus0MeasuresBudget…
介入公正党党选? J-KOM斥指控无根据 | The Malaysian Insight

介入公正党党选? J-KOM斥指控无根据 | The Malaysian Insight

介入公正党党选? J-KOM斥指控无根据 Updated 8 hours ago · Published on 15 May 2025 9:06PM · 伊依斯迈尤索普指出,J-KOM所有职员均严格遵守既定规章,以专业且诚信的态度履行职责。(图:截取脸书) 社区通讯局(J-KOM)严正否认曾指示其职员在2025年人民公正党党内选举中,对特定领袖的竞选活动进行“点赞”、“分享”或“宣传”等操作。 社区通讯局总监伊依斯迈尤索普公开声明,有关该局与公正党选举存在关联的指控“毫无依据”。 他今天在面子书发帖文说:“J-KOM所有职员均严格遵守既定规章,以专业且诚信的态度履行职责。” “我在此强烈否认任何关于J-KOM参与领袖竞选活动,或被利用攻击特定领袖的指控。” 伊依斯迈尤索普曾任公正党上议员,他强调,作为通讯部下属的政府机构,J-KOM始终致力于提供准确、公正且平衡的信息,以巩固国家的民主体制与社会稳定。…
Human activity, soil erosion caused KL sinkhole, says govt

Human activity, soil erosion caused KL sinkhole, says govt

HUMAN activity and soil erosion were among the primary factors responsible for the 8m-deep sinkhole that appeared on Jalan Masjid…
Raub durian farmers hope to meet PM soon

Raub durian farmers hope to meet PM soon

DURIAN farmers in Raub, Pahang, are seeking a meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to address claims of oppression by…