JB team-up for the books
Teo (second from left) receiving a gift from Siew (left) and SUC board of governors chairman Mok Chek Hou during the launch of the reading project. With them is Prof Chuah (third from right).
Retailer's outlets in the city raising funds for university college via sale of publications, artworks
A LOCAL bookstore chain has started a year-long initiative in Johor Baru to support a tertiary institution's 50th anniversary.
The collaboration between Popular Bookstore and Southern University College (SUC) kicked off in conjunction with World Book Day.
Since April 1, all Popular outlets in the city have been selling SUC publications and up to 180 titles donated by affiliated authors.
Customers have also been offered RM10 sets of five bookmarks featuring scenes from SUC's campus which was established in Skudai in 1990.
Sale proceeds have been set aside to fund book purchases and literary activities of the university's Malaysian Chinese Literature Centre (MCLC).
SUC president Prof Chuah Joon Huang said the institute was honoured to work with Popular.
'This partnership has allowed us to promote the world of reading, by showcasing SUC's publications, academic programmes and student artworks.
'I extend my gratitude for the sponsorship from the calligraphy and art communities, and the business sector.'
Speaking at the opening ceremony for the 13-month cultural event celebrating SUC's 50th anniversary at a Johor Baru mall, Prof Chuah said, 'This is our first large-scale joint cultural event of its kind.
'It is a significant collaboration between our library, MCLC, Faculty of Chinese Studies, Faculty of Art and Design and industry partners.'
He hopes this will inspire excellence in the city's art scene and become a model of cross-sector collaboration.
'Let us work hand in hand to enrich the arts scene of Johor Baru and Malaysia.'
Comprising cultural performances and book sales until April 30, 2026, the event has been designed to attract public interest.
Popular Malaysia general manager (business development) Siew Sheue Liang said, 'At Popular, we believe books are powerful tools for learning and cultural growth.
'In Johor Baru, we have promoted reading by giving back to the community through knowledge and culture.'
Siew said Popular was proud to mark SUC's golden jubilee by launching a reading project titled 'Celebrating the Art of Calligraphy and Cultural Heritage – A New Chapter Begins'.
He said Popular had raised RM16,100 for SUC and thanked contributors who helped to keep cultural heritage strong in Johor.
The opening ceremony also marked the 70th anniversary of Chao Foon literary magazine, the oldest Chinese literary publication in Malaysia and Singapore, and is currently issued bi‑annually by MCLC.
Meanwhile, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said she was happy to see publishers and universities teaming up to bring local stories, books and campuses closer to the public.
The Kulai MP said the ministry had long promoted reading and aimed to build a stronger reading culture through programmes such as the Madani Malaysia book voucher.
She said the programme offered RM50 and RM100 book vouchers to those from primary school to university levels.
'This year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the programme will include 400,000 teachers.
'We are also driving the 2025 Book Loving Nation Voucher Programme through the National Library.
'Under this programme, RM1mil has been allocated to support local publishers,' she said.
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