Bali, Indonesia – Despite headwinds from technological disruption, rising costs and evolving consumer preferences, the publishing industry in Asia is demonstrating unexpected resilience, with physical books experiencing a resurgence in popularity. This trend, according to Nora Nazerene Abu Bakar, Vice President of Penguin Random House Southeast Asia, is driven by a desire for a tactile and immersive reading experience.
“People are still looking for physical books because of the feeling, the experience of touching a book, of turning the pages, the smell. It’s a whole sensory experience,” Abu Bakar said on February 19, 2026.
The shift comes as the global publishing landscape undergoes significant transformation. However, Abu Bakar suggests that these changes present opportunities for publishers in Asia, rather than simply signaling a decline. She has been actively championing diverse stories and taking risks to bring new voices to the forefront, according to reporting from Tatler Asia.
Penguin Random House Southeast Asia, under Abu Bakar’s leadership, is focusing on bringing Asian stories to a global audience. Growing up, Abu Bakar was an avid reader, recalling a childhood filled with books, even to the point of being perceived as reclusive by some, as reported by NewsBreak.
The renewed interest in physical books in Asia aligns with a broader trend noted by Nikkei Asia, which reports a comeback for printed books across the region. This resurgence is occurring even as digital formats continue to hold a significant share of the market.
Abu Bakar’s work extends beyond simply publishing books. she is focused on making classics appealing to new generations and championing bold new voices within Southeast Asia’s literary scene, according to NewsBreak.
