MYAA Malaysia Young Author Award 2027
A four-day story-writing workshop and competition. Get published and represent Malaysia at the Asia Young Author Award.
Register by August 2027 (to be confirmed)
- Date
- August 2027
- Who can join
- Ages 10–18
- Register by
- August 2027 (to be confirmed)
- Mode
- Online workshop on Zoom
- Grand Final
- Asia Young Author Award
MYAA 2026 workshops have finished and stories are being judged. MYAA 2027 dates will be posted here.
What is MYAA Malaysia Young Author Award?
The Malaysia Young Author Award (MYAA) is an English story-writing workshop and competition for students aged 10 to 18. Over four live online workshops, students learn to craft original stories, build vocabulary and master descriptive writing.
After the workshop they have three weeks to submit their story, for a chance to be published and to represent Malaysia at the Asia Young Author Award (AYAA).
Learn from a publisher
Head coach and chief judge Catherine Khoo, founder of the Young Author Award, has over 30 years in media and publishing.
Get published
Shortlisted AYAA stories are published in a printed anthology.
Cash prizes
Up to RM1,200 plus personal coaching for each category winner.
2027 flyer
Know a family or teacher who would be interested? Send them the flyer on WhatsApp, or download it to print.
On a phone, the flyer picture is sent straight to WhatsApp. On a computer, we send the link instead.
Watch the video
See what the competition is like in a few minutes.
The 2027 journey
Each round in order. Dates shown as “to be announced” will be updated here.
- Workshop
Four 2-hour sessions on Zoom
Juniors 10:00 am–12:00 pm, Seniors 2:00–4:00 pm. Theme, analysing winning stories, planning your story.
- Three weeks later
Story submission
Junior 1,000–1,200 words. Senior 1,200–1,500 words.
- After judging
Results and AYAA nomination
Winners are coached to develop a 3,000–5,000-word story for AYAA.
Levels and categories
| Category | Ages |
|---|---|
| Junior | 10 to 13 |
| Senior | 14 to 18 |
Exam format
Genres
Aliens & Angels, Animal Tales, Asian Tales, Ghosts & Ghouls, Heart Warmers, Magic & Fantasy, Mystery & Adventure.
Judging
Creativity and imagination, originality, ability to draw the reader in, maintaining interest, continuity and climax.
Originality
Stories must be fully self-written. No AI-generated or plagiarised content; random interviews may be held to check authorship.
Awards and prizes
Prizes per category
1st RM1,200, 2nd RM800, 3rd RM500 (each with 30-minute personal coaching), and 10 consolation prizes of RM50 with group coaching.
All winners
Certificate of Achievement, story published on our website and AYAA nomination. Every participant receives a Certificate of Participation.
Fees
RM250 per student in 2026, covering the 4-day workshop and story submission. Fees are non-refundable but seats can be transferred to another eligible student.
For teachers and schools
- Teachers can register a group of students from a school or tuition centre. We will send the bulk registration form and explain the process on WhatsApp.
Prepare and more
Practise with sample papers, or join a lesson that builds the same skills.
Regulations
Privacy
We may use your name, phone and email to send updates, and may take photos or videos for promotion. Tell us in writing if you prefer not to be included.
Personal data
By registering through our online form, WhatsApp, direct contact or your school, you agree that Caya Academy Sdn Bhd may use your full name, phone number and email to send welcome letters, payment reminders, updates and information about future competitions and classes. See our Privacy Policy. Privacy Policy
More questions?
WhatsApp us at 011-6550 5400 or 016-224 3400. Schools can contact 012-383 3218.
The organiser may change details without prior notice.