Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai officiated the opening ceremony of the CosWorld Festival 2026 recently, congratulating the event on reaching its fourth edition.
In his opening address, Wong expressed his appreciation to the CosWorld Festival organising team for their continuous dedication, meticulous planning, and commitment in creating a meaningful platform for anime and pop culture enthusiasts in Penang to connect, showcase their talents, and share their passion.
“Penang is a city where diverse cultures converge and coexist harmoniously. Here, the traditions and heritage of various communities continue to thrive and be passed down from one generation to another,” said Wong.
“At the same time, Penang continues to move forward with the times by embracing next-generation cultures and creative trends cherished by younger generations. Today’s CosWorld Festival is a reflection of this cultural fusion and creative vibrancy,” he added.
Wong said cosplay, as a form of youth subculture, should not be viewed through the lens of absolute “good” or “bad”, but rather recognised as a diverse form of self-expression.
“However, it is important to acknowledge that despite its global popularity, cosplay culture continues to face misunderstanding and stereotypes in different social contexts. Due to limited understanding of anime and related works, cosplay is sometimes reduced to merely as “eccentric dressing” or “attention-seeking behaviour”. In some cases, exaggerated character designs may lead to unfair perceptions and inappropriate labels being attached to the entire cosplay community,” he said.
Wong emphasised that when developed in a healthy, structured, and positive environment, cosplay can serve as a creative cultural activity that nurtures imagination, unlocks potential, and strengthens community bonds.
“Cosplay not only inspires the younger generation’s creativity and practical skills, but also enhances their abilities in areas such as costume design, character creation, photography, and artistic expression. More importantly, it provides a platform for young people to express themselves and build confidence, allowing many who may be naturally shy or introverted to step beyond their comfort zones and showcase their talents,” he said.
Wong further highlighted that cosplay culture in Malaysia has transcended ethnic boundaries and brought together young people from diverse backgrounds.
“Whether they are Chinese, Malay, Indian, or international participants, they are able to come together on the same stage, united by shared passion, connected through characters, and inspired by common interests,” he said.
“In a multicultural society like ours, if a mask or a costume can bring young people from different backgrounds together to appreciate and respect one another, then cosplay represents more than just entertainment and artistic expression. It also serves as an opportunity for greater cultural understanding, social integration, and meaningful human connection,” Wong added.
Also present at the opening ceremony of the 2026 CosWorld Festival were Richard Lim, Founder of CosWorld Festival; Paul Law, President of Island 88; Philip Law, Managing Director of Island 88; and Cheong Sook Yeng, Complex Manager of Island 88.