Kuala lumpur: Hikayat Fandom today launched its 'Ensiklopedia Mini Berilustrasi Kepulauan Melayu' (Illustrated Mini Encyclopaedia of the Malay Archipelago) series at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2026, in a bid to introduce the region's rich civilisational heritage to a wider international audience.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the launch at the Pentas Dunia Buku at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WCTKL) marked a key initiative to revive stories and historical narratives from the Malay Archipelago for a new generation through a blend of literature, visual art and storytelling.
Hikayat Fandom founder Ninot Aziz said the five-volume series was developed with contributions from 25 experts, illustrators and editors from six countries, covering topics ranging from ancient civilisations and maritime heritage to language, literature, arts, culture and iconic historical figures. 'Our vision is to build a world rooted in heritage, history and imagination, one that fosters meaningful cultural connections across generations. Visitors were also introduced to a collection of book trailers and multimedia storytelling initiatives aimed at bringing literary works to life for contemporary audiences,' she said in a statement today.
To expand its creative reach, Hikayat Fandom also signed a memorandum of understanding with United States documentary filmmaker Will Harper to explore collaborations in film, educational content and transmedia storytelling. Ninot said the organisation is also building momentum through its immersive mini-gallery, 'Balai Gema Hikayat', currently being held at creative community mall GMBB here in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The interactive exhibition showcases traditional art forms such as Mak Yong, Mek Mulung and Wayang Kulit, offering local and international visitors a unique cultural learning experience.
Ninot, recipient of the WOW KL Icon for Social Impact on Literature 2025 award, is also the author whose poetry was selected for inclusion in the Lunar Codex, an international cultural archive sent to the Moon through the Artemis programme. Meanwhile, Hikayat Fandom received further international recognition when three of its publications were selected for the National Book Council of Malaysia's list of 50 Best Malaysian Titles for International Rights 2024-2026. The titles are Beyond The Malay Archipelago: An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ancient Southeast Asia, Kembara Leyla: Rahsia Empayar Uthmaniyah by Ninot Aziz, and A Book of Poems: The Meowgical Tails of Malaysia by Prof Bee.