Malay language, literature & culture form an essential part of our nation's identity & heritage

Assoc. Prof. Faishal Ibrahim, Chairperson, Malay Language Council of Singapore and Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Social and Family Development,

Professor Chan Heng Chee, Chairman, National Arts Council

Mr Raman Daud, Chairman, Anugerah Persuratan Organising Committee, 

Judges and Award Recipients,

Distinguished guests,

Puan-puan dan tuan-tuan yang dihormati 

Salam sejahtera

Let me begin with a pantun:

Ubi kentang dalam bahtera
Selamat petang, salam sejahtera

1. Good afternoon. It is my pleasure and honour to be here at the 12th Anugerah Persuratan, the Malay Literary Awards Presentation Ceremony.       
   

Importance of Malay literature

2. Since it was established in 1993, the biennial Malay Literary Awards has brought us together to celebrate and recognise our Malay literary treasures. This is an important event because Malay language, literature and culture form an essential part of our nation's identity and heritage.

3. And as we progress from SG50, we want to build on the firm foundations we have, and to deepen the sense of home and identity among Singaporeans. Literature is one key way for us to do so. Through the written word, we can preserve and share our values as a people and country –values such as love, faith, duty, friendship and freedom.

4. Our annual Singapore Writers Festival has seen growing attendance. This year's event drew nearly 20,000 attendees. It featured a multi-lingual programme which brought the community of readers and writers together, regardless of language. It was an affirmation for the love for the written words. And therein lies the opportunity for all writers, including our Malay writers.

5. Today, Malay literature is largely read by just the Malay-speaking community. But I believe there is room for it to appeal to a wider audience including non-Malays. For instance, our Malay writers can tap on translation and new technologies, to reach out to more students, teachers, young adults and parents. Doing so will help promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the Malay culture, and critically, how it's a part of our Singapore culture and identity. We need to ensure our future generations read, appreciate and embrace our literary heritage.
   

Support for the development of Malay literature

6. Indeed, the development and promotion of Malay literary arts has been one of NAC's long-standing priorities. As part of the National Literary Arts Plan, the Council has in place initiatives to develop creative content and literary professionals in Singapore.

7. For example, the various writing residencies in partnership with Gardens by the Bay and NParks provide platforms for our writers to develop their talent and skills. We also recently honoured winners of the 2015 Golden Point Award (GPA), Singapore's only national multi-lingual creative writing competition for Short Story and Poetry. Emerging writer Mohammad Farihan Bin Bahron won both the Malay Short Story and Poetry categories. I hope that he and the other GPA winners will go on to publish, and contribute to the Singapore Malay literary scene.

8. Besides these efforts, NAC also provides grants to develop local content and showcase Singapore literature abroad. For instance, writers such as Isa Kamari (Cultural Medallion, 2007) and Noor Hasnah Adam (2nd prize winner in the 2001 Golden Point Awards) took part in regional and international literary festivals such as the Ubud Emerging Writers Festival (Indonesia) and the Edinburgh International Book Festival (Scotland) to promote their works to international audiences. Such participation fosters exchange among our writers and their counterparts, and helps to expand the market for Singapore literature.

9. We will continue to support the promotion of Malay literature, including its translation to reach more audiences. NAC will continue working with industry partners to develop and strengthen the quality of publishing, and expand distribution and retail networks for Singapore Malay literature. This will pave the way for a more vibrant and professional scene.
   

Conclusion

10. I would like to congratulate the Malay Language Council of Singapore for successfully organising the 12th Malay Literary Award Presentation. The writers we honour today have indeed made significant contribution to growing and shaping Singapore's literary heritage. My heartiest congratulations to all award recipients. I look forward to the literature you will continue to pen.

    Let me end with another pantun:

    Ada roti ada ragi
    Lain kali jumpa lagi.

    Terima kasih.