Image Credit: Zunar FB
GEORGETOWN, June 27: Renowned Malaysian cartoonist Zunar will take centre stage next weekend at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) with the official launch of his latest book Membangun Masyarakat Madani versi Kartun.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, July 4, is part of The One Talk Series, a multi‑session programme that brings together artists, educators, policymakers and students to debate how creativity and knowledge can shape Malaysia’s future in an AI‑driven world.
The launch, to be officiated by Penang State EXCO for Youth, Sports and Health, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, will see Zunar share how humour, satire and visual storytelling can promote civic awareness and stimulate dialogue.
Known for his sharp wit and fearless cartoons, Zunar is expected to highlight the enduring role of art in encouraging critical thinking and building a Madani society. “Books educate. Cartoons inspire,” he has often said, a phrase that captures the spirit of his work and the session itself.
For Penang, the event underscores the state’s reputation as a hub for creative voices and cultural exchange. Readers, educators, students and artists are expected to attend, many eager to hear how cartoons can continue to serve as catalysts for dialogue in a society navigating rapid change.
Arts and Education in the Spotlight
Zunar’s launch is the headline attraction, but it sits within a broader programme that begins on Friday, July 3. The opening session, “The A in STEAM: Why Arts Matter More Than Ever”, moderated by Haji Roland @ Rozaidi Hassan, features Puan Aishah Mohd Hamdan and Prof. Dr Muhammad Kamarul Kabilan Abdullah. Their discussion will explore why creativity remains essential in nurturing imagination, empathy and innovation, even as education increasingly embraces science, technology and artificial intelligence.
The panel is expected to argue that the arts are not a luxury but a necessity, completing the STEAM framework and preparing learners for meaningful lives in an AI‑driven world. For educators and parents, the message is clear: without creativity, the promise of technology risks becoming hollow.
Libraries and Learning in the Age of AI
Following Zunar’s launch on Saturday, attention will turn to “Beyond Books: Reading, Libraries and Learning in the Age of AI”. Moderated by Mazmin Mat Akhir, the panel includes Aniza Kamarulzaman, Datu Dr Rashidah Bolhassan and Dr Meechoke Thongsawai. They will examine how libraries are evolving into vibrant centres for collaboration and lifelong learning, while continuing to inspire curiosity and critical thinking in a digital age.
Artificial intelligence may be transforming how people search and access knowledge, but the panel will stress that trusted information and reading habits remain more important than ever. Libraries, they argue, are not relics of the past but engines of future‑ready communities.
Youth Innovation and Future‑Ready Learners
On Sunday, July 5, students from Stonyhurst International School Penang, Tenby Schools Penang and Wesley Methodist School Penang (International) will showcase their projects in “Future‑Makers: How ASEAN Students Are Shaping Tomorrow’s STEM World”. Their presentations will highlight creativity, collaboration and STEM thinking, celebrating the next generation of innovators and changemakers.
This will be followed by a keynote from Keith Thong, Group Managing Director of University Book Store Malaysia, titled “Beyond Textbooks: Building Future‑Ready Learners for an AI‑Powered World”. Thong will outline a learning ecosystem that combines literacy, communication, personalised learning and AI to nurture confident readers and responsible global citizens. His address is expected to resonate with school leaders and policymakers seeking practical insights into building future‑ready learning environments.
Media Literacy for the Next Generation
The series concludes with “NewsBites: Knowledge Nuggets in Bite Size”, led by Cikgu Kasvini Muniandy and students from SJKT Subramaniya Barathee. This session introduces classroom‑friendly approaches to current affairs, helping young people distinguish reliable news from misinformation and strengthening media literacy skills.
In an era where misinformation spreads quickly, the session aims to empower students as informed global citizens, capable of critical thinking and responsible engagement with the world around them.
A Festival of Ideas
Across six sessions, The One Talk Series promises to be a festival of ideas, blending arts, education, technology and youth voices.
From Zunar’s satirical cartoons to student innovation and AI‑powered libraries, the programme reflects a common theme: preparing Malaysians not only for future careers but for meaningful lives in a rapidly changing world.
The series is designed to attract a wide audience – educators, parents, students, artists, librarians and policymakers – all of whom have a stake in shaping Malaysia’s educational and cultural landscape. The sessions are free and open to the public, offering Penang residents and visitors alike a chance to engage with some of the country’s most compelling voices.
As Penang hosts this diverse line‑up, the message is clear — whether through satire, storytelling, or science, creativity and imagination remain central to building a society that is informed, resilient and future‑ready.
WE