Hobbycon 2025 Your Favourite Pop Culture Party is Back—And This Time, It Could Launch Your Career
18 years strong, Sabah’s biggest ACG convention levels up with actual job opportunities and industry connections
Published on 17 November 2025 by Katz Sharky
KOTA KINABALU – Mark your calendars, fellow weebs and hobby enthusiasts: Hobbycon 2025 is coming back to KK this December, and it’s bringing more than just good vibes and epic cosplay.
Happening December 13-14 at SICC’s Kinabatangan Hall I, Hobbycon 2025, its your annual excuse to geek out with fellow fans—this year, the Kota Kinabalu pop culture event is partnering with SCENIC (Sabah Creative Economy & Innovation Centre) to actually help you turn your otaku obsessions into real career opportunities. Yes, you read that right: your anime addiction might finally pay off at this Sabah cosplay convention.
From Hobby to Hustle: Turning Your Passion into a Paycheck at Hobbycon 2025
The collaboration between Hobbycon 2025 and co-host Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (SCENIC) represents a significant evolution in the convention’s mission. While the event has historically served as a gathering space for fans of animation, comics, and games (ACG Malaysia community), the 2025 edition explicitly aims to help participants transform their passions into viable career opportunities.
“This year’s event highlights include a deeper push to support hobbyists, artists, and fans in turning their passions into meaningful creative pathways,” organizers stated in their official announcement for Hobbycon 2025. The initiative seeks to strengthen the ACG community’s role within what organizers describe as the “nation-building ecosystem” through growth, innovation, and industry-wide collaboration.
A key factor in making this vision a reality is the generous support from Hobbycon 2025’s sponsors and partners. The event is proudly backed and supported by Sabah Convention Bureau, Sabah Tourism Board, Predator, Lucky Point Store, Borenos, and Kementerian Sains, Teknologi & Inovasi (KSTI) Sabah, whose contributions help provide resources, exposure, and opportunities for participants to explore creative careers. Additionally, TINYROBOT joins as an event partner, while co-organizers of specialized side events—including 2nd Cut Hobby (Modelkit), MINIMA (Hotwheels), KakiTabletop (TTRPG), The Cosplay Guild, NJ Mini RC and Diecast (RC Car) as they expand the convention’s hands-on experiences. Kupikupifm Sabah, the media partner, ensures the stories and successes of these creators reach a wider audience.
This strategic direction reflects broader trends in Southeast Asia, where creative economies are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to economic development. By bridging the gap between fandom and profession, and with the support of sponsors and partners, Hobbycon 2025 positions itself as more than entertainment, it’s infrastructure for creative industry development at this major Kota Kinabalu pop culture event.
Organizers emphasized, “We sincerely thank all our sponsors and partners. Their support enables aspiring creators to turn their hobbies into careers, making this vision possible.”
Real Studios, Real Jobs: Animation Companies Are Actually Hiring at Hobbycon 2025
One of the most notable additions to Hobbycon 2025‘s program is the participation of three prominent local animation studios: INSPIDEA, STUDIO ACE PRODUCTION, and SIUNG FILMS. These industry players will maintain an on-site presence throughout the two-day event, creating direct channels between aspiring animators and potential employers at the Sabah cosplay convention.
The studios’ involvement at Hobbycon 2025 offers tangible opportunities for job seekers and creative professionals looking to break into Sabah’s animation sector. Attendees will have access to networking sessions, recruitment opportunities, and industry insights—resources that are typically difficult to access in markets outside major metropolitan centers like Kuala Lumpur.
This development is particularly significant for Sabah’s creative workforce. While the state has produced notable talent in animation and digital arts, opportunities for local employment in these fields have historically been limited, often requiring migration to peninsular Malaysia or overseas markets. The presence of established studios at Hobbycon 2025 suggests a maturing local industry capable of retaining and developing homegrown talent.
Star-Studded Guest Lineup: Cosplay Royalty Coming to Hobbycon 2025
The guest lineup for Hobbycon 2025 showcases the event’s ability to attract both regional and international talent. Headlining the appearance roster at this Kota Kinabalu pop culture event are cosplayers Le Josette and 蚊子Wenzi (Wenzi), both established figures in the Southeast Asian cosplay community known for their elaborate costumes and craftsmanship.
Perhaps most significantly, Hobbycon 2025 will host Team Kuramaker—comprising King Ruysdi and Nekota—who claimed the national championship title at the World Cosplay Summit Malaysia 2025. Their appearance at the Sabah cosplay convention offers local fans a rare opportunity to witness championship-level costume artistry and performance, potentially inspiring the next generation of Malaysian cosplayers.
Comic artist Mokumentary rounds out the guest appearances at Hobbycon 2025, bringing expertise from the publishing and illustration sectors. These guests collectively represent different facets of creative production, from performance art to commercial illustration, offering diverse perspectives on creative careers within the ACG Malaysia community.
Leveling Up Competition: The Kakusei App Powers Hobbycon 2025 Cosplay Contests
In keeping with its commitment to professionalism and international standards, Hobbycon 2025 will be utilizing the Kakusei Cosplay Competition Judging App for its cosplay competitions. This significant because it’s the official application used by the World Cosplay Summit Malaysia, the very competition where Team Kuramaker earned their national championship title.
The use of Kakusei at Hobbycon 2025 represents a significant upgrade in how cosplay competitions are evaluated at the event. The app provides standardized, transparent judging criteria that align with international cosplay competition standards, ensuring that participants at this Sabah cosplay convention receive fair and consistent evaluation of their work. For serious cosplayers looking to compete at higher levels, this experience with WCS-standard judging at Hobbycon 2025 offers invaluable preparation for national and international competitions.
The digital judging system also streamlines the competition process at Hobbycon 2025, reducing wait times and allowing for more efficient tabulation of scores across multiple categories. Participants can expect professional-grade assessment of their craftsmanship, performance, and presentation—the same standards applied at Malaysia’s premier cosplay competitions through the World Cosplay Summit Malaysia framework.
For aspiring competitive cosplayers in Sabah, Hobbycon 2025 is a golden opportunity to experience world-class competition standards without having to travel to peninsular Malaysia. It’s yet another way this Kota Kinabalu pop culture event is bridging the gap between local hobbyist culture and professional-level creative pursuits.
Kendo, Lightsabers, and Cultural Mashups at Hobbycon 2025
Beyond its ACG focus, Hobbycon 2025 incorporates traditional and martial arts demonstrations, creating an interesting cultural fusion. Scheduled Kendo demonstrations and showcases by the Saber School Tigers Federation blend Japanese martial traditions with the contemporary pop culture aesthetic that defines much of the ACG Malaysia community.
This integration at Hobbycon 2025 reflects a broader trend within fan communities, where historical and traditional cultural elements are increasingly valued alongside contemporary media. The inclusion of these elements at the Sabah cosplay convention may also serve to broaden the event’s appeal beyond core ACG demographics, potentially attracting families and cultural enthusiasts to this premier Kota Kinabalu pop culture event.
Something for Everyone: From TTRPGs to Butler Cafés at Hobbycon 2025
The convention’s activity programming at Hobbycon 2025 demonstrates an understanding of the diverse interests within the hobbyist community. Tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) activities acknowledge the resurgence of games like Dungeons & Dragons, which have experienced renewed popularity through streaming media and online communities.
Art workshops at Hobbycon 2025 provide hands-on learning opportunities, allowing attendees to develop practical skills in illustration, crafting, or other creative disciplines. These educational components align with the event’s broader mission of creative development at this Kota Kinabalu pop culture event, moving beyond passive consumption toward active skill-building.
The trading card game (TCG) and console gaming section at Hobbycon 2025, operated by Tiny Robot, caters to the competitive gaming community. Meanwhile, more relaxed spaces like the Butler Café and Chillout Zone offer respite from the convention floor’s energy at SICC Hobbycon, acknowledging that attendees may need varied experiences throughout the day.
Photobooth areas and an RC racetrack zone at Hobbycon 2025 provide interactive entertainment options, while stage games and performances ensure continuous programming that keeps energy levels high throughout both days of this Sabah cosplay convention.
Battle It Out: Tournaments and Competitions at Hobbycon 2025
Competition has always been central to hobbyist culture, and Hobbycon 2025 delivers several tournament options across different interest areas. The Beyblade Tournament taps into nostalgia for the spinning top toy that defined childhoods for millennials while maintaining relevance through continued product releases and media.
The Modelkit Competition at Hobbycon 2025 appeals to the craftsmanship-focused segment of the ACG Malaysia community, where builders invest significant time in assembling, painting, and weathering scale models—typically of mecha, vehicles, or characters from popular media franchises. These competitions at the Kota Kinabalu pop culture event showcase technical skill and artistic vision, often featuring impressive dioramas and custom modifications.
Hot Wheels competitions at Hobbycon 2025 have become increasingly sophisticated, moving beyond simple childhood play to include custom modifications, racing events, and collector showcases. The inclusion of this category reflects the Sabah cosplay convention’s recognition of automotive hobbyist culture’s intersection with broader pop culture interests.
The Duo Cosplay Competition at Hobbycon 2025 encourages collaborative costume creation and performance, fostering teamwork and creative partnerships. Duo and group cosplay competitions often result in more ambitious projects than solo efforts, as participants can tackle complex character groupings or elaborate scenes at this SICC Hobbycon event.
Budget-Friendly Fun: Tickets That Won’t Break the Bank for Hobbycon 2025
Hobbycon 2025‘s pricing structure demonstrates a commitment to accessibility. Two-day passes are priced at RM30, while single-day admission costs RM20—rates that position this Kota Kinabalu pop culture event as affordable entertainment compared to many commercial leisure activities. The decision to offer free admission for children under nine (when accompanied by a paying adult) at Hobbycon 2025 further reinforces the family-friendly positioning.
This pricing strategy at Hobbycon 2025 serves multiple purposes: it lowers barriers to entry for younger audiences who may become future community members of the ACG Malaysia scene, and it acknowledges families who wish to attend together without prohibitive costs. For a community often stereotyped as exclusive or niche, these decisions at the Sabah cosplay convention signal inclusivity and growth-mindedness.
18 Years Strong: How Hobbycon Became a KK Tradition
Hobbycon 2025 Your Favourite Pop Culture Party
Now entering its 18th year, Hobbycon 2025 has evolved significantly from its 2007 origins. The convention’s longevity itself is noteworthy—many fan conventions struggle to maintain momentum beyond a few editions, particularly outside major urban centers. Hobbycon 2025‘s sustained presence speaks to dedicated organizational efforts and a committed local community in Kota Kinabalu.
The event’s growth mirrors broader trends in convention culture across Southeast Asia, where fan gatherings have transitioned from informal meetups to professionally organized events with corporate sponsors, media coverage, and economic impact. Conventions like Hobbycon 2025 serve multiple functions: they’re marketplaces for vendors and artists, networking opportunities for industry professionals, celebration spaces for fan communities within the ACG Malaysia ecosystem, and increasingly, educational platforms for creative skill development at this premier Sabah cosplay convention.
Why This Matters: More Than Just a Weekend Event
While specific economic impact figures aren’t publicly available, events of Hobbycon 2025‘s scale contribute to local economies through venue rentals at SICC, hospitality services, vendor sales, and visitor spending. For a tourism-dependent economy like Kota Kinabalu’s, conventions that attract visitors from across Sabah and potentially from neighboring states or countries represent valuable diversification of tourist attractions.
Culturally, Hobbycon 2025‘s annual presence helps establish Kota Kinabalu as a regional hub for creative and pop culture activities. This positioning benefits the city’s profile, particularly among younger demographics and creative professionals considering where to establish careers or businesses within the ACG Malaysia industry.
The Sabah cosplay convention also serves an important social function, providing physical gathering spaces for communities that increasingly exist online. In an era of digital connection, the value of face-to-face interaction within fan communities at Hobbycon 2025 shouldn’t be underestimated—these events foster friendships, collaborations, and shared experiences that strengthen community bonds.
What’s Next: The Future Looks Bright for Hobbycon 2025
As Hobbycon 2025 approaches, the event stands at an interesting crossroads. The partnership with SCENIC and the involvement of local animation studios suggest ambitions beyond traditional convention programming. If successful, this model at the Kota Kinabalu pop culture event could provide a template for how fan conventions can serve as infrastructure for creative industry development, particularly in markets outside major metropolitan centers.
The success of Hobbycon 2025‘s approach will likely depend on follow-through beyond the two-day event. Will the connections made between studios and potential employees at the Sabah cosplay convention translate into actual hiring? Will the workshops and industry panels provide substantive skill development? Can the momentum generated during Hobbycon 2025 be sustained throughout the year within the ACG Malaysia community?
These questions will ultimately determine whether Hobbycon 2025‘s evolution represents a meaningful shift in how fan conventions operate in the region, or simply enhanced programming within a familiar framework at this SICC Hobbycon event.
For now, Sabah’s creative community has much to look forward to this December at Hobbycon 2025. Whether attendees are die-hard cosplayers, casual anime fans, aspiring animators, or families seeking weekend entertainment, this Kota Kinabalu pop culture event promises an experience that celebrates creativity without boundaries—while potentially opening doors to professional opportunities in Sabah’s growing creative economy.
Don’t miss Hobbycon 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre this December 13-14. For updates and announcements about this premier Sabah cosplay convention, follow the official social media channels and join the conversation using #HOBBYCON2025, #HC2025, and #Hobbycon.
BONUS: The Stage Performances You Don’t Want to Miss
Beyond the competitions and guest appearances, Hobbycon 2025 has lined up some seriously cool stage performances that showcase the cultural fusion at the heart of this Kota Kinabalu pop culture event.
Catch scheduled Kendo demonstrations and showcases by the Saber School ( and ) Tigers Federation blend Japanese martial traditions with the contemporary pop culture aesthetic that defines much of the ACG Malaysia community.
The Rebel Legion Borneo Outpost—yes, we’re talking Star Wars fans with screen-accurate costumes—will be bringing their Saber School to SICC Hobbycon, showing off choreographed lightsaber combat that’s equal parts theatrical and technically impressive. And the Tigers Federation will be lighting up the stage (literally) with their lightstick performance, bringing that K-pop concert energy to the Sabah cosplay convention floor.
Event Information: Hobbycon 2025
- Event: Hobbycon 2025 – Sabah’s Premier Pop Culture & Cosplay Convention
- Dates: December 13-14, 2025
- Venue: Kinabatangan Hall I, Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu
- Tickets: RM30 (2-day pass), RM20 (1-day pass), Free for children under 9 with paying adult
- Official Hashtags: #HOBBYCON2025 #HC2025 #Hobbycon
- More information: Visit Hobbycon.my and follow on social media
- Co Host:
Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (SCENIC) - Sponsors:
SABAH CONVENTION BUREAU
SABAH TOURISM BOARD
PREDATOR
LUCKY POINT STORE
BORENOS
Kementerian Sains, Teknologi & Inovasi (KSTI) Sabah - Event Partner:
TINYROBOT - Co Organizers for other side events:
2nd Cut Hobby (Modelkit showcase, workshop and competition)
MINIMA (Hotwheels Race)
KakiTabletop (TTRPG)
NJ Mini RC and Diecast (RC Track)
The Cosplay Guild (youth cosplay crafting workshop) - Media Partner:
Kupikupifm Sabah
Related Events: World Cosplay Summit Malaysia, ACG Malaysia conventions, SCENIC Sabah
Salty Katz Sharky
Hi, I’m Salty Katz Sharky—a proud cosplayer and a girl who believes in the magic of having fun. Because at the heart of it all, cosplay is about joy, creativity, and embracing who you are.
“Cosplay isn’t about perfection—it’s about passion, creativity, and the courage to bring your favorite characters to life. Remember, every stitch, every pose, every step is a celebration of who you are. Keep creating, keep dreaming, and most importantly, keep having fun!”
