ASEAN Records is proud to officially recognise the Johor Public Library Corporation (Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Johor, PPAJ) for achieving the milestone:
First Government-Initiated International Book Bazaar by a State Statutory Library Corporation, Featuring Traditional Malay Timber-Carved Pavilions and Multi -Heritage-Attired Exhibitor Personnel (42 timber-carved main pavilions within 85 exhibitor units; 150 personnel in 3 distinct heritage attire; 21–25 August 2026)
The recognition acknowledges the Johor International Book Bazaar 2026 as a government-initiated international literary and cultural platform organised by a state statutory library corporation, combining books, public learning, heritage presentation and cultural identity within a single event.
Held from 21 to 25 August 2026 at Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, the five-day bazaar featured 85 exhibitor units, including 42 main pavilions incorporating traditional Malay timber-carved design elements, together with 150 personnel comprising 50 secretariat members and 100 exhibitor personnel.
A defining element of the event was the presentation of personnel in three distinct forms of heritage attire, strengthening the bazaar’s cultural dimension while creating a setting where literature, community participation and Johor’s traditional identity could be experienced together.
Bringing Books, Heritage and Community Together
The Johor International Book Bazaar 2026 was designed as more than a conventional book fair.
Alongside its books and exhibitor showcases, the programme incorporated cultural and community activities including storytelling sessions, inspiring talks, heritage-related activities, traditional attire, family programmes and photography activities.
Through this combination, the event created a platform where visitors could engage with reading and knowledge while also experiencing elements of Johor’s cultural heritage.
The use of traditional Malay timber-carved pavilions formed an important visual and cultural feature of the bazaar, reflecting traditional craftsmanship and architectural identity within a contemporary public event environment.
By integrating literary activity with cultural presentation, the event contributes to a broader understanding of libraries as institutions that can support reading, knowledge, heritage appreciation and community connection.
42 Timber-Carved Main Pavilions Within 85 Exhibitor Units
A central feature of the ASEAN Records achievement was the event’s distinctive exhibition design.
The bazaar comprised a total of 85 exhibitor units, with 42 main pavilions incorporating traditional Malay timber-carved elements.
These pavilions were designed to reflect Johor’s traditional culture, craftsmanship and architectural character while serving as functional exhibition spaces for participating organisations and exhibitors.
The format created an environment in which the presentation of books and information was closely connected with local cultural identity.
The event layout also included dedicated areas for international exhibitors, programme activities, heritage elements, photography, radio, supporting booths and visitor engagement.
Together, these components created a literary event that combined exhibition, education and heritage presentation within one public venue.
150 Personnel in Three Distinct Heritage Attire
The cultural identity of the bazaar extended beyond the physical pavilion design.
A total of 150 personnel participated in the event, comprising 50 secretariat personnel and 100 exhibitor personnel.
Across the event, personnel were represented in three distinct forms of heritage attire, reinforcing the cultural character of the bazaar and creating greater public visibility for traditional dress.
This element complemented the traditional timber-carved pavilion concept and supported the wider objective of presenting Johor’s heritage through both the built environment and human participation.
The combination of traditional design, heritage attire and literary activities distinguished the bazaar as a platform where cultural expression and knowledge-sharing were presented side by side.
A Government-Initiated Literary and Cultural Platform
The Johor International Book Bazaar 2026 was organised by PPAJ following a decision by the Johor State Government dated 18 March 2026.
As a state statutory body responsible for public library services throughout Johor, PPAJ plays an important role in providing access to books, information, learning facilities, digital technology and literacy programmes for communities in both urban and rural areas.
The international book bazaar reflects this wider public-service role by extending access to reading and learning beyond conventional library spaces and into a large public setting.
Through the event, visitors were able to engage with books, exhibitors, cultural activities and educational programmes in an accessible environment designed for families, students, readers and the wider community.
Supporting Reading and Lifelong Learning
PPAJ’s responsibilities extend beyond managing library collections.
The organisation also promotes reading, lifelong learning, access to information and community development throughout Johor.
The Johor International Book Bazaar reflects these priorities by creating a platform that encourages public engagement with books while also providing opportunities for interaction with exhibitors, storytellers, speakers and cultural activities.
By locating the event at Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru and operating from 10.00am to 10.00pm throughout its five-day run, the bazaar created an accessible public environment for visitors from different backgrounds to participate.
The combination of education, culture and family-oriented activities also supports the wider role of public libraries in encouraging reading habits and strengthening community participation.
Celebrating Johor’s Cultural Identity
The use of traditional Malay timber-carved pavilions and heritage attire provided a strong cultural foundation for the 2026 bazaar.
Rather than separating literary activity from heritage, the event brought both elements together within one public experience.
Traditional craftsmanship was incorporated into the exhibition environment, while heritage attire provided another visible connection to cultural identity.
The event’s public materials also encouraged visitors to experience Johor traditional attire while participating in the celebration, further connecting the bazaar with Malaysia’s National Month period.
Through this approach, the Johor International Book Bazaar positioned literature and cultural heritage as complementary elements that can strengthen public engagement with both knowledge and identity.
A Milestone Moment of Recognition
The ASEAN Records certificate was officially presented on 22 August 2026 at Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru during the Johor International Book Bazaar 2026.
The recognition was received by YM Puan Ungku Noorakmal binti Ungku Sulaiman, Director of the Johor Public Library Corporation (PPAJ), together with her team.
The recognition was officially presented by Tan Sri Datuk Danny Ooi, Chairman of the Advisory Board of ASEAN Records.
The presentation was witnessed by several distinguished guests, including Yang Berhormat Dr. Mohammed Naqib bin Md. Ghazali, Chairman of the Johor State Education and Information Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Johor Public Library Corporation; YBhg. Encik Edy Irwan bin Zulkifli, Director-General of the National Library of Malaysia; YBrs. Encik Zulkurnain bin Abdul Rahman, Director of the Johor State Education Department; YBhg. Prof. ChM. Dr. Leong Loong Kong, President of Southern University College; and Ms. Clarissa Marie Villamor, Economic Desk Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Kuala Lumpur.
Also present were Directors of State Public Libraries from across Malaysia, alongside representatives, exhibitors, strategic partners and invited guests participating in the five-day international book bazaar.
The presentation acknowledged PPAJ’s role in organising a government-initiated international book bazaar incorporating 42 traditional Malay timber-carved main pavilions within 85 exhibitor units, together with 150 personnel in three distinct forms of heritage attire.
The recognition also reflects the collective contribution of the PPAJ team, participating exhibitors, secretariat personnel, strategic partners and supporting organisations involved in delivering the Johor International Book Bazaar 2026.
Voices of Leadership
Reflecting on the recognition and the purpose behind the Johor International Book Bazaar 2026, YM Puan Ungku Noorakmal binti Ungku Sulaiman, Director of the Johor Public Library Corporation (PPAJ), shared:
“The Johor International Book Bazaar is an important platform for us to bring books and knowledge closer to the community while creating an experience that also celebrates the cultural identity of Johor. We want people to see the library not only as a place to access books, but as an institution that brings communities together through learning, culture and meaningful engagement.
“By incorporating traditional Malay timber-carved pavilions, heritage attire and participation from a diverse group of exhibitors, we are able to connect reading and knowledge with the traditions that form part of our identity. At the same time, the international dimension of the bazaar creates opportunities for wider cultural and literary exchange.
“This recognition belongs to the entire PPAJ team, our exhibitors, strategic partners and everyone who contributed to making this programme possible. We hope the Johor International Book Bazaar will continue to encourage more people, especially young people and families, to develop a lasting relationship with books, knowledge and lifelong learning.”
The recognition reflects PPAJ’s wider commitment to empowering communities through knowledge, learning and cooperation with strategic partners, while demonstrating how public libraries can connect literacy, heritage and community participation through accessible public programmes.
Strengthening the Role of Public Libraries in Community and Culture
The ASEAN Records recognition reflects the evolving role of public libraries as institutions that support not only access to books and information, but also education, cultural appreciation, community participation and lifelong learning.
By organising an international book bazaar that combines literary engagement with heritage presentation, PPAJ demonstrates how public library institutions can create broader opportunities for communities to connect with knowledge in accessible and engaging ways.
The inclusion of international participation also extends the event’s role beyond a local book fair, creating opportunities for cultural and literary exchange while strengthening Johor’s visibility as a destination for public learning and cultural activity.
The Johor International Book Bazaar 2026 therefore represents an important milestone in PPAJ’s continuing efforts to make reading, learning and heritage more accessible to the public.
About Johor Public Library Corporation
The Johor Public Library Corporation, or Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Johor (PPAJ), was established under the Johor Public Library Corporation Enactment No. 5 of 1982.
PPAJ is a Johor State Statutory Body responsible for providing public library services throughout the state.
Its services include access to books, information resources, learning facilities, digital technology and literacy programmes for communities in both urban and rural areas.
PPAJ also promotes reading, lifelong learning, access to information and community development while working with strategic partners to strengthen educational and knowledge-based opportunities for the people of Johor.
Guided by its vision of empowering communities through knowledge, learning and cooperation, PPAJ continues to expand the role of public libraries as accessible spaces for education, information, culture and community engagement.
