PBAKL 2026 Strengthens Digital Book Ecosystem With More Than 950,000 Online Titles
KUALA LUMPUR: Perbadanan Kota Buku (PKB) is further expanding the hybrid book fair experience through the implementation of the PBAKL Dalam Talian @ Book Capital platform in conjunction with the Pesta Buku Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur 2026 (PBAKL 2026), which is set to begin later this month.
The digital initiative enables consumers across Malaysia to purchase books online with access to more than 950,000 titles from 1,015 publishers and booksellers nationwide.
PKB chief executive officer Adibah Omar said the initiative is aimed at showcasing how Malaysia’s publishing industry is evolving alongside advances in digital technology, modern education and the global creative economy.
According to her, the book industry today extends beyond traditional reading culture and increasingly involves content development, copyright trading, digital innovation and creative talent development.
“Today, the world of books has expanded significantly and is closely connected to technology, content economy and international markets.
“We want PBAKL 2026 to become a platform that demonstrates how Malaysia’s publishing industry can continue growing in a modern and competitive manner,” she said in a statement today.
The initiative aligns with the country’s digitalisation agenda and Digital First aspiration, which emphasise modern, accessible and user-friendly services.
PBAKL 2026 is scheduled to take place from May 29 to June 7 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL), featuring various programmes related to education, digital technology, reading culture and copyright trade.
According to PKB, several major programmes will be organised at strategic locations throughout WTC KL to provide visitors with a more interactive and comprehensive experience.
Among the highlighted programmes are the National Smart Book Procurement initiative, the Asian Rights Fair (ARF), Pasport Kota Baca and PKB’s special exhibition booth.
PKB said the approach reflects the organisation’s role as a central connector between the education sector, digital technology, creative publishing industry and copyright commerce in Malaysia.
The National Smart Book Procurement programme will involve 34 exhibitors, 40 exhibition racks and representatives from 16 State Education Departments nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Asian Rights Fair, scheduled from May 29 to 31 at the Redang Room, Level 3 of WTC KL, is expected to serve as a key platform for expanding international publishing collaboration and content trade opportunities.
The programme will gather publishers, copyright agents, publishing rights buyers and book industry delegates from both domestic and international markets.
According to PKB, this year’s ARF will involve participation from 26 countries as well as seven ASEAN Copyright Ambassadors.
A total of 50 business matching tables will also be provided for copyright negotiations and networking sessions between local and international publishers.
The organisation of PBAKL 2026 is viewed not only as an effort to strengthen reading culture among the public but also as a step toward accelerating the digital transformation of Malaysia’s publishing industry to remain competitive globally.
