Kuala Lumpur: The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Malaysia, in collaboration with Eslite Spectrum Kuala Lumpur, is set to host a series of seminars focusing on Taiwan’s independent bookstores and literature. The events, featuring authors and cultural workers, will commence on May 31.

According to Focus Taiwan, the second edition of the “Taiwan Literature Seminars” will be held at the Eslite Forum in the Starhill KL shopping mall. The series will kick off with the screening of “Poetries from the Bookstores II,” a documentary by director Hou Chi-jan, which explores the landscape of Taiwan’s independent bookstores.

The seminars aim to provide participants with insight into the impact of independent publishing on expanding readers’ horizons, as well as promoting a lifestyle of freedom and confidence through reading, as stated by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture (MOC). On June 7, director Hou Chi-jan will lead a seminar, followed by visionary independent publisher Chen Shia-min on July 5, and reading culture advocate Li Hui-chen on July 19.

Additionally, starting in mid-August, four prominent Taiwanese authors from various generations will share their creative journeys. Yang Shuang-zi, Hung Ai-chu, Kuo Chiang-sheng, and Ping Lu will discuss their steadfast dedication to writing amidst challenges. Their works, which delve into history, everyday life, and society, showcase the richness of Taiwanese literature and provide Malaysian readers with insights into Taiwanese narratives from different eras.