Frankfurt Bookfair
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MBKM’s 50 Best Malaysian Titles for International Rights 2013
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
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Day 3, Part 1 – Frankfurt Buchmesse
Frankfurt, October 9th, 2013.
Day 3 was the day for me to attend Frankfurt Buchmesse. I had to carry a big rolling luggage (approximately having a weight of 30kg) full of books along with my backpack. I could not imagine myself pulling the bag for 0.8 kilometre to the train station, pull it up the steps, pull it on the train, pull it out of the train, pull it up the escalator and pull it for a walk for about 0.7 kilometre to the book fair hall… so, I took a cab. My husband helped me pull it to the taxi stand. Cost me €30 from Offenbach to Messehalle. And the real pulling job was done right from the book fair ground entrance to Malaysia Pavilion at Hall 5 for about half a kilometre. Boy, it was really heavy! I could really felt it on my wrists! I use both hands alternately.
Anyway, soon as I reached Malaysia Pavilion at Hall 5, I arranged my books. I was the only one who had an empty shelf. Others had done arranging a day before.
I didn’t know what to do because it was my first experience taking a booth, so as it was the first day, I just watched how Linda my agent made conversation while introducing books. Most of the publishers who came had made appointments with her before the fair started so they practically narrowed down books they wanted, came to see the books and made verbal agreement. It was smooth! But I know my agent had worked hard on her side also. She sent lists of books and synopsis to publishers and invited them to come over to our booths to have a look at the books.
A publisher from Taiwan interested in my Lil’ Guardians.
Linda showing my ABC Coloring Book to a publisher.Yep, the first day went smoothly and so did the rest of the days I attended the bookfair. I met publishers from around the world, talked to them and gave some goodies I made and brought from home. I even stood on the aisle (With Mariah Tio, Linda’s assistant during the fair) giving away some of my postcards and bookmarks just to promote my works. To view more photos, do visit my Frankfurt Bookfair 2013 album on Facebook.
Wondering what were the boys doing? Stay tuned for Day 3, Part 2.
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Princesses and MMK are among Top 50 Best Malaysian Titles 2013
Alhamdulillah. My two new books; My Mother’s Kitchen and Princesses of Malaysia are listed on MBKM’s Top 50 Best Malaysian Titles 2013 that will be featured at Frankfurt Bookfair.
Both books will be out in bookstores by November 2013.
Below are among children books and comics that made the list.
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Malaysian publishers exhibiting at Frankfurt Bookfair 2013
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:
- Institut Terjemahan dan Buku Malaysia (ITBM)
- Majlis Penerbitan Ilmiah Malaysia (MAPIM)
- Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka (DBP)
- Yusof Gajah Lingard Literary Agency
- Kumpulan Media Karangkraf
- Kualiti Books Sdn. BHd.
- Saba Islamic Media Sdn. Bhd.
- PTS Media Group Sdn. Bhd.
- Odonata Publishing Sdn. Bhd.
- Impiana Publishing
- 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)
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Licensing lesson
Publishing products (books, periodicals and calendars) represent the third strongest product category (after clothing and toys) in terms of licensed themes, accounting for 12 per cent of the overall licensing business – and growing. Conversely, films, TV shows, brands and celebrity publishers offer marketing possibilities for successful titles. It’s hard not to be impressed by the plethora of books, calendars and magazines from licensing success stories like Star Wars, Sesame Street, Hello Kitty or Jamie Oliver. Locally, the fine examples are Upin & Ipin as well as BoiBoi Boy.
I went on a Licensing & Merchandising Tour around the book fair to learn more about it. Meeting point was at StoryDrive Info Desk, Media & Entertainment Area, Hall 4.0.
So what is licensing and merchandising? Simply put, licensing is a permission to use, distribute or sell a brand that belonging to a brand owner for a defined period of time, in a defined territory. I had few of my illustrations licensed in this manner, i.e. Hush Puppies Malaysia Hari Raya poster and few others. For Hush Puppies Raya poster, I granted a permission to use and distribute the artwork in Malaysia and Singapore for a fee.
As for merchandising, brand owner extends its brand to be produced, distribute or sold in a form of merchandising items. The agreement can be made where brand owners gets to earn royalties on the sale of that product or service. For example, if the company that manages Hush Puppies Malaysia like to extend the permission to develop my characters in the poster and sell it, this is what we call merchandising.
Licensing and Merchandising is a great way for a brand to stand out amongst the competition. Licensing and Merchandising enhances brand image and allow consumer to exhibit their love of the brand. It also generates income for the brand owner while attracts new consumers to the brand.
One of the booths we visited was Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. The company does television programming and production around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, and feature films. Nickelodeon Consumer Products manages brands like SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer as well as manages merchandising for Nick Jr, Nickelodeon among others.
Nickelodeon reprentative explaning to us about the licensing and merchandising businnes of the company.We visited few other booths including Dummies and Oetinger.
Dummies booth.
Oetinger booth.The basic line is; we must have an established core products like books or movies/tv series before planning to go into licensing and merchandising business.
So, the number one thing that I have to come out with is a permanent character. So…I am going to develop the girl character that I always love todraw; the one with braided hair and stripey pants. Her name will be Diya. So watch out for Diya! Or maybe Diya and Friends! I remember being approached by two companies about getting my characters into movie but I didn’t have a strong character back then.
Hehe, give me a year to develop her slowly 🙂
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MBKM in Frankfurt
The National Book Council of Malaysia (MBKM) plays the role to inculcate interest in reading and be the driving force behind the development of the book industry. MBKM also promotes Malaysian books with local publishers and industry players at an international level through Malaysia’s participation in overseas book fairs especially at The Frankfurt Bookfair,Germany. MBKM has been participating consistently here over the years. The theme at Malaysian Pavilion this year was Wayang Kulit or Shadow Play.
Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage can be seen in our arts and crafts and there has been increasing attempts to document them and to preserve them for the current generation and the futue and hence, MBKM features these books during the book fair. The arts and crafts books featured at the book fair include:
- Shadow Play: Malay Traditional Theatre — Behind the scenes of the world of Malay Wayang Kulit or Shadow Play.
- The Kelantan Malay Traditional Shadow Play — An illustrated and comprehensive reference to the Malay Traditional theatre or Wayang Kulit.
- Crafted in Malaysia — Five popular crafts in Malaysia,: textile, metal craft, ceramic, forest-based crafts and ethnic crafts.
- Timeline — A wonderful collection of 50 years of Malaysian Art with the National Visual Arts Gallery, arranged chronologically.
- Batik Malaysia: Design and Innovation 1960s to 1990s — A pictorial gallery that tells the story of batik produced in this period.
Here are some illustrated pictures from the fair that I managed to draw recently.
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Bridging Malaysia and The Arab World 2.0
Frankfurt, 13 October 2012 – MBKM yesterday had organized a meet-up with the Arab publishers at Malaysian Pavilion in order to create a publishing platform for publishers in Malaysia and Arab and to conduct a business-matching session to bring together potential business partners seeking to boost their business networks.
Furthermore, it is important to find a human resources outsourcing service that can provide the right solution for your business. This way can make sure your business will long last. By allowing credit card payments, you’re also making it easier for customers to buy from your business. Evaluate the customer support services offered by merchant services.
Apart from promoting participants of this year’s book fair, MBKM hopes to get more participations from the Arab publishers to join the next KLTCC in Kuala Lumpur as well as to build close relationship with the Abu Dhabi Book Fair management.
Puan Faizah speaking on behalf of MAPIM.
Puan Sabariah Abdullah, MD of Saba Islamic Media explaining her products to the Arab publishers.Participants/Exhibitors at this year’s pavilion include Institut Terjemahan dan Buku Malaysia (ITBM), Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka (DBP), Saba Islamic Media Sdn Bhd, Majlis Penerbitan Ilmiah (MAPIM), PTS Media Group Sdn Bhd and Yusof Gajah Lingard Literaty Agency Sdn Bhd.