Malaysia is home to a large Chinese-speaking population. Malaysian readers are fond of Taiwanese writers, and Taiwan's publications account for 40 percent of the total market. The annual BookFest Malaysia has become a literary feast that allows Malaysian readers to closely sample Taiwan's diverse array of publications.
Culture Minister Lung Ying-tai:
We send our writers and books over there [with good reason]. On the one hand, we can show our support for Malaysia’s embracement of different cultures. On the other hand, we are not only exporting, but also acquiring, cultural inspirations from Malaysia’s strong vitality and unique culture.
Chairman Linden Lin, Taipei Book Fair Foundation:
Since the 1980s, Malaysia has adopted simplified Chinese as its official language; however, why is that Taiwan's traditional Chinese remain high in demand in Malaysia? That is because of its unique environment. The majority of the Mandarin Chinese instructors in Malaysia have studied in Taiwan.
Music, images to showcase Taiwanese literature
During the ten-day BookFest Malaysia, the Ministry of Culture organized a Taiwanese literature-themed forum series, a literature film festival, and a Taiwan Literature and Music Night concert. The events allowed Malaysians to learn more about Taiwan while enabling Taiwan's writers to return home with more inspiration and perspectives.
Culture Minister Lung Ying-tai:
This year, we’ve sent not only our publications and writers, but also our videos and documentaries on writers and music. In addition, we’ve held concerts, which link songs, lyrics, and literature together. The Malaysian book fair holds a unique position among all of the book fairs. It represents not only a market but also the sincere friendship between Taiwan and Malaysia.
Strengthening Taiwan-Malaysia exchanges
The Ministry of Culture hopes to create a global network of cultural exchanges. By sending a strong cultural lineup to Malaysia, the Ministry hopes to deepen the bilateral understanding between the two countries through literature, publications, images, and music.