Strengthening the Southeast Asian Illustration Industry
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – The Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair (KLIF) returns for its fourth and most ambitious edition from 1–3 May 2026 at GMBB. This year, KLIF solidifies its position as the region’s premier illustration fair, moving beyond mere decoration to celebrate the intellectual depth and visionary insight of the contemporary illustration industry.
Spanning three floors of GMBB and a special showcase at the A4A Art Gallery (Level 4), KLIF 2026 features a curated selection of over 200 illustrators, collectives, and commercial partners from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea.
A Movement Built on Collective Belief
In a powerful foreword for this year’s edition, KLIF Founder Si Juan reflects on the journey from a personal dream to a regional movement. “A strong art community is not built by one voice, but by many who choose to believe, support, and grow together,” Si Juan notes.
What began as a social media call in 2022 led to the formation of a core team—Billie, Lai, Jang, and Shakir—who built the platform from the ground up. With the support of GMBB’s Ying Xian, the inaugural fair was held in 2023. Since its humble beginnings, KLIF has significantly expanded its impact, culminating in the historic formation of the Southeast Asia Illustration Council alongside partners from Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Brunei. Today, the fair stands as a testament to collective progress and a growing public appreciation for the profound value of illustration.
A Growing Illustration Ecosystem
Reflecting on the fair’s evolution, our community partner GMBB noted that since its 2022 debut, KLIF has grown into a vital cultural incubator. “It’s become a showcase of what local illustrators can do,” the GMBB team shared. “We are pleased to see corporations and organizations attending the fair specifically to engage illustrators for professional commissions.”
Panel of Judges
This year, KLIF introduces a diverse selection committee from various industry sectors, spanning Creative Agency & Advertising, Education & Academic & Experimental & Installation Art to ensure a comprehensive and fair shortlisting process.
Bibi Chew
Dean of Academic Studies / Head of Illustration
Malaysian Institute of Art
Sean Lee
Deputy Head of Illustration of
Dasein Academy of Art
Loreen Eva &
Didi Pirinyuang
Head of Integrated Creative Services &
Chief Creative Officer
VML Malaysia
Sky & Rong
Managing Director & Creative Director
Two People Studio
Fariz Hanapiah
Founder & Director
Experiential Design Team (EDT)
Terces Pok
Associate Creative Director
Grey Group Malaysia
International Highlights & Featured Illustrators
KLIF 2026 welcomes a diverse roster of international and local illustrators, including:
CLOAKWORK (Malaysia)
A Malaysian illustrator who developed a passion for drawing at a young age, CLOAKWORK’s journey began with graffiti in his local neighborhood before expanding into murals and public art. His signature style blends traditional painting with street art influences, utilizing vibrant colors, bold lines, and narrative-driven characters. Many of his works feature whimsical scenes and oversized objects designed to spark wonder. Globally recognized, he has installed murals worldwide and collaborated with major brands such as Nike, Levi’s, Uniqlo, Pepsi, and AirAsia.
Shu (Malaysia)
Shu (shuuhuahua) is a Penang-born, Petaling Jaya-based artist and designer whose work spans illustration, charcoal drawing, Risograph printing, and graphic design. She specializes in self-initiated publications that challenge standard formats, treating print as an active, structural object. In 2026, her zine glasses (2025) was featured in the Handmade Books Exhibition at Helsinki Central Library Oodi as part of the Helsinki Analog Festival.
Atelier Minori (Japan/Malaysia)
Atelier Minori is a creative duo consisting of Minori (illustration) and Hiro Takeoka (design). Drawing from their architectural backgrounds, they create works that explore urban landscapes and structural themes. At KLIF, they will present map-inspired works based on their roots in Kyoto, the host city of Kuala Lumpur, and various imagined urban environments. Their panoramic illustration of Kyoto invites viewers to “travel through maps,” offering an immersive journey through the city’s landscape.
Phil Huelz (Germany)
Based in Cologne, Phil Huelz works across analog and digital media, merging playful marker drawings and detailed stencil work with vibrant digital illustration. Born with a heart condition, Phil utilizes the heart as a recurring motif—a visual reminder of vulnerability, resilience, and human connection. His high-contrast compositions and expressive colors create a visual language that balances deep emotion with narrative play, bridging the gap between commercial and experimental art.
Pocky / glico (Thailand)
Yoottajak Tungklang (Pocky), also known as glico, is a Bangkok-based character designer and painter. Driven by a passion for the craft, he identifies the “EYE” as the most element in character design. This focus led to his signature character, “DIZZZZZY,” which represents the balance between imperfection and universal exploration. When not illustrating, Yoottajak runs ANTDAY CAFE, where he challenges himself by speed-drawing customers’ faces on paper cups in the DIZZZZZY style.
Special Exhibition: “Light Up Malaysia”
Located in the “Dark Room” (Level 6), this year’s headline exhibition, Light Up Malaysia, explores cultural identity through light. Featuring renowned illustrators such as Zeen Chin, Kenji Chai, Katun, and Danny One, the exhibition uses backlit presentations to reveal unseen narratives, capturing the raw, vibrant pulse of contemporary Malaysian culture.
FEATURING: LOKAMADE, ZEEN CHIN, KENJI CHAI, MICHAEL CHUAH, KATUN, DANNY ONE, SYUKUR RANI, AMET XENOMORPH, DRIV LOO, VANESSART, SOEFARA, AJIN, ALEXOID LUCE, JAZZ TON, SHAKIR, BOOK OF LAI, OH BEATRICEE, MOON LEE, MONKIDDO, FIBII ART, JANGGUT BEAR, HOI MUN JER, ENYA LIM, KUPEH, PROJEK SEMBANG SEMBANG
Participating Illustrators by Region
Malaysia
88yafish, A Liittle Lamp, Adina, ahappy_ying, Alexoid Luce, amellowbun, amelysketchbook, Ame Lukis, Art By Wednesday Gala 水曜旮旯, bent0bug, Betty Qui, Bez, BlueBean, Book of Kelu, BunnyBee, Cottonbunn, Curious Pots, D.Daddystar | 小影铺, DAISY DALIA, Darrel Cheong, d’peculiar, Dave Fuse Imaginarium, deeplii.art, dellabelle99, Drawdelow, EMO TRASH & ETC, FAFALA, Farah, Fatnin, FIBIII ART, FUNERCLOUD, Ghulam Rusli, glooth, Goldfishnneko, Graphnin, Grimmy Granny, guji guji, Happy Ying, HARD2LEAVE, HARBOUR CREATIV – ART COLLECTIVE, Harris Potteris by Jennifer Lim, hidden * rainbow (jlynnppg), hunnuh, HueisAlya, Humana, Ijjatie, imtxm, Inkling Studio, Iron Loi Illustration, its__me_nill, JANDIARY ATELIER, Jiaern Studio, Jolene Tew / Mosquito Valley, Julia Wee, Kazel Lim Watercolor, ke ai de ke, Kohinosugar, Kuenstephanie, LALA COMPANY, LE UNTITLED, Ling Tioh, LITTLE SELF, Lizzie Mart, Mashpatooties, mehmehjin, Merrry Art, Messy Desk Studio, Messyvoices Studio, meybees, Michelle, Minifanfan, Mistress x NOvia Shin, MonKiddo, Morwyth, Nadhir Nor, NEMMOO, Nianberia.my, Ohbeatricee, ODEE | Earthly Odyssey, PANDA YOONG, Paulitical Art, Pee Yong Diary, Pottetto, Primarie Studio x Whimsery (expanded to Adina & Zyen), Projek SembangSembang, Bunga dan Bintang, QuirkyQing, Rachelhofs, RACHELHOFS • KNOOKIITANUKI (expanded to Rachelhofs & KnookiiTanuki), Rikkindergarten, Rompydiary, Sanmuworks, Shawncxx, Shuhufan, snappyme, SOEFARA : Naughty or Nice, somethingseni, Spesu Eki, StikkiDango (expanded to Darrel Cheong & Julia Wee), STOP.project, studio k’ling kalang, Sukka, SUM PROJEK, The Emotion Shoes by Wishy Production, Loomsydoo, Hicchiru_Spaces (expanded to Michelle, Farah, Fatnin & Hicchiru), The Good Boisss, TIXIT, Umaira Ali – Pipi Merah Art Studio, Vanessartpuff, Viko Zhijune, WAWANDA, WE!, Weeello, Willwin Yang, Wizard Within, YANG, Yaziboi, Yean_Zhi, Yellobanana, yesyoukyan, Zyen
Indonesia
ADILAAM, Adriel Arizon, Ardneks, BACKYART GARDEN, Brain Damage, Brombie Lab, bywilzzie, Chenny Aviana, LIUNIC ON THINGS, Lohagoods by Virliana Dieniar, M. FATCHUROFI, Moorgoz, Nabila Disarifianti, OLI, Phantasien, RA KATAMSI, Royes, SARKODIT, Sundate Stories, Tab Space, ullahoops, Varsam Kurnia, WULANG SUNU, Yapoo Studio
Thailand
Atelier Pakawan, Autumnberry, BlueBlurryMonday, Bomfha, ChollCholl, Draft a Pics, faan.peeti, Jumbojan, Khemtit, Missing The Cat, MONTY, nnene.iie, pi-near (พิแน), Pinniee, STUMOOH, The 3rd Daughter, warot.ang, Wild So Serious, Yhenjai
Singapore
BYJOLYN, charliemae, ERIKARTOON, SHAWNA CHAN, Shanlyn C. (Mushroom Mountain), xuan.jipua, yonnnno
Philippines
Addi Panadero, Dana Bee, Ja Amores, RAKI × TREE S.
Vietnam
WÁ MÉO
Cambodia
Lee Som Oun, Monnyreak
China
AMAO, Lynsey Lin
Hong Kong
SIUKINS
Japan
Atelier Minori, Yukihiro Tada
Korea
GYUNG STUDIO, NOMA
Bridging Illustration and Commerce: Our Partners
KLIF 2026 is proud to host key commercial partners who bridge the gap between artistic vision and industry application:
Pos Malaysia
Pos Malaysia transforms KLIF 2026 into a postal celebration with a special limited-edition stamp set created through the Setem Ku program. Visitors can commemorate milestones or create unique gifts using KLIF-themed personalized stamps, adding a meaningful touch to birthdays, retirements, and heartfelt send-offs.
Mossery
The global creative stationery brand, known for transforming art into expressive tools, returns to KLIF 2026 with an exciting open-call collaboration. Up to 93 winning designs will be handcrafted into limited-edition covers, with 10 copies per design available for sale at the fair. This provides illustrators with both a spotlight and a unique commercial opportunity.
Puzzle Planet
Teaming up with KLIF 2026 for a limited-edition merchandise collaboration, Puzzle Planet turns illustration into playful, interactive keepsakes. They will exhibit their signature puzzle designs while co-creating special KLIF-themed puzzles with selected artists from the fair.
Kokuyo The iconic Japanese stationery brand returns with an exclusive showcase of premium notebooks, pens, and creative tools. As a special “Gift with Purchase,” visitors who buy official KLIF postcards or enamel pins will receive a limited Kokuyo stationery gift, alongside beautifully curated displays of their latest collections.
Dasein Academy
Bringing youthful energy to the fair, Dasein Academy presents a dedicated student showcase that highlights the next generation of Malaysian illustrators. This partnership provides talented students a professional platform to exhibit alongside established regional masters.
Canon Malaysia
Canon Malaysia is opening doors for local illustrators by inviting artists to collaborate on-site. Selected artworks will be brought to life through high-quality prints in a dedicated exhibition room and transformed into stickers, postcards, and other collectible merchandise.
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (SCCP)
Supported by the Taipei Cultural and Creative Industry Support Plan and Illustration Taipei, SCCP brings over 12 original IP brands to KLIF. Highlights include Square Studio’s emotional clouds, Hello Studio’s adventurous fox Huchii, Varket Platforms’ interactive AR experiences, and OUNCE studio’s vintage food illustrations, among others.
New Taipei City Youth Department Making its KLIF debut, the New Taipei City Youth Department showcases emerging Taiwanese talent, featuring 3 CATS CLUB by Mi Zai, Yemao, ririkoko, MIKI LI ART, and Fangtzu.
Event Information
Dates:
1 – 3 May 2026
Time:
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Venue:
GMBB, Kuala Lumpur (Greybox @ GF, 4F, 5F, and 6F)
Admission:
Standard One Day Pass: RM20
Full Event 3-Day Pass: RM45
About KLIF
Now in its fourth year, the Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair (KLIF) is an annual event that celebrates the power of visual storytelling. Following a highly successful turnout last year, we are expecting another 20,000 visitors to join us for the 2026 edition. Our mission is to bridge the gap between artistic insight and commercial viability, elevating illustration from a decorative craft into a professional discipline respected by industry and the public alike.
We aim to make high-level illustration accessible and appreciated by the everyday public, cultivating a strong, sustainable illustration community rooted in intellectual depth.
Media contact:
klillustrationfair@gmail.com
https://klillustrationfair.my
