WCSMY SUMMIT 2025. From Struggles to Magic:

The Heartfelt Stories That Define Cosplay Passion

January 19, 2025

The WCSMY Summit 2025 was something deeply personal. Walking into that bungalow in Shah Alam, I thought I knew what to expect, workshops, panels, maybe some casual chats over coffee. What I didn’t anticipate was the overwhelming sense of community that filled every corner of the space. It wasn’t just about cosplay; it was about people coming together, sharing their stories, and celebrating what makes this craft so meaningful.

For three days, the bungalow buzzed with energy. There were 55 people from Malaysia and the Philippines, all united by the same passion. The theme—“More than memories. It’s sharing. It’s learning. It’s friendship”—wasn’t just words printed on a poster. You could feel it in every laugh, collaboration, and even in the quiet moments when someone shared their struggles.

The Angel & Friends Online Special Event took it even further with KING ANGEL 天王 , Tea Kyandy , and Japanese legends like PAINS ペインズ , inui tatsumi  , Mio Mio and Mame Mayo joining virtually, it was a global conversation that reminded us all how connected we are through cosplay. They were relatable. It felt like they understood the highs and lows we’ve all faced, no matter where we’re from.

Real Conversations That Stuck

And there were the panels jin.behindinfinity, Hong Ping-ping Bi (洪 碧 娥), King Ruysdi, Team Cendol, and Manboobs share their journeys hits the note. Sitting there, listening to their words, those raw, honest stories about struggles and sacrifices, you could feel the weight of what it takes to keep chasing something you love so deeply. It touch me and definitely everyone who was there know we all have gone throughsome level of sacrifice too in some time in our own journey in life.

A Burst of Creativity

The Cosplay Hackathon was like pure creative chaos. Organized by Olesia Kharinskaia (@pandared), it was a high-energy challenge where two teams had just 80 minutes to create White demon and Black angel cosplay. Everyone throw themselves into it—brainstorming, problem-solving, and cheering each other on—was incredible. By the end, it wasn’t about who did better. It was about the magic of seeing what happens when people pour their passion into something together.

Joy in the Little Things

Not everything was intense, though. After hours of panels and hackathons, watching everyone blow bubbles and dive into the pool was exactly what we needed. It sounds silly, but it was these carefree moments that balanced everything out. It reminded me that sometimes the simplest joys are what stick with you the most. Like just sheer pleasant conversation and laughter.

Building for the Future

By the end of the summit, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a one-time thing. WCS MY 2026 is coming, and I can’t wait. WCSMAP has so many cool things planned—workshops to help people get even better at cosplay and campaigns to fight against cosplay hate, which is so important.

It feels like the Malaysian cosplay scene is growing into something really amazing, like we’re all leveling up together. Knowing that I get to be part of this is so exciting. It’s not just about making costumes or going to events anymore; it’s about creating a place where everyone feels welcome and supported. That’s what makes it so special.

The Food That Brought Us Together

Let’s be honest—the food was a whole new experience. The tables are packed with snacks, meals, and drinks from morning to night, endless conversations and sharing. Sitting down over a plate of noodles or coffee wasn’t just about eating. It was where new friendships began, and ideas flowed naturally.

It made me realize why cosplay is so much more than just costumes or performances. It’s about people. It’s about how we connect through the things we love, how we grow together, how we create something meaningful. It’s about those moments where you look around and think, Wow, this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Walking away, my mind was racing. Was it the insane energy of character building or the way the panels hit on something deeper? Maybe it was the people—how everyone brought their passion and made it feel so real. Whatever it was, it stuck. Here’s to more memories, more lessons, and a cosplay community that keeps growing stronger.

Here’s what the folks in the summit is sharing.

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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!”