SPEECH BY RADM (NS) LUI TUCK YEW, ACTING MINISTER FOR INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS, AT THE OPENING OF THE SINGAPORE WRITERS FESTIVAL 2009 ON FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER 2009, 7.15 PM AT THE LAWN @ THE ARTS HOUSE
Ms Jennie Chua
Chairman of The Arts House
Mr Alan Chan
CEO, Singapore Press Holdings,
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am pleased to be here this evening to launch the Singapore Writers Festival 2009, the premier literary event that celebrates literature in its many forms and languages. A very warm welcome to all writers, poets, literary professionals and enthusiasts and to our overseas visitors, a very warm welcome to Singapore!
2 Ladies and gentlemen, in this era of the new media, with blogs, SMS, Twitter and Facebook, words often become abbreviated and truncated beyond recognition. We certainly do not want to forget the magic of the written word, the books, stories and literature we grew up with. The Writers Festival this year is certainly a time for us to celebrate and rediscover the magic and wonder of the written word.
3 Literature is not only for the privileged few. It is a vital component of a nation’s heritage and sense of identity. Literature not only illustrates creativity, it also provides tangible documentation of a particular era and the issues pertinent to that time. The literary arts has the power to inspire and influence the thoughts, beliefs and vision for the future of an individual, as well as a nation.
4 It is with this belief that the Singapore Writers Festival has been organised since 1986 to enhance the appreciation of literature at the broad-base level and to encourage the development of writing talent. Now in its 13th edition, the Festival has grown from strength to strength as the only multi-lingual and multi-disciplinary festival in the region.
5 The theme for this year’s Festival aptly celebrates the discovery of literary gems from the region and beyond. The theme “UNderCovers” brings with it many connotations. It is about thrills and mystery, the warm and fuzzy feeling when you get under the covers and indulge in a good read, or when once forgotten or silent histories of narratives are uncovered.
6 I am happy to note that our Cultural Medallion recipient, Edwin Thumboo is honoured in the Festival’s Literary Pioneer series. Joining established writers Arthur Yap and Goh Poh Seng, who were featured last year, the tribute marks the Festival’s commitment to celebrate Singapore’s literary heritage.
7 Other highlights include the children’s literature events series Little Lit, and a special focus on Malaysian authors. There are also opportunities to get up close and personal with acclaimed writers from different languages and genres, such as John Ajvide Lindqvist, a Swedish novelist, Neil Gaiman, an English author of science fiction and Duo Duo, a Chinese poet. In addition, there will be workshops, book launches, publishing symposium, film screenings, dance and theatre performances.
8 On a broader level, the National Arts Council is intensifying its efforts to nurture literary arts and increase exposure to literature on a nationwide level. Discussions are underway with schools, relevant ministries, literary associations and other enablers in this field to establish initiatives that will bring literature more intimately into the hearts, souls and minds of Singaporeans.
9 It gives me great confidence to see many of you here today. Your continued support for literary arts is the building block for the very foundation that will strengthen efforts to sustain interest and bring literature to a wider public consciousness.
10 I would first like to express my appreciation to our co-organiser for two consecutive festivals, The Arts House at the Old Parliament. Since its opening 2004, The Arts House has launched various literary initiatives as well as supported and collaborated with various partners and groups in the literary scene and this augurs well for the scene as a whole and I hope The Arts House will continue in its literary endeavours. I also wish to thank the partners and supporters of the Singapore Writers Festival, in particular the Singapore Press Holdings for its sustained belief over the past years in this worthwhile cause of celebrating one of the most basic forms of human expression and encouraging literary appreciation. This support from SPH is indeed a re-assurance for those who embarking on literary venture and I do hope that this support is one that will continue.
11 I hope in the next nine days, you will embark on your own journey of discovery as you indulge in the many exciting programmes presented in this Festival. And for our overseas visitors, I wish you an enjoyable stay in Singapore.
12 Thank you and have a good evening.
