George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) is Malaysia’s largest international literary festival, held annually in the UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town, Penang. Initiated in 2011, it is one of the best-recognised platforms for the celebration of progressive literature, and for free speech in Malaysia. The festival believes in the power of literacy of all kinds, in the vital need for spontaneous and positive expression, and is committed to being one of the most urgent, vital and provocative literary festivals in the region. Each year, selected local and international writers, poets and performers engage in topics and themes that are crucial to the present state of the world. These are supplemented by launches of the latest books, by workshops, and by evening entertainment.

In short, we embrace a whole-of-society approach to nation-building and inclusiveness in international dialogue.

Objectives

• Highlight literature as a key human value-creating skill;
• Encourage exchange of ideas between local and international writers;
• Expose Malaysians to world literature, and Malaysian literature to the world;
• Catalyse multi-disciplinary interactions through lectures and workshops;
• Bring global recognition to Penang’s literary history and living publication legacy;
• Reinforce Penang’s rich socio-cultural legacy alongside its economic prowess.