programme download - Singapore Writers Festival

Edmund Cheng
Chairman
National Arts Council
dear friends,
Welcome to the 15th edition of the Singapore Writers festival.
People often ask me “What is a writers festival about?” Or “do i need to write
something to join?” and my answer to them is always to come, see for yourself and
participate in any way you like. the Singapore Writers festival is more than just a
platform to meet authors and listen to them speak about writing. it is an opportunity
for you to be engaged, entertained and inspired – whatever age group you may
belong to.
in today’s fast-paced world of instant communication, and gratification, it is
important to remember the simple pleasures of reading and discussing stories and
ideas; of learning how things begin and where they started from. Oftentimes, we do
not have the time, or make the time, to dig a little deeper, to explore issues beneath
the surface – the Singapore Writers festival, a celebration of cultures and the power
of the written word, enables you to embark on these explorations.
the festival also remains one of the key platforms in making the national literary
arts Plan a success. the festival puts the spotlight on our Singapore writers and their
works in the four official languages, providing opportunities for Singaporeans to
learn more about these works and the writing process. it also brings Singaporeans
and international authors together, setting the stage for an exchange of ideas from
diverse origins. through the festival’s many activities, it is my wish to see
the literary arts become an integral part of the community.
i encourage you to take the plunge and immerse yourself in multifaceted
and rewarding experiences – to read the books, meet the
authors behind them and, most importantly, enrich yourself with
stories about where we have come from, and where we are headed.
Please have a wonderful time at the festival!
Philip Jeyaretnam
Chairman
Steering Committee
Welcome to a brand-new edition of the Singapore Writers festival!
making the festival an annual event offers the literary community a terrific
opportunity to entrench books and reading within our culture. festivals are
about celebration – and that is what we will be doing over these two weeks –
enthusing, arguing, babbling and rambling in equal measures!
the theme this year is Origins. it evokes beginnings, heritage and originality.
in keeping with this theme, biographies and historical fiction feature
prominently. formats are designed to facilitate deeper and more sustained
examination of contemporary writing, and to foster discussion and participation
by the audience.
an important focus this year is on the middle east. Several prominent middle
eastern writers, including izzeldin abuelaish, lilia labidi and Hisham Bustani
will be addressing the rich literature of the region, and how it has been both a
part and a reflection of political and social change.
as usual, a distinguishing feature of our festival is an emphasis on stimulating
and challenging programming in chinese, malay and tamil, with strong
involvement from the respective literary communities. We have continued to
develop and improve our multi-lingual capacity, so that writers in different
languages share experiences and consider our increasingly mingled destiny.
together with you, i look forward to many moments of intrigue,
fascination or surprise; an adventure of the spirit.
4 5