The Malaysia International Miniature Hobby Show & Malaysia Competition (MIMHS - MALCOM) officially opened its doors today at The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel, Penang, with a grand ceremony graced by Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), YB Wong Hon Wai.

This 10th edition of MIMHS marks a major milestone, reinforcing Penang’s status as a global hub for miniature arts and scale modeling. Recognised as one of the top five model shows in the world — alongside Moson Model Show (Hungary), Scale Model Challenge (Netherlands), Model World Saga (China), and Shizuoka Hobby Show (Japan) — MIMHS continues to draw hobbyists, creators, and industry players from across the globe.

One of the key highlights this year is the debut of the Kebaya Action Figure Doll, a creative crossover between local fashion heritage and contemporary modeling. The innovative piece, a collaboration between Kenny Loh Costume and Toy Resonance, celebrates the kebaya’s recent inscription onto UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This unique creation merges tradition with play, giving new life to a classic garment and presenting it as a gender-inclusive collectible — part of a broader trend of infusing cultural heritage into next-generation model kits.

“This is not just about models — it’s about cultural storytelling, innovation, and economic potential,” said YB Wong in his opening speech. He also praised other standout exhibits like the Mecha Lion Dance, a futuristic twist on a beloved traditional artform, as examples of how the creative economy can bring cultural assets into modern relevance.

The event features a vibrant marketplace with top modeling tools, materials, and techniques, serving both professionals and beginners. According to global insights, the model kit market is expected to grow by USD 219 million between 2024 and 2028 — highlighting the potential of this niche sector within the broader creative economy.

YB Wong also spotlighted the connection between scale modeling and the film industry, referencing iconic films like The Wandering Earth II and Star Wars, where miniature models played pivotal roles in cinematic storytelling.

In his closing, YB Wong officially declared the exhibition open, encouraging all participants to celebrate their creativity and cultural roots through this internationally acclaimed platform.

The Malaysia International Miniature Hobby Show & Competition 2024 is set to continue throughout the weekend, welcoming thousands of visitors and reaffirming Penang’s place on the world map of creative innovation.

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