The Refugee Fest 2026
Photos from 2026 are coming soon.
World Refugee Day
About the festival
The Refugee Festival began in 2016, founded by investigative journalist Mahi Ramakrishnan. The first event was held at the Black Box in Publika that August.
It struck a chord with everyone who came, and went on to run every year for the next four years. When the pandemic hit, the festival carried on too, with the 2021 edition moving online.
Every festival is a lively, hands-on way to get to know refugee communities through their culture: music, dance, art, and storytelling. A bazaar brings it to life, with refugee chefs and artisans sharing their food and crafts.
It is also a chance to learn about the lives and challenges of marginalised communities in Malaysia, both on stage and in the everyday conversations that happen in the hallways and around the bazaar.
The more we understand and enjoy each other's cultures, the closer we get to a Malaysia that is open, safe, and welcoming for refugees and migrants.
Programme
Morning
- Registration
- Welcoming Speech
- Music Film Screening
- Yemeni Cultural Performance
- Panel Discussion
- Special Performance by MIKS Students
- Lunch Break, Networking and Bazaar
Afternoon
- VIP and Guest arrival
- Opening Remarks by Mahi Ramakrishnan, Founder: The Refugee Fest
- Welcoming Remarks by Dr Leena Al Mujahed, Founder of Yemeni Refugee Women Org
- Spoken Words by Mohamed Sano
- Speech by Shawn Tinkler, First Secretary Canadian High Commission
- Performance by Chacko Vadaketh, Actor, Host Voiceover, Artist
- Special Remarks by Leyla Nugmanova, Deputy Head of UNHCR
- Violin Performance by Pangasaasanii Gowrisan & Divya Sesshsan Balakrishnan - The Temple of Fine Arts KL
- Keynote by YB Charles Santiago, Former lawmaker and Co-Chair of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights
- Launch Video
- Poetry line-up
- Dance by GSD Performing Arts Studio a.k.a Geetha Shankaran dance
- Sudanese Cultural Performance
- Anniversary Video
- Refreshment Break
- Dance by the Chin Community
Get involved
We welcome everyone to contribute their talents and skills. Sign up below!
Location
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH)
Organised by
