This September, GMBB is inviting us to take a closer look at the everyday experiences that make Malaysia feel like home through Rentak MalaysiaKu 2026: Slice of Life.
From childhood memories of following our grandparents to the pasar, to the familiar daily question of “Later eat what?”, the celebration shines a spotlight on the everyday habits, flavours and traditions that connect Malaysians across generations and communities.
Taking place throughout September, Rentak MalaysiaKu 2026 brings together art, food, culture, heritage and stories from across the country through exhibitions, performances, workshops, films, poetry, city walks and pop-ups. The celebration will culminate in a packed weekend of activities on 12 and 13 September 2026.
Here Are Some Highlights That I Feel Would Be Interesting to Explore
One that immediately caught my attention is Footnote: Reading KL on Foot, which offers a different way to experience Kuala Lumpur through specially curated walks focusing on food, objects, signs and spaces. There’s also the Mini Show Gallery, which captures Malaysian sights, sounds, flavours and experiences in miniature, as well as the Slice of Life Limited Edition Sticker Rally from 12 to 16 September. If you’re someone who enjoys collecting cute memorabilia or going on a little treasure hunt, this could be a fun way to explore GMBB.
As someone who believes that food is often one of the best ways to connect with memories and culture, I’m also particularly drawn to the experiences inspired by the pasar. Rasa Pasar and IMMERSIO 2026: PASAR explore the traditional market through different perspectives, with the latter presenting an immersive new media art experience inspired by the energy, movement and beautiful chaos of the pasar.
Visitors can also get creative at the Mengkuang Bag Painting workshop, turning familiar market-inspired elements into something personal. And then there’s Play Play Asia’s What Should We Have Tomorrow?, an interactive experience that reflects on the universal challenge of planning meals for our loved ones.
Discovering Stories and Creative Voices From Borneo
The celebration also brings contemporary voices from East Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur. In collaboration with HAUS KCH, visitors can experience poetry, live performances, films and artisan creations inspired by Borneo.
Inheritance: Borneo Women offers another perspective, exploring stories of indigenous identity, memory, labour and Borneo’s matriarchal legacy through the works of contemporary East Malaysian artists and collectives.
Experience Traditions That Continue to Live On
Heritage is not just something we observe from behind a glass display. It continues to live on when it is practised, shared and passed on.
Visitors can experience the music, singing and dancing of Perak’s Orang Asli Semai community through Sewang Ne’asik, alongside a Bharatanatyam performance and lecture demonstration. There will also be a contemporary interpretation of the traditional art of Wayang Kulit, as well as hands-on activities including Mini Songket Weaving and the opportunity to design your own Peranakan-inspired ceramic tiles.
I especially love that Rentak MalaysiaKu isn’t just about looking at culture from a distance. Visitors have the opportunity to participate, create and experience these traditions for themselves, which I feel makes the whole experience much more meaningful.
Rentak MalaysiaKu 2026: Slice of Life takes place at GMBB throughout September 2026, with selected programmes and activities culminating in a packed celebration weekend on 12 and 13 September 2026.