CALLING all miniature enthusiasts, collectors, hobbyists and tourists!
The highly anticipated 11th World Miniature Hobby Show (WMHS) and Malaysia Competition (MALCOM) is set to make its grand return on June 13 and 14 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas.
Widely regarded as one of the premier miniature and hobby events in the region, the exhibition will bring together the finest miniature artistry, modelling excellence and hobby innovations from across the globe.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said this year’s edition will be the largest in the event’s history, featuring around 100 exhibitors and drawing an estimated 30,000 visitors over the two-day showcase.
“This marks the first time the event will be held at the upgraded Setia SPICE Convention Centre. Visitors can look forward to a larger, more comfortable venue equipped with enhanced facilities, creating an even more dynamic and immersive experience for participants and guests alike.
“To date, the event has attracted more than 400 participants, 85 professional judges and over 100 exhibitors from around the world,” Wong said during a press conference at the convention centre today.
Also present were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman and Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) director Wong Yuee Harng, PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekaran, MALCOM organising chairman Choo Huang Ming and Setia SPICE Convention Centre senior manager Shelly Loo.
The international event will welcome participants, judges and exhibitors from 26 countries and territories, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Chinese Taipei, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Russia, the Philippines, Venezuela, the United States, Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Vietnam, Myanmar, the Netherlands, Lebanon, France, Bangladesh and Brunei.
Wong said the strong international participation reflects MALCOM’s growing reputation and professional standing within the global miniature modelling community.
Wong noted that MALCOM’s scale, influence and popularity have continued to expand steadily over the years.
“Last year’s event attracted nearly 20,000 visitors from Malaysia and abroad. With the move to the larger and more prestigious Setia SPICE Convention Centre, we expect visitor numbers to exceed 30,000 this year, setting a new attendance record.
“In its early years, MALCOM was held in hotel ballrooms. Through the collaboration between my office and PCEB, we successfully relocated the event to Setia SPICE Convention Centre, allowing us to provide a larger venue and deliver a more comfortable, comprehensive and world-class experience for competitors, hobbyists, collectors and visitors,” he said.
Today, MALCOM has established itself as the largest and most comprehensive miniature and hobby exhibition in Southeast Asia.
According to Wong, the event’s enduring appeal lies not only in the diversity of its exhibits and competition categories but also in the strong support it enjoys from the global modelling fraternity.
“It has evolved into a premier annual gathering that attracts hobbyists, artists and industry professionals from around the world, making it a key event on the international miniature modelling calendar,” he said.
Wong stressed that the Penang government remains committed to advancing the creative economy and has consistently supported MALCOM over the years.
“Our vision is to cultivate Penang’s own signature creative and cultural events while positioning the state as a regional hub for niche and hobby-based tourism.
“Notably, MALCOM is among the few internationally recognised model exhibitions worldwide that receive direct government support, underscoring Penang’s commitment to nurturing creative industries and specialised tourism sectors,” he said.
Adding to the excitement, MALCOM 2026 will introduce three new competition categories namely Maschinen Krieger (Ma.K.) Mecha Models, Anime Figure and Garage Kit, further broadening the event’s appeal and offering participants even more opportunities to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan