Here is the list of MBKM’s 50 Best Malaysian Titles 2013 for easy reference to those who wants to know the titles that made it to the list.

I took the time to copy from the catalogue (with permission) and re-write the whole thing, should you want to use this list, please credit the information to: MBKM and emilayusof.com (this post). It should be linked like this: Credits: MBKM and 50 Best Malaysian Titles for International Rights 2013 @ emilayusof.com .

Fiction /Malay

1. Jika Esok Tiba (If Tomorrow Comes) – collection of short stories that cover various themes and issues across Malaysia’s multi-cultural society. Author: Anwar Ridhwan, Pubsliher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

2. Seri Dewi Malam – A love story that is full of complexity. This novel highlights the idea of finding a life partner, death and fortune that have been determined by Allah. Author: Affifudin Haji Omar, Publisher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

3. Lara – A story of a woman who suffered from cancer fights to survive. Author: Azmah Nordin, Publisher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka

4. Sunan Musafir – Saifudin, Admiral of Sunan was now retired but his past caught up with him. Author: Ramli Awang Murshid, Publisher: Alaf 21 Sdn Bhd.

5. Rindu Aroma Padi Bunting – ‘Longing for the fragrant smell of rice’ – the story of two families, one from Malaysia, the other from Makasar. Author: Arena Wati, Publisher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

6.  Serang Hendap Ulu Lenggong – The Ambush at Ulu Lenggong tells of the fiercest battle with the communists. Author: Mohd Radzi Abd Hamid, Publisher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

7. Wajah Seorang Wanita (Portrait of a Woman) – The story of a Kelantanese woman who overcame life’s tragedies with strength.  Author: S. Othman Kelantan, Publisher: Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM)

Fiction /English

8. Bayu – An American boy has been kidnapped in Malaysia. A crime novel. Author: Rozlan Mohd Noor, Publisher: Silverfish Books Sdn Bhd.

9. The Sum of our Follies Story of a fictitious small town in Malaysia that captures the essence of the whole country. Author: Shih Li Kow, Publisher: Silverfish Books Sdn Bhd.

10. Anakara House – Story of recent emigrants from India to Malaya who are torn between the new and old world. Author: Matthew Thomas, Publisher: Silverfish Books Sdn Bhd.

11. Readings from Readings 2 – Second collection of stories, poems and essays from Kuala Lumpur’s longest running literary events, Readings@Seksan and CeritAku. Editor: Bernice Chauly/Sharon Bakar, Publisher: Word Works Sdn Bhd.

Fiction / Chinese

12. Fantastic Lion Dance Troupe – A group of students work hard to be part of the Lion Dance Troupe. Author: Yap Shang Yong, Publisher: Odonata Publishing Sdn Bhd.

13. You, Me, Zero Distance – A story of a father, a daughter and the generation gap. Author: Sam Yi Sen, Publisher: Odonata Publishing Sdn Bhd.

14. The Bride’s Veil – A young couple’s happiness was shortlived when the Japanese invaded. Author: Khor Ewe Pin, Publisher: Odonata Publishing Sdn Bhd.

Fiction/YA

15. The Jugra Chronicles Rigih and The Witch of Moon Lake continues the story of Bongsu. Author: Tutu Dutta-Yean/Tan Vay Fern (Illustrator), Publisher: MPH Group Publishing.

16. Jejak Monpus – On the Trail of Monpus tells of an insect lover who discovered a new caterpillar species. Author: Zulaiha Paikon, Publisher: Pelangi Novel Sdn Bhd.

17. Bright Times – Five students try to save their school from being closed down. Author: Khor Ewe Pin, Publisher: Pelangi Novel Sdn Bhd.

18. Haikal Haziq – Identical twins Haikal and Haziq look the same but are different otherwise. Author: Rosdell M.A., Publisher: Buku Prima, Karangkraf.

Art & Crafts

19. Rupa & Jiwa – Form & Spirit – A book that analyses Malay art and craft. Author: Syed Ahmad Jamal (1929-2011), Publisher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

Architecture

20. Veritas 1987-2012 – A compilation of more than 50 projects worldwide by Veritas Design Group. Authors: Robert Powell/Lau Su Vin, Publisher: Veritas Management Sdn Bhd.

Photography

21. Portraits of Penang: Little India – A celebration of Little India with photographs and accompanying essays. Photographer: Ooi Cheng Ghee, Authors: Gareth Richards, Himanshu Bhatt, Publisher: Areca Books.

Memoir

22. Kaleidoscope The memoirs of PG Lim -a remarkable and eventful life at the heart of Malaysian affairs. Author: P.G. Lim, Publisher: Strategic Information & Research Development (SIRD).

Essays

23. Kuala Lumpur-Berlin – Writings from Malaysia and Germany. Editors: Hedy Holzwarth, Holger Warnk, Volker Wolf, Publisher: Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM).

24. Kuntum Biru Kembang Lestari – Blooms of Blue Flowers is a collection of writings and reflections by National Laureate (1991) Muhammad Haji Salleh. Publisher: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Food

25. Halal Guidebook Guide for Halal food producers to ensure compliance. Publisher: Halal Industry Development Corporation.

26. Atlas of Food Exchanges & Portion Sizes Food preparation for health professionals and the general reader. Authors: Dr Suzana Shahar, Dr Noor Aini Mohd Yusoff, Dr Nik Shanita Safii, Rafidah Ghazali, Roslina Ahmad, Publisher: MDC Publishers.

27. Nostalgia Medan Selera Nostalgic Food Court is a collection of recipes by the late Ahmad bin Yaacob Al-Johori, caterer for royal weddings. Author: Faizah Aziz-Wells, Publisher: Shakespot Sdn Bhd.

History

28. History of the Dutch in Malaysia In 1641 the Dutch wrested Malacca from th Portuguese and occupied it for the next 160 years. Author: Dennis De Witt, Publisher: Nutmeg Publishing.

29. Penang: The Fourth Presidency of India 1805-1830 – Early settlement in Penang with paintings, engravings and maps. Author: Marcus Langdon, Publisher: Areca Books.

Islam

30. Traditional Islamic Architecture of Malaysia Mosques, palaces, religious schools and homes. Author: Mohamad Tajuddin Mohamad Rasdi, Publisher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

31a. Great Stories from the Quran: The 25 Prophets.  Publisher: Kualiti Books Sdn Bhd.

31b. Prophet Muhammad SAW; The Last Messenger of Allah SWT. Publisher: Kualiti Books Sdn Bhd.

32. Ensiklopedia Al-Quran – A comprehensive encyclopedia of the Al-Quran and its journey as a holy book for Muslims. Author: Syeikh Muhd Mujahid, Publisher: Must Read Sdn Bhd.

33. Pengajian Islam (Islamic Studies) – Reference book to help readers understand Islam as an integrated way of life. Author: Roziah Sidik, Zulkarnain Mohamed, NAsruddin Yuno, Publisher: Oxford Fajar Sdn Bhd.

Poetry

34. Kumpulan Puisi Terpilih Baha Zain – Collection of poems by Baha Zain, National Laureate (2013). Author: Baha Zain, Publisher: Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM).

35. 1000 Pantun Puitis: Mencari Diri Mencari Erti – 1000 Pantun, the Malay poetic form, by National Laureate (2011) Ahmad Kamal Abdullah. Author: Kemala, Publisher: Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Social

36. Raja Perlembagaan Malaysi: Raja-Raja Melayu & Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Abad 21 – The first book to compile all the facts and information on the Malaysian Constitutional Monarchy institution. Author: Roslan Mohammed, Publisher: Kaedah Kota Management (M) Sdn Bhd.

37. Malaysia-Perancis: Menelusuri Jati Diri – A book that celebrates the relationship between Malaysia and France that began decades ago. Author: Stephane Dovert, Publisher: Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM).

38. Malaysian Studies – Reference book on how the country was formed and how it has evolved. Author: Mardiana Nordin, Hasnah Hussiin, Publisher: Oxford Fajar Sdn Bhd.

39. Pantun Pilihan Peranakan Baba Negeri Selat, 1910-1930an – 1,343 pantun verses from the Peranakan people give an insight into their culture. Author: Ding Choo Ming, Publisher: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia.

40. Ensera Ayor: Epik Rakyat Iban – A folk epic from Iban about the warrior, Ayor. Author: Noria Taslim, Chemaline Osup, Publisher: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Environment

41. The Green Frontier: A Malaysian Journey – Tells the experiences of Malaysians who chose to live, work and play in a planet-friendly way using green technology. Author: Cecelia Alphonsus, Joanne Lim, Intan Jailani, Editor: Chan Li Jin Publisher: E-Magineers (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Travelogue

42. A Backpack and A Bit of Luck – A collection of travel narratives from all over the world. Author: Zhang Su Li, Publisher: MPH Group Publishing.

Children Books

43. Folk Tales Series & Animal Fables Series Favourite Malaysian stories for children. Author: Various, Publisher: Institut Terjemahan dan Buku Malaysia (ITBM).

44a. My Mother’s Kitchen – A little girl enjoys watching her mother in the kitchen. Author/Illustrator: Emila Yusof, Publisher: Oyez Books

44b. Princesses of Malaysia – Stories of legendary princesses of Malaysia. Illustrator: Emila Yusof, Re-told by: Raman, Publisher: Oyez Books

45. Dill the Little Elephant – Dill was separated from the herd and goes on a journey to look for his parents. Author: Ming and Volker, Illustrator: Yusof Gajah, Publisher: Oyez Books

46a. A Cake Reaching to the Sky – A boy makes a cake to reach out to his dead grandmother. Author/Illustrator: Norico Chua, Publisher: Magicbird

46b. Do Noses Grow Long When Lies are Told? A book to encourage thinkers. Author: C.K.Koh & Quek Sue Yian; Illustrator: C.K.Koh (Illustrator), Publisher: Magicbird

Comics

47. Kuso High School – A hilarous collection of the different groups at school. Author/Illustrator: Keith, Publisher: Gala Unggul Resources.

48. X-Venture: Dinosaur Kingdom – The X-Venture Xplorers are trapped in the Precambrian period 570 million years ago. Author: Redcode & Albbie, Comics by Air Team, Publisher: Gala Unggul Resources.

49. Super Safee SS10 Comic Series – comprising of Semangat Harimau Malaya (Spirit of the Tiger of Malaya), Memburu Impian (Chasing Dream) and Pantang Menyerah Kalah (Say No to Defeat). Author: Ben, Publisher: PTS Media Group.

50. Raihan Rangerz – Four young men have been trained to be Raihan Rangerz. Their mission: Earth’s well-being. Comes with DVDs. Editor: Nurul Ashikin, Illustrator/Aninator: SABA Animation Team, Publisher: SABA Islamic Media

Year 2013 will see that 1o book publishers (plus 1 illustrator) from Malaysia will be participating at Frankfurt Book Fair (FBF), Germany.

The Frankfurt Book Fair is considered to be the most important book fair in the world for international deals and trading. It is also the world’s largest trade fair for books, based on the number of publishing companies represented, as well as the number of visitors.

Realising the potential of FBF in helping Malaysian publishers expand further, MBKM has made this event as an annual tradition. This year, MBKM will be having various programs to bridge local and international publishers which will include Business Breakfast, Bridging Malaysia and Germany, Bridging Malaysia and USA, Bridging Malaysia and Canada and Digital Forum: Digital Publishing – It’s all about Content.

Malaysia Pavilion last year.

Publishers that will be exhibiting at FBF this year are:

1. Institut Terjemahan dan Buku Malaysia (ITBM)
2. Majlis Penerbitan Ilmiah Malaysia (MAPIM)
3. Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka (DBP)
4. Yusof Gajah Lingard Literary Agency
5. Kumpulan Media Karangkraf
6. Kualiti Books Sdn. BHd.
7. Saba Islamic Media Sdn. Bhd.
8. PTS Media Group Sdn. Bhd.
9. Odonata Publishing Sdn. Bhd.
10. Impiana Publishing
11. emilayusof.com (me! The only illustrator that will be taking a stand at Malaysia Pavilion)

There’s no limitation to only book publisher, so I thought I try to promote my illustrations on international level as well as be the first illustrator to co-exhibit with MBKM. I hope other illustrators will follow suit.

About MBKM: MBKM was established by the Ministry of Education in 1968 based on UNESCO’s recommendatory that proposed all developing nations have a special body responsible for the inculcation of interest in reading and be the driving force behind the development of the book industry. Initially called the National Book Development Council, MBKM’s role was to be both a professional body and book advisory at the national level.

Members of the Council consist of representatives from several ministries and government agencies, industrial organisations and non-governmental organisations that are involved with the industry and book development, as well as three individuals with skills to contribute towards the roles and functions of MBKM. The National Book Policy (NBP) is a policy created by MBKM as a guide to expand its activities within the fields of books and reading in this country.

MBKM Secretariat now operates as one of the departments under the Education Policy and Development Sector, Ministry of Education, Malaysia – headed by a Director. This department manages MBKM’s administration and regulates all cooperative programmes among government sectors, non-government organisations and private sectors in this country in relation to the development of the book industry and the inculcation of a reading culture.

Additionally, MBKM also promotes Malaysian books with local publishers and industry players at an international level through Malaysia’s participation in overseas book fairs.

(*Credit info about MBKM: MBKM website)