Gelanggang Sastera 1 concluded on 22nd August 2026 at Savanna Hill Resort, Johor, bringing together literary figures, writers and literature enthusiasts from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam to celebrate the richness of language, culture and literature from across the region.
The Gelanggang Sastera 1 competition was held from 1st February to 30th April 2026, attracting 124 participants in the poetry category and 48 participants in the short story category.
Gelanggang Sastera 1 served as a platform for literary practitioners and writers from the region to share their works, ideas and experiences through language and culture, while fostering friendship and greater understanding through literature.
One of the programme highlights was the “Bicara Sastera” session held during the high tea, which featured discussions and perspectives on current developments and issues within the literary world.
The session was moderated by Dr Khairuddin Lim, with Tuan Haji Amiruddin bin Md Ali Hanafiah, Ketua 1 Persatuan Penulis Johor, and Dr Maskiah binti Masrom, Sasterawan Johor, serving as panellists.
The programme was further enriched by poetry performances and short-story monologues presented by the writers whose works were featured in the two publications, giving attendees an opportunity to experience and appreciate the works in a more engaging and direct manner.
Gelanggang Sastera 1 was officially launched by Chua Jian Boon, Deputy EXCO of Johor for Unity, Heritage and Culture.
According to Ezatul Hanim Yahya, organiser of Gelanggang Sastera 1, the programme was initiated as an effort to use literature as a medium to bring people from different countries closer together.
“We want Gelanggang Sastera to be a platform that not only brings together literary works and writers, but also connects people through language, culture and shared experiences. Literature knows no boundaries, and through our works, we can build stronger friendships and greater understanding among countries in the region,” she said.
The programme continues the regional literary platform previously known as Serumpun. Beginning this year, the programme has been rebranded as Gelanggang Sastera, with Johor hosting Gelanggang Sastera 1, followed by Gelanggang Sastera 2 in Brunei Darussalam, while Gelanggang Sastera 3 will return to Johor.
As a Johor-born organiser, Ezatul Hanim Yahya initiated the programme to strengthen connections among literary practitioners through works, language and culture, while creating opportunities for writers to share their talents and perspectives with audiences across the region.
Gelanggang Sastera 1 is more than a platform for writers to showcase their works. It also serves as a platform to strengthen cultural ties and friendships between Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.
Through literature, differences in backgrounds and geographical boundaries can be bridged, while language provides a meaningful medium for sharing experiences, ideas, values and cultural identities.
The organiser hopes that Gelanggang Sastera will continue to grow as an ongoing ASEAN literary platform, creating more opportunities for established writers and emerging talents to create, engage and build meaningful connections with literary communities across the region.
