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:

29 November

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

Book launch: Utama

Location

Wawasan Reading Room

Epigram launches Utama, the latest work by award-winning writer Ng Yi-Sheng. Blending history, myth, and imagination, this genre-defying collection re-envisions the story of Sang Nila Utama and Singapore’s beginnings. With playful invention and sharp insight, Ng weaves poetry, prose, and speculative retellings that question origins, identity, and belonging. A bold, inventive book from one of Southeast Asia’s most original voices.

Speakers: Ng Yi-Sheng
Moderator/Host: William Tham