Celebrating literary works

Professor Chan Heng Chee, Chairman of the National Arts Council

Distinguished Guests, Writers.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good evening.

Introduction

1. It is a great honour for me to be here today at the opening of the Singapore Writers Festival (SWF). We are in distinguished company this evening, among masters of the written word from around the world, who have wielded their art to inspire, to influence and create impact. As a keen reader, I am especially excited by the opportunity to meet authors and hear them talk about their craft.

2. In Singapore, we have been very encouraged by a positive trend of attendance at literary events, especially with the entrance of new players such as Sing Lit Station and the National Poetry Festival contributing to a thriving scene. The Singapore Writers Festival, now into its 19th edition, has become an established event in the local arts calendar, with a diverse range of work that includes film, music and theatre.

3. For many readers, like me, the opportunity to meet the creative geniuses behind our favourite books would have been few and far between in the past. The Singapore Writers Festival has made such opportunities regularly available to fans of the written word, and has helped to place Singapore on the literary world map.

Singapore Writers Festival 2016

4. Literature in its various forms and genres contribute to the stories of nations. This year’s Festival is helmed by an exciting line-up of international writers and artists, as well as a strong Singaporean representation. Over the next ten days, the Festival will give voice to each of our participating writers and fuel lively exchanges of ideas and words.

5. In celebration of 50 years of diplomacy between Japan and Singapore, we are pleased to be playing host to a contingent of 10 Japanese writers, speakers and performers in our Country Focus on Japan. We look forward to building bridges of cultural diplomacy with our overseas partners.

6. Efforts have also been made to introduce more inclusive programming that offers sign language interpretation, so that everyone is able to experience first-hand, the stories that shape and define our world today. We hope that the Festival will build a greater sense of togetherness and inclusiveness, as we jointly celebrate the literary word with our writers at home and from abroad.

Conclusion

7. My heartiest congratulations to the SWF team, chair of the steering committee Mr Philip Jeyaretnam, and festival director Mr Yeow Kai Chai, who have curated an inclusive festival. The theme ‘Sayang’ would resonate with many, as the word in Malay conveys both love and loss, which are universal emotions and experiences that have inspired many remarkable and lasting literary works.

8. I would also like to thank partners such as the US Embassy, the British Council and the Japan Foundation, and volunteers for their notable contributions towards the Singapore Writers Festival. 

9. I wish everyone a wonderful Festival. Thank you.