Filipino children’s author secures Malaysian translation deal

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Kidapawan-based children’s book author Mary Ann Ordinario secured a contract to translate and distribute her books to Malaysian readers during the 35th International Publishers Congress on July 7.

The memorandum of understanding was signed between Ordinario, representing ABC Educational Development Center Children's Books Inc., and Sheikh Faisal Sheikh Mansor, representing Malaysia's Shake Book Projects Sdn. Bhd., at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

"Deeply grateful for the opportunity to share Filipino literature with an even wider audience and to continue our mission of bringing meaningful values through stories all over the world," Ordinario said.

The signing was witnessed by Kota Buku CEO Adibah Omar, Deputy CEO Hasri Hasan, former Director of the National Book Council of Malaysia and MABOPA Advisor for the IPA Congress Mohd Khair, as well as Charisse Aquino Tugade, Executive Director of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines.

She is the only Filipino publisher and author in the delegation to have her books distributed across all libraries and primary schools in Malaysia. 

Ordinario joined the Philippine delegation led by the National Book Development Board. A celebrated educator and author of more than 58 children's books, Ordinario serves on the NBDB governing board and founded the ABC Educational Development Centre in Kidapawan City. Her award-winning works have been translated into multiple languages.

Organized by the International Publishers Association and hosted by the Malaysian Book Publishers Association, the congress brought together more than 500 publishing professionals from 84 countries.

Under the theme "Publishing Intelligence, Sustaining Forward," the event addressed industry issues including artificial intelligence, rights management, translation accessibility, and literacy infrastructure. It marked the first time Malaysia hosted the global summit.