Delegates from Kota Buku—one of Malaysia’s leading agencies for book development—recently visited Manila to invite Philippine publishers to participate in the Kuala Lumpur Trade & Copyright Centre (KLTCC) 2015, which will be held on April 15-16 at the Seri Pacific Hotel.

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) organized the meeting to link Philippine publishers and authors to their ASEAN counterparts and to open new opportunities for local publishing outfits to connect with global players.

According to Hasri Hasan, Kota Buku senior manager, the KLTCC is one of the biggest events in Asia Pacific for copyright and content trade. Now on its 6th year, KLTCC 2015 will coincide with the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2015, which will be held on the same dates and venue.

What’s in store?

Aside from featuring new publications and trends, the event is expected to attract a good number of international publishers and literary agents. It will also focus on license merchandising and content solution.

These areas include the possible procurement of Filipino titles for translation; licensing of works for book adaptation; advances in digital content; new distribution channels; and various areas and activities where Philippine authors, illustrators, and editors can meet the right people and make new business connections.

Local industry players, moreover, can engage with experts in the trade of conventional and digital copyright, as well as licenses and content, on a wider scale. Participants from various ASEAN countries, as well as China, India, Korea, and Japan, have already signified their intent to attend the event.

Philippine participation

According to Graciela Mendoza-Cayton, NBDB executive director, “some of the leading publishers in the country, such as Abiva, Adarna House, Ang INK, Anvil, Flipside, Meganon Comics, and Visprint, are now working together to represent Philippine works under one pavilion or exhibition area.”

As advertised in its website, KLTCC 2015 has a discounted rate for ASEAN publishers— USD180 for a 1.5m x 2.5m exhibition space, which includes a table, two chairs, and a book display panel. For Philippine authors and other content creators, the KLTCCC is charging only USD80 for a 1.5m x 1.5m booth, which also contains a table, chairs, and a display panel.

“KLTCC is a good opportunity for our writers, editors, and publishers to establish new ties in the growing ASEAN network and market,” said NBDB Board Chair Flor Marie “Neni” Sta. Romana-Cruz. “It is also an excellent venue for young and independent book creators to explore a bigger market, while working with their peers under the banner of the Philippine pavilion.”

To register directly to the KLTCC, visit www.kltcc.com, or email or call Mr. Hasan or Mr. Arrazi at register@kltcc.com or +603 2630 6882. To learn more about the event or how to join the Philippine delegation, email oed@nbdb.gov.ph.