04/06/2026

THURSDAY | JUNE 4, 2026

6

Modern evolution of bundle shops

Writers invited to submit manuscripts KUALA LUMPUR: The National Writers’ Association of Malaysia (Pena) recently launched Phase Three of the Pena-Malaysia Madani book publishing project as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the local book and literary industry. Its president Dr Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad said writers may submit manuscripts across various genres, including novels, short stories, poetry, stage plays, general books, biographies, memoirs, travelogues and children’s picture books from today until Dec 31. He said following the success of the previous phases, the third phase continues with an allocation of RM1 million approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to intellectual development. “This project is not merely a platform for writers to introduce themselves, but aims to build a comprehensive book publishing ecosystem in which writers, publishers, printers, illustrators and editors all benefit,” he said during the launch on Tuesday. Also present were Pena treasurer Azalan Hussain and Pena-Malaysia Madani book publishing project director Mohd Khair Ngadiron, who is also Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2026 organising committee adviser. Mohamad Saleeh said manuscripts will undergo a rigorous evaluation by experts within six months of submission. Mohd Khair said for the third phase, each selected title will be professionally published with an initial print run of 1,000 copies, in addition to offering 10% royalty to authors. Interested writers may submit their complete manuscripts via bukupena.com.my. – Bernama

clothing at his store are imported from Japan and undergoes a selection process, washing, ironing and quality inspection before being put on sale at prices starting from as low as RM10, depending on the type of apparel. He said some collections are reworked based on the curated thrift concept to create a more modern and exclusive appearance, and his experience in the second-hand clothing business since 2019 has helped him to better understand customer preferences. “I learned what customers are looking for, how they choose clothing and the types of collections that receive positive response. That experience has greatly helped in expanding the business,” he said. Airina Roslan, 30, who co founded TempatKita with Iffa Roslee, 28, said competition in the second-hand clothing industry is no longer centred solely on offering apparel at affordable prices, but increasingly on creating unique experiences that encourage people to spend time at their premises. She said the concept introduced at TempatKita goes beyond offering fashion collections that follow current trends, focusing instead on creating an environment that appeals to visitors from different backgrounds. Airina said among the initiatives introduced are spaces for other entrepreneurs to operate businesses, including coffee kiosks, as well as a photo booth facility that allows visitors to capture memories during their visit. “This concept creates opportunities for other entrepreneurs to share the benefits and grow within the same business ecosystem. At the same time, we want customers to come not only to buy clothing, but to enjoy a more holistic experience with family and friends. “That is why TempatKita is not just a thrift shop, but a community space that brings together various activities and experiences,” she said. The duo aim to create a vibrant atmosphere complemented by a selection of quality, clean and well-maintained clothing at their outlet in Section 13, Shah Alam.

collections that reflect current fashion trends. Among those embracing the transformation is AKIQLO Thrift Store at Puncak Alam. Its owner Ahmad Kamal Ariffin Ismail, 44, said he wanted customers to enjoy a shopping experience comparable to that of a boutique. “We want customers to walk into the store and feel as though they are in a fashion boutique, not just a bundle shop. That is why we place great emphasis on layout, cleanliness and selecting collections that align with current fashion trends,” he told Bernama. Ahmad Kamal said most of the

o Creative entrepreneurs offer refreshed shopping experience with boutique concept

KUALA SELANGOR: Bundle shops are no longer merely places for bargain hunters to search for affordable clothing but have evolved into lifestyle destinations and community spaces that are increasingly attracting people from various walks of life. Driven by changing consumer preferences that increasingly value unique, quality and environmentally friendly fashion, the local second

hand

clothing

industry

is

undergoing significant transformation, with operators introducing more modern, comfortable and exclusive shopping experiences. In the past, they were associated with piles of clothing and cluttered surroundings, but bundle shops are now adopting boutique-style concepts featuring neatly arranged retail spaces and carefully curated a

Ahmad Kamal said he wanted customers to enjoy a shopping experience comparable to that of a boutique. – BERNAMAPIC

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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