Malaysia’s leading celebration of stories returns for its 15th edition! This year’s George Town Literary Festival explores Urban Myths and Memories through panels, readings, performances, and workshops featuring 37 writers and artists from 13 countries.

George Town Literary Festival 2025 

Malaysia’s leading celebration of stories returns for its 15th edition! This year’s George Town Literary Festival explores Urban Myths and Memories through panels, readings, performances, and workshops featuring 37 writers and artists from 13 countries.

Join us in Penang’s heritage heart for three days of conversation, creativity, and discovery. Admission is free with a Festival Pass, except for workshops and select events.

Explore the full programme breakdown on the official George Town Literary Festival website.

Programme at a glance:

30 November

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

Book launch: Passing Glimpses of the Present

Location

Wawasan Reading Room

Gerakbudaya and Penang Institute present the launch of Passing Glimpses of the Present by scholar and public intellectual Ooi Kee Beng. This new collection of essays captures Malaysia and the wider region in flux, offering incisive reflections on politics, society, and culture. A distinguished voice, Ooi distils decades of observation into writing that is sharp, timely, and compelling.

Speakers(s): Ooi Kee Beng
Moderator/Host: Sharaad Kuttan