Malaysia: KPT Showcases Higher Education Services, Records Strong Performance at KLIBF 2026

Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) has reinforced the nation’s knowledge culture and expanded public access to academic resources through its successful participation in the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) 2026.

The 10-day event concluded with strong engagement, highlighting the growing importance of academic publishing and education services in Malaysia.

Strong Sales and Visitor Engagement at KLIBF 2026

According to the ministry, the Malaysian Scholarly Publishing Council (MAPIM) Pavilion recorded sales of 16,431 books during the event.

The pavilion brought together 24 university publishers, showcasing a diverse collection of scholarly, academic, and general-interest publications authored by academics, writers, industry practitioners, influencers, and national leaders.

In total, the pavilion attracted approximately 14,000 visitors, reflecting sustained public interest in academic content and knowledge-sharing platforms.

Over 10,000 Titles Across Diverse Knowledge Fields

The MAPIM Pavilion featured more than 10,000 book titles covering a wide range of disciplines, making it one of the key attractions at KLIBF 2026.

The initiative highlighted the role of academic publishing in supporting education, research, and intellectual development in Malaysia.

Education Services and Public Consultations

Beyond book exhibitions, KPT provided a range of higher education services and consultation sessions, including:

• •  •  Admissions to public universities, polytechnics, and community colleges

   • Guidance on UPUOnline applications and appeals
   • Information on PTPTN loans, repayments, and SSPN savings schemes
   • Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
   • Scholarships, financial aid, and education sponsorship programmes

Boost from Student Participation and Book Voucher Initiative

The ministry noted that strong participation from university students contributed significantly to overall sales. Many students utilised the government’s book voucher initiative, helping stimulate the local publishing ecosystem.

This initiative played a key role in encouraging reading habits and supporting academic publishing.

Focus on Digital Publishing and Open Access

KPT also emphasised digital publishing and open-access initiatives, aligning with Malaysia’s higher education digitalisation agenda.

These efforts aim to ensure that knowledge is more accessible, inclusive, and widely distributed across the country.

Strengthening Malaysia’s Knowledge-Based Society

The ministry stated that the success of the MAPIM Pavilion at KLIBF 2026 demonstrates the continued relevance of academic publishing as a platform for knowledge dissemination, community engagement, and national development.

The initiative supports Malaysia’s broader vision of building a knowledge-based society in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI.