Mr S Iswaran at the Singapore Literature Prize 2006 Awards Ceremony

SPEECH BY MR S ISWARAN,MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AT THE SINGAPORE LITERATURE PRIZE 2006 AWARDS CEREMONY, 18 NOVEMBER 2006, 6.30 PM AT THE NATIONAL LIBRARY BUILDING

Miss Lim Li Kok

Chairperson of the National Book Development Council of Singapore

Dr N Varaprasad

Chief Executive of the National Library Board

Mr R Ramachandran

Executive Director of the National Book Development Council of Singapore

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Evening

I am happy to be here with all of you, especially many of our local writers, at the Singapore Literature Prize 2006 Awards Ceremony.

Some of you may be wondering what my connection to this literary event is, given that my role in the Ministry of Trade and Industry is more traditionally associated with the realms of business and the economy.You are not alone – I share your puzzlement and curiosity.After asking myself several existential questions, I have come to the conclusion that the good organizers of this event decided to invite me because they felt that I ought to invest some of my time in the arts, that I would profit from involvement in this artistic enterprise, and that I would be economical with my words.They are right on all three counts.

The nexus between the arts and the economy is not as tenuous as some might imagine.The modern economy is based on knowledge and driven by talent, the common denominator being our people.To sustain the knowledge-based economy, we need public policy and fiscal incentives that are conducive to innovative enterprises.Equally, we need an artistic environment that throbs with creativity and nourishes the spirit.A vibrant artistic landscape must complement our efficient economic infrastructure, if we are to thrive as a modern global city-state.

This gathering today is a testimony to the vibrancy of Singapore’s literary scene and its enduring influence and attraction. Literature gives shape and substance to our particular set of experiences, and ensures that our heritage is passed on to future generations through writing. Therefore, writers not only shape our view of history, they also pave the path of our future.

Indeed, we can take pride in the many outstanding local writers who have contributed in their own way to nation building. Professor Edwin Thumboo, who has published and edited various local and regional anthologies; M Balakrishnan, whose books are used during higher Tamil lessons in our schools; Jessie Wee who started writing books for children out of a conviction that Singaporean children need stories they could call their own and that reflected their own culture and environment; the late bilingual playwright and director Kuo Pao Kun; and writer and poet Abdul Ghani Hamid - just to name a few.

Challenges Faced by Writers

By taking the road less travelled, our writers have taken on the challenge of a less conventional career.Apart from the practical demands of making a living, our writers also face the creative challenge of producing works of universal appeal, yet staying anchored to the Singapore context.

Catherine Lim’s works have gained a broad reputation for their witty portrayals of Singapore society.And, as you know, one of her best-selling novels “The Bondmaid” was made into a film by renowned Hong Kong director Stanley Kwan.

The late Gopal Baratham was another excellent writer. His ruminations on the questions of memory, rhetoric and history have earned a following beyond our shores, even whilst it was rooted firmly in the Singapore context. The works of Alfian Sa'at delves into gender politics and active citizenry against the familiar backdrop of Singapore landmarks. And he was the winner of the Singapore Literature Prize Commendation Ward for his collection of short stories “Corridor and Other Stories” in 1998.

Clearly, we have a talented pool of writers.Their works, whilst often set against a Singaporean backdrop, have found an international following because of their themes.With globalization, the unprecedented movement of people in the real world and ideas in the cyberworld, society will evolve, and there will be new concerns and issues which writers will turn their minds to.I understand that already our younger writers’ works are more universal in their subject matter and less constrained by the local context.There is therefore a need for a positive and encouraging environment for our writers to continue writing and to nurture their talent.

What more can be done to encourage writing

To this end, publishers, booksellers, librarians, the National Arts Council, and the National Book Development Council of Singapore have a shared responsibility to promote the works of our budding writers. A collective effort by the book industry, media and the Government is needed to develop a vibrant and robust literary scene.

One example is the biennial Golden Point Award, organised by the National Arts Council and Singapore Press Holdings, which aims to promote creative writing and encourage talent to strive for the highest levels of literary achievement.The Creative Arts Programme, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and National University of Singapore, seeks to nurture young writers through a Creative Arts Seminar and Mentorship Attachment. These are significant initiatives and I commend those involved for efforts to further enliven the local literary scene.More can be done.

Setting up of Singapore Writers Centre

It is, therefore, with great pleasure that I announce today the latest initiative to develop our literary talent - the establishment of the Singapore Writers Centre by the National Book Development Council of Singapore. The Singapore Writers Centre (or SWC for short) offers a one-stop service and a networking platform for budding writers. The SWC will have a myriad of resources and reference materials which the writing community can have access to.

The SWC will also be developing facilities for writers to hold meetings, functions, or to simply chill out with like-minded people who share the passion for the written word. Essentially, the SWC will provide the physical and social infrastructural support needed for the building of a lively literary community.

Conclusion

Allow me to conclude, by thanking all who took part in the Singapore Literature Prize 2006 for their enthusiastic participation. This year, I am told, the Singapore Literature Prize attracted a substantial number of good entries in all four languages. There was a good mix of novels, short stories and poetry.In particular, I offer my congratulations to the 15 writers whose works were shortlisted for the prize.I look forward to reading more of your works and learning more of your personal journeys in this collective enterprise to build our national literary heritage.

Thank you.