19th CONSAL General Conference & Meeting 2025

Welcome to the 19th CONSAL General Conference & Meeting in 2025 (CONSAL XIX)

From the President of Librarians Association of Malaysia

We are excited to announce that the 19th CONSAL General Conference & Meeting will take place from 16-19 June 2025 at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur. This is going to be our first time meeting onsite physically since 2018 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. CONSAL XVIII was hosted by Cambodia and held online in 2022.

With the dedication and collaboration of all involved, we are confident that CONSAL XIX will be a remarkable event that fosters knowledge sharing, professional development, and networking among library professionals across Southeast Asia.

The theme for CONSAL XIX is “Inclusive Knowledge: Bridging Divides, Empowering All” with the tagline “Leveraging Inclusivity, Empowering Humanity.” This theme underscores our commitment to inclusivity by providing equal access and resources to all. It promotes the belief that knowledge and empowerment should be accessible to everyone, emphasising the importance of bridging various divides—be they socioeconomic, cultural, technological, or any other forms, seen or unseen.

To elaborate on this theme, we have identified several sub-themes:

The Changing Roles of Libraries: From Gatekeeping to Empowerment and Fostering Inclusivity in Society
Libraries are evolving from their traditional roles as gatekeepers of information to active agents of empowerment and inclusivity. This sub-theme will explore how libraries are redefining their roles to support diverse communities and promote social equity.

Bridging Divides Through SDGs: Libraries Making the Impossible, Possible
Libraries play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This sub-theme will discuss how libraries are bridging various divides by providing access to information and resources that support sustainable development, making seemingly impossible goals attainable.

Building Knowledge Ecosystems for the Disabled and Marginalised
This sub-theme focuses on the creation of inclusive knowledge ecosystems that cater to the needs of disabled and marginalised individuals. It will highlight innovative practices and strategies that libraries are implementing to ensure no one is left behind.

Libraries as Partners: Forging New Synergies in Community Development
Libraries are essential partners in community development. This sub-theme will explore how libraries are collaborating with other organisations and stakeholders to create synergies that foster community growth and development.

Pecha Kucha Postgraduate Forum
This dynamic forum will provide a platform for postgraduate students to present their research and ideas in a concise and engaging format. It will foster a vibrant exchange of knowledge and encourage innovative thinking among emerging scholars.

We look forward to your participation and contributions as we work together to make CONSAL XIX an exceptional experience for all attendees.
Once again welcome to the 19th CONSAL General Conference & Meeting in 2025 and see you all in Kuala Lumpur in June 2025.

Dr Ghazali Mohamed Fadzil, PhD. President, Librarians Association of Malaysia
CONSAL XIX Main Committee Chair

From the Director General of National Library of Malaysia

On behalf of the National Library of Malaysia and the Main Committee for CONSAL XIX, it is my pleasure to extend a heartfelt invitation to you to join us from June 16th to 19th, 2025 at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur for the 19th Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians General Conference and Meeting (CONSAL XIX). We are excited to welcome you to this vibrant, multicultural country, and culturally rich destination.

Malaysia has previously hosted two CONSAL Conference and meetings, the first in 1981 (5^th CONSAL), and the second in 1996 (10^th CONSAL). We are honoured and delighted to be the host for the 19^th CONSAL in 2025 in collaboration with the Librarians Association of Malaysia.

I would encourage you to consider extending your stay to fully immerse yourself in the diverse and stimulating experiences available. Malaysia, which is hosting the ASEAN Summit 2025, offers an array of diverse cities, languages, warm and friendly people, delectable food, and landscapes. We welcome you to explore and discover the incredible array of opportunities in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur.

It is a distinct honour to collaborate with the Librarians Association of Malaysia to strengthen the Southeast Asian Library Community and facilitate its engagement with the worldwide library network. With the CONSAL XIX theme “Inclusive Knowledge: Bridging Divides, Empowering All”, I hope this remarkable journey highlights the significant growth and evolution of CONSAL.

Salasiah Abdul Wahab

CONSAL XIX Main Committee Co-Chair