125 exhibitors from over 20 countries and an expected 6,000 visitors.
The Kuala Lumpur Art Book Fair (KLABF) 2025 has opened its fifth edition, drawing publishing professionals and creatives to the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.
With 125 exhibitors from over 20 countries and an expected 6,000 visitors, the fair runs until 30 November.
International showcase
The fair presents a significant opportunity for publishers to observe global independent publishing trends. Highlights include Japan’s JAGDA New Designer Award recipients exhibiting award-winning graphic design work, and exhibitors from Thailand, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the US, Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea, and China.
Notable participants include Jakarta’s Bintang Press, Shanghai’s Fever Dog, Bangkok’s BlueBlurryMonday, and Australia’s Slow Burn Books. These presses demonstrate diverse approaches to art books, limited-edition publications, and zines.
Local talent and cross-cultural exchange
Malaysian creators are strongly represented, with Minifanfan, Humana, Suburbia Projects, Silas Ooi, Slightly Fancy, Ajim Juxta, Engku Iman, CC Kua, Cloud Projects, Bang Bang Zine, Munkao, Meybees, and Huruf exhibiting.
For publishing professionals, this offers insight into Southeast Asian content creation and potential collaboration opportunities. Artist CC Kua notes the fair provides unique connections unavailable elsewhere, while game designer Munkao emphasises its role in opening doors for diverse creatives.
Community and commerce
The Emerging Perspectives exhibition showcases contemporary poster design from JAGDA winners, while digital collective Filamen presents “IMMERSIOx,” an immersive installation exploring digital-art integration.
RJ Paper’s pop-up library and archival exhibition offer practical printing insights, and film screenings by Freedom Film Network and others expand the fair’s scope. A full programme of talks, workshops, and conferences addresses current publishing challenges and innovations.
KLABF positions itself as more than a marketplace – it’s a dynamic platform for confluence, conversation, and collaboration in independent publishing. For professionals seeking emerging talent, regional insights, or partnership opportunities, this fair has become an essential Southeast Asian destination.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
