THE highly anticipated World Miniatures Hobby Show & Malaysia Competition (MALCOM) is set to make a grand return next year.
The event will take place on June 13 and 14 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said MALCOM’s scale and influence have continued to grow steadily over the years.
“For example, this year’s two-day exhibition attracted nearly 20,000 visitors from around the world, a remarkable turnout that reflects the event’s strong appeal and dynamic expansion.
“MALCOM has long been recognised as the premier annual miniature modelling event in Southeast Asia, earning widespread acclaim and establishing a solid reputation among modelling enthusiasts.
“It now stands alongside renowned international showcases such as the Hungary Moson Model Show, the Scale Model Challenge in the Netherlands, the AK Interactive International Competition in Thailand, Model World Saga in Guangzhou, China, and the Shizuoka Hobby Show in Japan,” Wong said during a press conference in Komtar today.
Also present were Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) general manager Datin Bharathi Suppiah, MALCOM organising chairperson Choo Huang Ming, Pentagon Exhibitions and Events director Tan Ker Hsin, Olive Tree Hotel Penang director Andrea Cheah, Amari SPICE Penang sales senior manager Putri Khairul Nisha and Dquest Ventures owner Kent Ho.
Wong highlighted that MALCOM, hosted in Penang, has grown into the largest and most comprehensive miniature and hobby exhibition in Southeast Asia.
“Its extensive categories, rich content, and strong international recognition have made it an irreplaceable annual flagship event for the global modelling community,” he said.
He added that the Penang government has long been committed to promoting the creative economy and has consistently supported MALCOM as part of its effort to cultivate signature cultural and creative events in the state.
“It is worth noting that among the world’s leading model exhibitions, MALCOM is one of the few international-level modelling shows supported by a state government, reflecting Penang’s commitment to nurturing the creative industries,” he said.
Wong also announced that the 2026 edition of MALCOM will introduce a new competition segment namely the Mecha and MA.K category.
“This category is renowned for its high technical demands, especially in areas such as weathering, battle damage effects, and dynamic presence. Participants must demonstrate precision and skill at every stage.
“Unlike traditional sci-fi mechas, which emphasise clean finishes, colour separation, and sharp lines, the Mecha and MA.K category prioritises realism, narrative depth, and visual layering.
“These include controlled weathering, battle damage, and detailed dioramas, key defining elements of the category,” he explained.
More information on the new category will be announced on MALCOM’s official website and social media platforms in due course.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis