Book fair in Johor Baru a bridge to different cultures

The Star

3 days ago

IT may be named a book fair, but for many visitors, Johor International Book Bazaar (JIBB) feels more like a passport to the world.
From Indonesian folklore to Turkish philosophy, the five-day event in Johor Baru has given Johoreans a rare opportunity to explore foreign cultures through literature, all under one roof.
Mechanical engineering student Aina Zukrina Md Hairi, 22, said she was intrigued by the wide array of books available.
Two youths engrossed in their books during the bazaar held at a mall in Johor Baru.
'I have always enjoyed visiting book fairs, but this is the first time I have attended one with such an international scope.
'My friend and I are happy to see a book event like this in Johor Baru, and we don't have to travel all the way to Kuala Lumpur where such international events are usually held,' she told StarMetro.
Aina Zukrina said she was especially drawn to the translated works of renowned authors from other countries.
Zhou: JIBB opened his eyes to Johor's vibrant and inclusive literary scene.
'What excited me most was discovering international bestsellers that have been translated into Bahasa Malaysia.
'It makes global stories more accessible and relatable, especially for young readers who may not be fluent in English,' she added.
Another visitor, 46-year-old B. Jegathesan brought along his wife and two children to explore the book bazaar, which was held at a shopping centre in the city.
'My children, in Form Two and Year Five, love to read and it is a habit we instilled in them from a young age.
'Apart from buying books, I take them to the public library in Larkin and Jalan Yahya Awal weekly to borrow books so that they have more to read,' he said, adding that he also insisted that his children avoid spending too much time on gadgets.
Jegathesan, with daughter J. Thanushree, says international book bazaars can serve as a form of cultural exchange.
Jegathesan, who works as a teacher, said international events like this were a platform for cultural exchange, giving readers the chance to explore other places through literature.
'My hope is that they bring in more English books in future, to make the event more inclusive and truly live up to the international status,' he said.
Chinese national Jay Zhou Yu Jie, 25, said JIBB opened his eyes to Johor's vibrant and interesting literary scene.
Imam praised Johor for hosting a big event free for the public.
'I love books...even more so when they come from different parts of the world.
'Coming from a highly populated country like China, it is still quite rare to see such diversity in a book fair.
'I am impressed by how Johor celebrates literature from various cultures,' said the international student hailing from Zhejiang province in eastern China.
Aydogan: Many Malaysians familiar with Turkish literature.
Zhou, who has been staying in Johor for the past two years, said he often looked for English language books to improve his communication skills and stay connected with global topics.
'I was pleasantly surprised to have stumbled upon the fair while at the mall.
'I hope to see a wider selection of English titles in future editions of the bazaar, especially in genres like science, global politics and economics,' he said.
Aina Zukrina found translated works of renowned authors.
Appetite for engagement
Meanwhile, first-time international exhibitors said the strong turnout and enthusiasm from Johoreans reflected the state's growing appetite for global literature and cultural engagement.
Yayasan Pustaka Obor Indonesia exhibitor Imam Sayidi said more than half of the 44 titles he brought to the bazaar had been sold within the first two days.
Activities at JIBB include cultural and musical performances (above) and a caricature booth (right) where visitors get their faces immortalised on paper.
'It was unexpected to see book lovers' overwhelming interest in Indonesian literature.
'Aside from novels, we specifically brought titles that resonated with Malaysian readers, particularly books on public policy, governance and our shared cultural values,' he said.
Imam said some visitors had even placed orders for the books to be delivered from Indonesia after the event.
On the invitation to participate in the book fair, he said it reflected Indonesia and Malaysia's deep ties.
'We feel truly honoured to be invited by our neighbour for this event, which is more than just about books; it is actually a cross-cultural exhibition.'
Imam praised Johor for hosting the large-scale event free for the public.
'In Indonesia, such events are costly when organised in malls.
'I am glad to learn that in Malaysia, it can be held without an entrance fee for all to enjoy, which is a truly commendable way to cultivate a reading culture within society,' he said.
Malaysia-Turkiye Cultural Association (MTCA) committee member Ali Aydogan, who also participated in JIBB for the first time, said he was heartened by the warm reception he received from visitors.
The five-day Johor International Book Bazaar, held in a shopping mall in Johor Baru, has the potential to be promoted as a tourism attraction in conjunction with Visit Johor 2026. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star
'This was our first time taking part in a book fair in Johor, but we have participated in eight editions of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair.
'Many visitors were familiar with Turkish culture and eager to learn more about it, some even referenced popular Turkish historical dramas such as Diriliş: Ertuğrul and Payitaht: Abdulhamid.
'Books are just one part of what we bring.
'These events are also about building bridges between cultures,' Aydogan said.
The five-day Johor International Book Bazaar included other fun activities like caricature drawing.
He said MTCA showcased translations of works by prominent Turkish Islamic scholar Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, whose writings focused on theology, social unity, and spiritual reflection.
'Though we are from different countries, I believe his ideas resonate with Malaysians.
'His works address universal issues such as atheism, religious doubt and division within communities – topics relevant across borders,' said Aydogan, who is currently pursuing his PhD at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
He said his group brought selections in languages such as Bahasa Malaysia, English, Arabic and Chinese to reach a wider audience.
He also said that their participation in the book fair was less about sales profit and more about sharing knowledge.
'I have read this collection many times myself and it is like a treasure.
'We don't focus on sales; we just want to introduce his ideas to those who are interested,' he said.
Encouraged by the turnout, Aydogan is hoping to return for future editions of the literary bazaar.
The five-day JIBB welcomed 89 exhibitors from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Turkiye and Iran.
Besides books, there were other events for visitors, including musical and dance performances, caricature drawing as well as pocket talks.