Book fest returns with events, contests, cooking demos
GET ready to dive into a literary journey as BookFest@Malaysia returns for its 18th edition.

Adding to the excitement, bookstore chain Popular is also celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The 18th edition of BookFest will take place from April 6 to 14 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

Themed “Reading Together”, the event aims to encourage a culture of reading.

This year’s edition is drawing exhibitors from Malaysia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and other countries.

Covering 100,000sq ft, halls 1 and 2 will feature Chinese books as well as CDs, DVDs and collectibles, while halls 4 and 5 will showcase English books, stationery as well as gadgets and IT products.

There will be a range of activities throughout the nine-day period, including author-sharing sessions as well as colouring, storytelling, anime and comic cosplay and children’s choir competitions, arts and crafts workshops and cooking demonstrations.

Popular-The Star Readers’ Choice Awards for English reads and Popular BH-Anugerah Pilihan Pembaca for Malay reads mark their 14th iteration this year.

Each award consists of fiction and non-fiction categories, with readers invited to vote for their favourite authors, while standing the chance to win a RM50 Popular gift voucher and free Popular E-Card for one year.

The results of the voting campaign will be announced at 10am on April 6 at KLCC’s main stage @Hall 1.

The top three authors in each category will receive a certificate of recognition, trophy and cash.

Here are other things to look out for:

> “Reading Together” event and activities

Be filled with loads of excitement with events curated just for this year’s BookFest.

> Meet and greet local and overseas authors

Meet local authors such as Cheeming Boey and Kee Thuan Chye as well as Chinese overseas authors like Huang Shan Liao, Peter Su and Jiu Ba Dao, and local talents such as Lelong King and Dr EE Zhang. Join them at main stage at Hall 1 or Hospitality Lounge 1 for meet-and-greet sessions in both English and Chinese.

> Keynote author appearance

Join renowned Chinese literature author Chang Man-chuan at her special, closed-door appearance on April 7.

> Choir competition

The organiser has partnered with Young Choral Academy for the second time to present a children’s choir competition on April 7 where winners stand to claim prizes totalling over RM5,000.

> Storytelling competition

All Year Four to Six pupils can share their tales and stand a chance to win prizes worth a total of RM3,000 for both English and Mandarin storytelling competition.

> Anime and Comic Cosplay competition

The contest for Anime and Comic Cosplay takes place on April 12. Winners could take home attractive prizes worth over RM4,700.

> “Reading Together” children’s colouring contest

The April 14 competition will involve Category A for ages five to eight and Category B for ages nine to 12. Winners could be taking home prizes worth over RM9,000 sponsored by Faber-Castell.

> Bon Appétit Day @ Cook–Out Day

This includes a line-up of chefs’ cooking demonstrations. On April 7, for example, there are four sessions starting at 1pm at Hospitality Lounge 1.

> Arts and craft workshop

Cultivate creativity in your children by giving them an opportunity to learn useful tips for arts and crafts from Uni and PLUS as well as Faber-Castell workshops sessions.

There will be a few different workshops for children to explore such as Paper Machine Art, Shrink Plastic Art, UHU Mariokart Craft workshop on April 10, DIY Hari Raya Greeting Card workshop and Posca Marker T-shirt painting workshop on April 11.

> 100 Years Celebration Wow!

Check out the list of more than 200 must-buy items up for grabs. From books to snacks, get them at attractive prices from as low as RM5.50.

> Daily Specials

Get ready to snatch Daily Specials with over 200 products, ranging from English, Malay and Chinese books to CDs, DVDs, gadgets and stationery with discounts of up to 80%.

> All Books 20% off

Enjoy 20% off when you purchase any book.

> PWP Deals

Spend RM60nett or more and take advantage of offers on a variety of hand-picked goods.

> Buy and Win

With a minimum spend of RM100nett at BookFest, each purchase entitles customers to one entry for its giveaway featuring 300 prizes valued at over RM30,000.

> BookFest Rewards You

Spend RM100nett and above to get a reward voucher worth RM10 or spend RM150nett and above to receive reward vouchers worth RM50.

> 100th Anniversary limited-edition Popular membership card

Renew or register for a limited-edition Popular Privilege three-year card and be entitled to an exclusive Popular foldable UV umbrella.

BookFest@Malaysia 2024 will be open daily from 10am to 10pm.

For details, visit www.bookfestmalaysia.com, BookFest Malaysia’s official Facebook page or download the Popular My App.
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GET ready to dive into a literary journey as BookFest@Malaysia returns for its 18th edition.