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:

28 November

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Special event: GTLF opening ceremony

Location

UAB Hall

The George Town Literary Festival 2025 opens with a stirring celebration of words and performance. The launch features a spoken reading of letters that reflect the power of memory and the written word, followed by a poetry reading of Remember Us by paul catafago. His verse will be brought to life through an evocative dance interpretation by Luvenia Kalia and Dr Mumtaz Begum Backer of the School of the Arts, USM—an unforgettable beginning to three days of literary encounters.