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

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Panel: Frontlines of Truth

Location

UAB Hall

Beyond headlines and breaking news, journalism can be a form of storytelling that lingers, questions, and reframes. In this session, two writers whose work moves between literature, commentary, and reportage reflect on the practice of writing in turbulent times. They explore how narrative journalism and cultural criticism can capture nuance, confront power, and preserve memory—while also borrowing the tools of poetry and prose to make sense of a changing world.

Speakers(s): Joe Freeman, Anthony Tao
Moderator/Host: Marco Ferrarese