C. Khor
The George Town Literary Festival returns from 27 to 29 November. Most talks, performances and activities are free. This year’s theme is “Cosmopolises”.
Organisers have lined up 53 writers, poets and speakers from 20 countries and territories. Events take place at Wisma Yeap Chor Ee and Bangunan U.A.B.
Here is what the festival offers, who is speaking and how to join.
What is on at the George Town Literary Festival
Penang Institute runs the George Town Literary Festival each year. The 16th edition follows the theme “Cosmopolises”, as the organiser said.
The programme mixes literary talks, readings and performances. Some workshops are paid, for those who want to write.
The festival opens with “Letters of the Penang Diaspora”. This programme features readings of personal letters. The writers are Penangites who studied, worked or lived abroad.
A cosmopolis is a city shaped by many peoples. The theme asks how such cities live and write.
The public can still send in letters. Organisers will read selected ones at the opening ceremony.
There is also a new honour. The festival will present its first Life Achievement Prize in Literature. The recipient has not been named.
In addition, the winner of the Penang Monthly Short Story Prize 2026 will be announced during the festival.
Students also take part. Their project, “Languages I Live In”, shows short films and essays in an exhibition.
16 Malaysian speakers and 37 international guests
The line-up has 16 Malaysian speakers and 37 international guests, The Star reported. Organisers said more names may join.
Among the Malaysians are National Laureate Muhammad Haji Salleh and novelist Tan Twan Eng. Author Hanna Alkaf is also on the list.
Alice Jolly features among the writers as well. The festival director is Dato’ Dr Ooi Kee Beng.
Business backs the event too. Greatech Technology is the platinum sponsor, and HSBC Malaysia is the gold sponsor.
Overall, their talks will view the theme in many ways. Guests come from all over. It is a chance to hear them live.
The 53 names include moderators and contributors, as well as writers.
Meanwhile, cultural groups help too. They include the British Council, Goethe-Institut Malaysia and a number of embassies. Penang Global Tourism and Mekong Review are partners too.
How to join in George Town Literary Festival
Two venues host the event. Wisma Yeap Chor Ee works with Digital Penang. Bangunan U.A.B. works with Think City.
Visitors can register online for free three-day passes. However, some workshops are paid, and special events need separate tickets.
First, most sessions need no ticket. Sign up, pick your sessions and go. Book early if you want a workshop seat.
Business Today said registration details would follow closer to the dates. Keep an eye on the festival’s channels.
CloudJoi is the official ticketing partner. Festival manager Julia Tan urged visitors to register early.
The weekend also sits inside a busy cultural season. The George Town Illustration Festival opens at Island 88 on 14 November.
Visitors can add a heritage walk too. Our earlier story covers a 1,500-strong city walk in the old town.
The George Town Literary Festival ends on Sunday, 29 November. Check the Penang Institute website for the final programme before you go.
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Maran Perianen
Sashidaran Gunathevan
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