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 - 10:45 am

Panel: Laughter in the Dark

Location

Wawasan Hall

Darkness can unsettle, but it can also liberate. This session pairs two writers who twist horror, myth, and satire into daring new shapes. From Gothic chills to irreverent queer reimaginings, Tunku Halim and Ng Yi-Sheng explore how writing can confront fear and taboo with imagination, mischief, and defiance—revealing the humour and possibility that dwell in the shadows.

Speakers(s): Tunku Halim, Ng Yi-Sheng
Moderator/Host: Rueben Dass