Following the success of its groundbreaking debut, Leading Voices returns to W Kuala Lumpur for its second year, more ambitious, more expressive, and more unapologetic than ever. This year’s theme, Own Your Frequency, is a powerful call to embrace individuality, amplify personal expression, and celebrate the women who are redefining culture through creativity.
Taking place across an immersive weekend from 11 July to 12 July 2026, Leading Voices once again transforms W Kuala Lumpur into a dynamic playground of artistic discovery, fearless self-expression, and meaningful connection. This year, W Kuala Lumpur proudly collaborates with acclaimed Malaysian artist ThatDania, whose vibrant and empowering visual identity serves as the master creative direction for the residency.
More than an event, Leading Voices is a movement; one that champions women who dare to challenge convention, break barriers, and inspire others to confidently own their space.
Own Your Frequency
At its heart, Own Your Frequency celebrates authenticity in all its forms. Whether expressed through brushstrokes, tattoos, music, cocktails, or conversation, the residency creates a platform for women to share their stories, perspectives, and creative journeys.
Throughout the weekend, guests can experience a curated programme featuring visionary artists, female mixologists, musicians, creatives, and industry trailblazers who are shaping the future of their respective fields.
Discover a dynamic female-led contemporary art showcase featuring a curated pop-up gallery, exclusive art bidding opportunities, and limited-edition Leading Voices tote bags available for purchase. Engage with powerful creative expressions, support emerging and established women artists, and take home a piece of the movement.
The Art of Ink: Live Tattoo Experience at Living Room
A bold celebration of self-expression, The Art of Ink brings together some of Malaysia’s most exciting female tattoo artists for an exclusive live tattoo experience at Living Room.
Led by Carelyn Chow of House of Oma, alongside Venice Foo, Nagaia, and Su Ann, guests can choose from a curated collection of exclusive flash designs and mini tattoos created especially for Leading Voices.
From hand-poke artistry and indigenous-inspired motifs to bold traditional styles, The Art of Ink celebrates tattooing as a powerful form of storytelling, identity, and self-expression. Guests can immerse themselves in a live tattoo experience while joining the artists behind the ink for an engaging panel discussion exploring tattoo culture, personal narratives, and the journey of committing to a first tattoo.
More than a tattoo, each piece becomes a lasting symbol of individuality, creativity, and a weekend dedicated to fearless self-expression and female-led artistry.
Celebrating Women Who Create Culture
Leading Voices continues W Kuala Lumpur’s commitment to creating spaces where creativity thrives and diverse voices are amplified.
Luxury today is no longer defined solely by comfort or exclusivity, it is about meaningful experiences, cultural connection, and authentic storytelling. As lifestyle hospitality continues to evolve, W Kuala Lumpur remains at the forefront, creating platforms that inspire dialogue, spark creativity, and foster community.
“Leading Voices has evolved into something much greater than an event,” says Volker Burth, General Manager of W Kuala Lumpur. “With Own Your Frequency, we’re celebrating the power of individuality and creating a space where women can boldly express who they are, inspire others, and shape the cultural conversations of tomorrow.”
“Through art, music, mixology, and now tattoo culture, we’re inviting guests to immerse themselves in experiences that are deeply personal, unapologetically expressive, and uniquely W.”
What To Expect
- Contemporary art exhibition
- Workshops and Masterclasses by Afi Sulaiman, Nadia Heng, Jun Wong, Anna Koh and Yue Shuen
- The Art of Ink: Live Tattoo Experience featuring female tattoo artists
- Signature cocktails and guest shifts by female mixologists from REKA Bar and Coley Bar
- Live DJ performances and music showcases
- Empowering conversations and creative storytelling sessions
- Community-driven collaborations celebrating female talent
Leading Voices 2026 will transform W Kuala Lumpur into a vibrant platform for creativity, culture, and connection, bringing together some of the region’s most exciting female voices across art, music, and mixology. Guests can immerse themselves in a dynamic programme featuring thought-provoking conversations, contemporary art exhibitions, exclusive merchandise, and the unveiling of a signature artwork created exclusively for this year’s residency.
The experience extends beyond the visual arts with a celebration of flavour and craft at WET Deck, where acclaimed chef Jun Wong presents a specially curated culinary collaboration alongside guest shifts from award-winning cocktail destinations REKA Bar and Coley. As the sun sets, the energy continues with the Femme Fatale DJ Takeover, an all-female lineup delivering an electrifying soundtrack of deep house, disco, and underground sounds, creating an unforgettable weekend where creativity, self-expression, and community take centre stage.
Whether you’re discovering a new artist, getting your first tattoo, raising a glass to fearless creativity, or simply finding inspiration in the stories around you, Leading Voices: Own Your Frequency is an invitation to embrace your individuality and celebrate the power of self-expression.
Because the future belongs to those who aren’t afraid to be heard.
Leading Voices will take place on 11 July (11am to 8pm) and 12 July (11am to 5pm) at W Kuala Lumpur.
Do stay tuned to Hype Malaysia for more updates!
