Hobbycon 2025

Where fandom, Sabah culture, and youthful energy meet!

Since 2007, Hobbycon has grown from a small gathering of hobby enthusiasts into the largest youth and hobby convention in East Malaysia. Every year, it brings together animation, comics, games, art, music, cosplay, and lifestyle under one busy roof.

In 2025, Hobbycon returns to the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu for a full weekend of creativity and community on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December.

This year the spotlight is firmly on Sabah. Local creatives, artists, crafters and communities will share the stage with renowned ACG (Anime, Comics, Gaming) guests, combining anime, comics and games with a distinctly local flavour. It's all about favourite fandoms, but with a Sabahan twist.

For one weekend only, the SICC will stop feeling like a normal hall and will instead become a small fantasy world. You'll see knights waiting in line next to friends wearing anime T-shirts, digital avatars meeting their fans, and people posing for photos in a corner. If you enjoy that slightly surreal atmosphere, come along, try a game, chat with passionate people, and enjoy the fun.

What you will find at Hobbycon 2025:

Here's a quick preview of what's happening inside the hall this year:

• Cosplay everywhere
  The Hobbycon All Star March, which opens the weekend with a big walk for cosplayers and their props. Groups, friends and full teams will parade and pose for photos together to start the day in style.

• Guests from the ACG world
  Meet featured cosplay guests, special performers and artists, both international names and local. There will be photo opportunities, meet-and-greet sessions and stage appearances throughout the weekend.

• VTubers and Live2D magic
  Local VTuber talents such as Redhooves and WAOMEO will be at the event. Look out for live demos, VTubing tracking and commissions, and find out how digital characters move so smoothly on screen.

• Tabletop and card games room
  Opposite the main event hall, there will be a dedicated room for board games, tabletop role-playing games and card games. You can try demo games, meet game masters, and connect with other players.

• VR zombie runs
  VR Venture is back with a special area where you and your friends can team up, put on headsets and face waves of zombies together.

• Star Wars costumes and Saber School
  The Rebel Legion Borneo Outpost will be present with costumes and props inspired by the films. There will also be a Saber School where children can learn some moves and pose with a lightsaber.

• Gamezone by TinyRobot
  Local game store TinyRobot will run an expanded Gamezone with more screens, activities, and ooportunities to play and compete with new titles.

• Beyblade battles
  The Beyblade Sabah Community will host a Beyblade X Battle tournament on Sunday morning for players who want to test their launching skills and tactics.

• LEGO builds by AFOLs
  The Brickshouse Studio will represent the Adult Fans of LEGO community with creative builds and original designs that go far beyond the instruction manual.

• Animation studio presence
  Inspidea and other studios will be present to meet young artists and storytellers. There will be a special session by Inspidea's Production Director for anyone who is curious about animation production and careers in the field.

You will also find all the usual features of the convention, including the artist alley, merchandise stalls, photo opportunities, stage shows and informal meet-ups.

Tickets and practical information

Dates
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December 2025.

Venue
Kinabatangan Hall I, Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu.

Tickets

• One day entry: RM20
• Two day entry: RM30
• Children under nine: go free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Considering the size of the convention, which features international cosplay guests and guest artists, as well as a full programme, the organiser has kept ticket prices very affordable. It's a great opportunity to enjoy a whole weekend of pop culture without breaking the bank.

Here's what to do next:

1. Pick your ticket
   Decide if you want one-day or a weekend ticket.
   Buy your tickets online

2. Mark your calendar and invite a friend
   Plan your visit, your cosplay and the sessions you don't want to miss.

3. Come ready to enjoy Sabah's creativity!
   Explore the hall, talk to artists, try games, take photos and support those who keep local pop culture alive.

You don't need to come in costume to enjoy the event. Curiosity and comfortable shoes are enough!