GEORGE TOWN– 14 June: The 10th Malaysia International Miniature Hobby Show and Competition (MIMHS-MALCOM) has once again taken centre stage in the regional creative scene and officially opened its doors at The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel today.
Touted as the largest miniature hobby showcase in Southeast Asia, the event has drawn participation from 25 countries including China, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam — reinforcing Penang’s status as a rising global hub for creative industries.
Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, who officiated the opening, hailed the event as a cultural milestone. “This show is not just among the best in Southeast Asia — it ranks in the Top 5 globally, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with iconic showcases like Hungary’s Moson Model Show and Japan’s Shizuoka Hobby Show,” he said during his speech.
The Consul-General of Japan in Penang, His Excellency Mr Machida Shinya, Penang MOTAC director Dr Annuar Mohamed, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran, and World Hobby Miniatures founder Choo Huang Ming were also present at the ceremony.
One of the standout highlights this year is the creative debut of Kebaya Action Figure Dolls, a collaborative effort by Kenny Loh Costume and Toy Resonance. Described as a “cultural innovation,” the figures miniaturise the traditional kebaya — recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list — and reimagine it in a contemporary, playful form.
“This is not just a model. It’s a statement,” said Wong. “It brings together tradition and modern design and breaks down gender and cultural expectations. It is a perfect example of using ‘play’ as a medium and ‘art’ as a bridge to breathe new life into cultural heritage.”
The cultural fusion theme continued with exhibits like the eye-catching “Mecha Lion Dance” model — a futuristic reimagination of traditional Chinese lion dance — which caught the attention of visitors and dignitaries alike.
Wong urged creators to draw inspiration from Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry. “There is so much potential for creative reinterpretation — from batik and dragon boats to temples and traditional weaponry,” he said, calling on artists to reinterpret heritage through the lens of modern modelling.
Beyond aesthetics, the exhibition also underscored the expanding influence of miniature art in industries such as filmmaking. Wong cited examples of miniature prop work in Chinese blockbusters like The Wandering Earth II and The Sacrifice and the foundational role of physical models in George Lucas’ 1977 Star Wars classic.
“This is more than just a hobby. It’s an art form with real economic value,” Wong added, pointing to a Technavio market report forecasting a USD219 million growth in the global model kit industry between 2024 and 2028.
With growing public interest and increasing international attention, organisers are already eyeing a larger venue for next year’s edition to accommodate the expanding crowd and exhibit scale.
As the event unfolds, Penang continues to position itself not only as a tourism destination but as a creative powerhouse — where culture, art, and innovation meet on a miniature scale with global impact.
