Taipei City Brings “Taipei corners in Kuala Lumpur” to the Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair 2025, Showcasing Taiwan’s Creative Energy on the Global Stage
May 1, 2025 – Kuala Lumpur — Guided by the Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs and organized by the Taipei Cultural and Creative Industry Support Plan, the “Taipei corners in Kuala Lumpur” Opening Tea Reception was held at GMBB Kuala Lumpur, bringing an international spotlight to this year’s Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair (KLIF). The event featured ten outstanding Taiwanese illustration and creative brands, highlighting Taiwan’s vibrant creative talent through exhibitions, market engagement, and cultural exchange.
Star Dai, Deputy Director of Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, emphasized that this event represents more than an overseas showcase—it serves as a key opportunity for cultural dialogue and industry collaboration. “The value of creativity lies not only in aesthetic presentation but also in the process of connecting with the world,” Dai stated. “Through illustration—a universal language that transcends translation—we hope Malaysian audiences can feel the warmth and vitality of Taiwan’s creative spirit.”
The ten participating brands encompassed a wide range of styles, from character design and everyday illustration to soothing, emotionally resonant works, reflecting the breadth and depth of Taiwan’s illustration industry. A highlight of this year’s initiative was the collaboration between IP-based brands and VR technology providers, creating an immersive curatorial experience that merges creativity and innovation. Through on-site interaction and direct sales, Taiwanese exhibitors were able to engage local consumers firsthand, gaining valuable insights to refine their market strategies.
GMBB, one of Malaysia’s most important creative industry hubs, also played a key role by partnering with the Taipei Cultural and Creative Industry Support Plan to strengthen bilateral cultural exchange and foster a new network of creative collaboration across Asia.
In addition to the exhibition, the “Taipei corners in Kuala Lumpur” program hosted a tea reception and exchange event, inviting creators, industry professionals, and media representatives from both Taiwan and Malaysia. The session featured brand sharing and cross-sector discussions exploring potential collaboration models—linking Taiwanese brands with local retail partners, exhibition venues, and lifestyle outlets, including mother-and-baby product stores—to expand future design and business opportunities.
For years, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park has been dedicated to advancing the internationalization of Taiwan’s cultural and creative industries. Through the “TAIPEI corners” export brand initiative, the program has led Taiwanese creative businesses into key Asian markets. Since 2023, the project has expanded to Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Beijing, supporting over 100 creative enterprises in exploring new international opportunities.
This year’s debut at KLIF marks Taiwan’s official entry into Malaysia’s illustration market, earning enthusiastic responses from local audiences and the design community. The initiative significantly enhances the visibility of Taiwanese brands across Southeast Asia while laying a foundation for future commercial collaboration through on-site showcases, workshops, and market studies.
Looking ahead, the Taipei Cultural and Creative Industry Support Plan will continue to assist brands in building global strategies, expanding markets, and strengthening the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s creative sector. Through sustained cultural exchange and export, Taiwan’s creativity will continue to shine brightly on the world stage.