Two weeks ago, we did something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. we invited the owners of the major illustration fairs from Manila, Singapore, and Thailand to join us in Kuala Lumpur.

Usually, we only see each other when we are “running the show.” When we visit their fairs or they visit mine, we are too busy managing crowds and artists to actually talk. We see the surface, but we never have time to discuss the mechanics.

This time, we sat down as a group for a real dialogue. No booths, no noise. Just the people who build the platforms.

We didn’t follow a template or a “government form.” We talked about the real challenges: What works? What fails? How do you balance the business of a fair with the need for community building? It was a “discovery session” for the industry.

It was insightful to see how different countries excel. Some fairs have incredible operational efficiency, they run like clockwork. Others are masters of community, the vibe and the artist connection are their “secret sauce.” By sharing these experiences, we empower each other instead of competing.

In the past, the industry felt like separate islands. But the truth is, we are one ecosystem. When a fair in Bangkok or Jakarta succeeds, it’s good for an artist in KL too. When we share our “secret sauce,” the whole region gets stronger, including the fair runners.

I’ve always said that I want to be an artist who gives wisdom, not just one who paints.

Hosting this gathering was about that wisdom. We aren’t just building individual events anymore; we are building a regional blueprint.

Everyone was kind and generous with their knowledge. We left the room not just as organizers, but as an alliance.

— Lai