Poetry Meets Culinary Delight: Esteemed Bangladeshi Poet Aminur Rahman and Malaysian Chef Dr. Liza Zainol Will Create Cultural Harmony on Stage of International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF-3) on May 8-12th, 2025 in West Sumatra-INDONESIA

By Leni Marlina

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Suaraanaknegerinews.com. Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia — What happens when world-class poetry meets the sizzling art of international cuisine? Prepare to witness a delightful cultural alchemy at the International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF) 2025 in Padang, West Sumatra, where Esteemed Bangladeshi poet Aminur Rahman will take off his literary cloak and wear an apron to cook live on stage with celebrity chef Dr. Liza Zainol from Malaysia.

This unmissable moment is part of the third edition of IMLF (IMLF-3), a prestigious literary, arts, and cultural festival held from May 8th-12th, 2025, designed to elevate and celebrate the heritage, philosophy, and contemporary relevance of the Minangkabau people. A convergence point for writers, artists, scholars, students, and cultural diplomats from 24 countries, IMLF-3 brings together voices from Australia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Japan, India, Germany, North Africa, Russia, Nepal, and more.

Under the theme “Literacy, Cultural Diplomacy, and Intercivilizational Dialogue,” this year’s IMLF-3 is shaping up to be the most vibrant yet, featuring poetry readings, keynote speeches, international seminars, book launches, language and literature panels, cultural tours, traditional performances, and now, an exquisite fusion of literature and food.

But let’s zoom in on one of the most unexpected highlights: Aminur Rahman, a renowned poet, editor, novelist, lyricist, and cultural icon from Bangladesh, will share the stage with Dr. Liza Zainol, a Guinness World Record-holding chef from Malaysia known for her television appearances, culinary books, and international accolades.

Aminur, whose poetry has been translated into over 25 languages, is no stranger to global stages—from Colombia to Mongolia, Spain to Japan—and is a recipient of prestigious honors including the Chinggish Khaan Gold Medal (2006), Numera World Literature Prize (2016, Malaysia), Heaven Horse Award (2015, Mongolia), and Golden Knight Award (2022). But this time, his presence at IMLF will break new ground. “The moment I heard Dr. Liza would be cooking, I said: I must join,” Aminur wrote in a message to Sastri Bakry, Chair of IMLF-3. “Cooking is one of my greatest passions. I may be an amateur, but I cook with all my heart.”

Dr. Liza, a beloved name across Southeast Asia for her culinary expertise and elegant storytelling through flavors, brings more than just recipes—she brings soul. A fierce advocate for culinary diplomacy, her collaboration with Aminur will not just be a cooking show. It will be a theatrical celebration of identity, belonging, and memory—served with spice and poetry.

“This is the spirit of IMLF,” said Armaidi Tanjung, Secretary of the IMLF-3 Committee. “Aminur Rahman has played an essential role in connecting IMLF with the global literary community—helping us select keynote speakers and identify recipients for our Cultural Literacy Award 2025. His willingness to step outside of conventional formats and embrace other art forms adds so much color to the festival.”

Indeed, IMLF-3 is not just a celebration of the written word—it’s a symphony of human expression. Backed by the Indonesian Language Development and Cultivation Agency, the festival aims to promote literacy in its broadest sense, as a tool of peace-building, intercultural understanding, and creative empowerment. Each edition of IMLF has grown in scale and vision, rooted in the wisdom of Minangkabau values and committed to showcasing the voices of both local communities and international thinkers.

Visitors this year will experience not only rich dialogues on literature, culture, and education, but also Minangkabau heritage tours, local culinary exhibitions, traditional music and dance, and interactive art performances. In this sensory-rich environment, the cooking collaboration between Aminur and Dr. Liza is expected to be a festival-defining moment—a tender, humorous, and flavorful union of poetry and plate.

“I believe every delegate will return home with a unique story, full of warmth and wonder,” said Aminur. “Because IMLF is not just a festival. It’s a story we live together.”

As the sun sets over the lush hills of West Sumatra and the scent of cardamom and cinnamon fills the air, don’t be surprised if the verses of Aminur’s poetry find their way into your memory—seasoned gently with the flavors of Bangladesh and Malaysia.

(LM, Editorial Board of Suaraanaknegerinews.com, Assisted by AI. Image courtesy: Sastri B. Satu Pena – West Sumatra / IMLF-3 via Leni M.)

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Please read previous news about serious preparation of IMLF-3 on the official link below:

1.https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/padang-indonesia-welcomes-the-world-the-3rd-imlf-a-harmony-of-literacy-arts-literature-language-and-culture-for-a-global-future/

2.https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/imlf-iii-2025-minangkabaus-literacy-in-languanges-literature-arts-cultural-and-creative-economic-festival-stepping-onto-the-global-stage/

3.https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/imlf-2025-minangkabau-literacy-strategies-on-languages-literture-arts-and-culture-from-indonesia-for-global-diplomacy/

4.https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/imlf-2025-a-global-literary-stage-from-the-land-of-minangkabau-indonesia/

5.https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/anthology-simbiosis-set-to-launch-at-international-minangkabau-literacy-festival-imlf-3-in-padang-west-sumatra-weaving-poetry-bridging-civilizations/

Follow IMLF-3’s journey via their official Instagram https://www.instagram.com/imlfest_?igsh=MXZ0d3hxeXd3NjY3ZQ== and Satu Pena-West Sumatra Official: https://satupenasumbar.id/,
and stay tuned for updates, schedules, and streaming options for this unforgettable fusion of culture.