By V. Sivaji
The 2026 edition of the Malaysia International Miniature Hobby Show will be rebranded as the World Miniature Hobby Show, reflecting its growing global appeal and marking a significant step forward for the event.
Announcing the details of the upcoming showcase—scheduled for June 13 and 14, 2026, at its new venue, the Setia SPICE Convention Centre—was the Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), YB Wong Hon Wai. He was joined by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) Chief Executive Officer, Ashwin Gunasekeran, and Choo Huang Ming, owner of World Hobby Miniatures and organising chair of the World Miniature Hobby Show & Malaysia Competition, at a press conference held in Komtar earlier today.
In his address, Wong highlighted the state’s aim to build on a decade of growth for this homegrown event, with its new branding underscoring its rising international stature within the creative hobby industry.
“We are set to transform Penang into a global hub for miniature art and creativity. The 2026 edition, which coincides with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, will welcome approximately 75 exhibitors from Malaysia and around the world.
“They include participants from Japan, Thailand, Singapore, China, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Russia, the United States, Ukraine, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
“Exhibitors represent a wide spectrum of the miniature arts industry—from model kit manufacturers and diorama builders to professional miniature painters, sculptors, wargaming studios, and specialty retailers,” he shared.
The World Miniature Hobby Show 2026 is expected to draw over 20,000 visitors across its two-day showcase.
“More than a traditional trade fair, the exhibition celebrates the artistry and storytelling behind miniature creation—featuring live modelling sessions, miniature competitions, and exclusive previews from leading global brands.
“Beyond celebrating craftsmanship, it serves a larger purpose: to connect global and local creative communities and position Penang as a leading hub for miniature and model exhibitions in Southeast Asia.”
Meanwhile, Ashwin emphasised that the time has come for this Penang-born event to shine on the world stage.
“Penang is a destination for high-value and high-impact events. I would also like to recognise Choo, who is from Penang, for initiating the event in 2016 and growing it with the support of PETACE and PCEB.
“The show is now the No. 1 event in Southeast Asia and the No. 5 globally. I would also like to thank our valuable sponsors for helping elevate the event to world-class standards,” he added.
The 2026 edition will also introduce two new categories – Mecha and MA.K category respectively.
Also present at the press conference were Datin S. Barathi, General Manager of Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI); Ms Tan Ker Hsin, Director of Pentagon Exhibitors & Events; Ms Andrea Cheah, Director of Olive Tree Hotel Penang; Ms Putri Khairul Nisha from Amari SPICE Penang; and Kent Ho, Owner of Dquest Ventures.
