13/07/2026

Publishing professionals from over 40 countries came together in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last week for the biennial International Publishers Association (IPA) Congress, hosted by the Malaysian Book Publishers Association (MABOPA).

Louise Stark (Hachette), Anna Burkey (Australia Reads) and Agata Mrva-Montoya (University of Sydney) were among the speakers at the two-day conference, contributing to discussions around diversity, inclusion and belonging; reading engagement; and accessibility.

Also participating in the conference, rights-matching and networking events were Kathy Bail (NewSouth), Malcolm Neil (Informit), Andrea Hanke (APA) and NZ’s Eboni Waitere (Huia Publishers).

While AI was an ever-present topic of discussion, with multiple sessions exploring the opportunities and threats for the global publishing industry, the conference had a strong focus on collaboration, inclusivity and sustainability, reading promotion, and freedom to publish.

The IPA’s Prix Voltaire Prize, which recognises publishers who defend freedom to publish, often at great risk to themselves, was presented at the Congress to Egyptian publisher Yehia Fekry, while a Prix Voltaire Special Award honoured deceased Egyptian publisher Mohamed Hashem.

The Congress also created space for publishers to learn more about South East Asian publishing, with over 200 publishing professionals from Malaysia in attendance; conduct rights deals through the first-ever Asian Rights Fair; and explore opportunities for international collaboration and partnership.