The 19th Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians (CONSAL XIX), held from 16 to 19 June 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, marked a pivotal moment in regional library cooperation. With the theme Inclusive Knowledge: Bridging Divides, Empowering All, the Congress was jointly organised by the National Library of Malaysia and the Librarians Association of Malaysia (PPM).

CONSAL XIX marked the first in‑person gathering in seven years with the previous in‑person conference taking place in Myanmar in 2018. Malaysia’s hosting was a significant milestone since it was the third time Malaysia hosted CONSAL since its inception in 1970. Malaysia previously hosted CONSAL V in 1981 and CONSAL X in 1996. Approximately 1,200 participants, including over 400 international participants from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste were in attendance. A total of 240 abstracts were received following a call for papers issued in mid‑September 2024 and 87 papers were presented by 90 presenters from 17 to 18 June 2025.

Key Highlights

The 19th CONSAL Pre-Conference Workshop: Inclusive Knowledge in the Age of AI: Empowering Libraries to Bridge Divides and Amplify Impact, was held at the Sunway Putra Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on 16 June 2025. Organised by Access Dunia Sdn. Bhd., it was attended by 200 participants.

Pre Conference Workshop
Pre Conference Workshop

The 3rd CONSAL XIX Executive Board Meeting and Workshop was held on 16  June 2025. It was attended by 30 members and more than 25 observers from member countries.

CONSAL Executive Board members and observers
CONSAL Executive Board members and observers

The Librarians’ Fun Run was held on 16 June 2025. More than 100 librarians and information professionals, including participants from Asean countries, participated in the five-kilometre run, held around the Sungai Bunus area and Titiwangsa Lake Gardens.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim front row centre with EB members
The Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim front row centre with EB members

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, opened CONSAL XIX on 17 June 2025. He delivered a stirring speech emphasising the enduring importance of libraries in nurturing national and regional knowledge, creativity, and democratic discourse. He stressed the role of libraries as critical agents of democracy, creativity, and social inclusion.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia delivering his officiating speech
The Prime Minister of Malaysia delivering his officiating speech
CONSAL XIX 2025 begins
CONSAL XIX 2025 begins

The 19th CONSAL Conference Dinner & PPM/LAS 70th Anniversary Dinner and Cultural Show was held on 17 June 2025. The Deputy Minister of National Unity Malaysia, the Honourable Senator Madame Saraswathy d/o Kandasami welcomed all participants.

The Deputy Minister of National Unity, Malaysia Senator Madame Saraswathy
The Deputy Minister of National Unity, Malaysia Senator Madame Saraswathy d/o Kandasami officiating the dinner

During the dinner, the Library Association of Singapore (LAS) launched The LAS & PPM Presidents’ Journey: Celebrating 70 Years of Librarianship, a book to commemorate 70 years of LAS and PPM.

The President of the Librarian Association of Singapore Shameem Nilofar presenting their publication to CONSAL XIX
The President of the Librarian Association of Singapore Shameem Nilofar presenting their publication to CONSAL XIX

Awards were given out to the following professionals in recognition of the role they play for libraries and librarians in Southeast Asia:

  • CONSAL Outstanding Librarian Award 2025

Gold: Ms. Chin Loy Jyoon (Malaysia)

Silver: Ms. Woro Titi Haryanti (Indonesia)

Bronze: Ms. Elvira Lapuz (Philippines) and Ms. Tassana Hanpol (Thailand)

  • CONSAL Young Librarian Award 2025:

Mayasari Abdul Majid, PhD (Malaysia)

The 19th CONSAL came to a close on 18 June 2025 and the CONSAL flag was officially handed to Singapore, the host for the 20th CONSAL in 2028.

The host of CONSAL XIX handing over the CONSAL flag to the
The host of CONSAL XIX handing over the CONSAL flag to the
The Singaporean delegation welcoming CONSAL delegates to Singapore for CONSAL XX in 2028
The Singaporean delegation welcoming CONSAL delegates to Singapore for CONSAL XX in 2028

On 19th June 2025, an Exploring Libraries Programme was held that highlighted innovative approaches to library engagement with visits in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Kuala Pilah.

Strengthening Regional Ties

As the official regional association in Southeast Asia, CONSAL continues to play an essential role in building professional networks and strengthening policy dialogues among Southeast Asian librarians. CONSAL provided vital regional alignment with IFLA’s mission, reinforcing key policy priorities such as inclusivity, capacity building, digital transformation, and knowledge equity in libraries across Southeast Asia. It further cemented Southeast Asia’s collective voice and collaboration potential within IFLA. At the close of CONSAL XIX, five resolutions were agreed upon and will be handed to the CONSAL Executive Board for further action.

Resolutions from CONSAL XIX
Resolutions from CONSAL XIX

The Executive Board of CONSAL congratulates the CONSAL Secretariat, National Library of Malaysia and the Librarians Association of Malaysia (PPM) for successfully organizing this milestone event. CONSAL XIX has not only revitalized regional enthusiasm for librarianship, but also advanced shared priorities aligned with IFLA’s Global Vision: empowering libraries to build inclusive societies.

 

For more information, please visit the CONSAL XIX 2025 Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557047825373

 

Contributed by Wan Mazli Wan Razali, Secretary of CONSAL XIX Executive Board, PPM Vice President ll, and Deputy CEO of Sarawak State Library.