January 2003
NEW YEAR RESOLUTION
2003 is here and NBDCS wishes everyone a Happy New Year. The council is more resolved than ever this year in making significant progress towards achieving our vision of developing Singapore as the Asian Centre for Publishing and the Literary Arts. We have come up with an educational, interesting and innovative calendar of programs and we hope you can help us realise our vision by supporting as many events as possible.
LOOKING AHEAD (HIGHLIGHTS OF NBDCS 2003 EVENTS CALENDAR)
Course in Basic Editing
- March 2003
This course provides a step-by-step introduction to the wide range of
professional editing skills and techniques required to edit books and
journals. Hands-on and activity-based with a combination of group and
individual work, it will be suitable for new editors with less than two
years’ experience. Participants will emerge with a strong understanding
of editorial skills and a comprehensive foundation for them to further
their careers as professional editors.
Tamil Storytelling Workshop - March 2003
Jeeva Raghunath, a very experienced and creative storyteller from India, will be sharing with us her expertise on the very inspiring artform of storytelling. Her workshop would include features like storytelling techniques, developing and creating stories, developing language skills using stories, dramatisation, group work, analysis and critique.
GCE ‘O’
Level Literary Appreciation Talks - May/June 2003
In line with the book council’s mission of promoting literary appreciation,
these talks by Associate Professor Kirpal Singh aim to give students fresh
perspectives on their prescribed ‘O’ level literature texts.
While staying relevant to the need to excel in their literature papers,
we hope to open their eyes to the beauty of these texts. Deep & Dangerous
(31 May), Henry IV Part 1 (2 June), Touched by Fire (6 June) & Twelfth
Night (7 June). Tampines Regional Library; 2 – 5pm
Ten-Day Literary Tour to Britain - June 2003
The council is planning to organise a 10-day literary tour to Britain in June 2003 as a key program in our drive to promote the love for and learning of literature. The tour would cover many classic British authors and feature expert literary guides, workshops, author talks, walking tours, plays and much more.
Course in Children’s
Literature (English and Chinese) - June 2003
Reading is a child’s window to the world. Through reading, a child
picks up values, forms impressions and develops as a person. It is thus
vitally important that teachers and parents know how to select good quality
children’s books to enhance learning.
Indian Book and IT Fair - June 2003
As part of the National Library Board's inaugural Indian Reading Festival, the Indian Book and IT Fair organised by NBDCS, would provide an opportunity for Indian book and technology lovers to sample what Singapore has to offer in terms of Indian literature and software.
Asian Congress of Storytellers (ACS) - 14 to 15 November 2003
Following last year's successful Congress, ACS will be back under the banner of the Asian Children's Festival to enthrall and educate teachers, parents, librarians and many others on the art of storytelling with a two-day congress featuring an international cast.
Storytellers' Showcase - 15 November 2003
Last year's Showcase saw a mixture of international and local talents engage in powerful and intense storytelling to provide a fitting climax to the Asian Congress of Storytellers. The council is planning to hold this much anticipated event at the Esplanade this year and it promises to be even more entertaining and captivating.
Asian Children's Writers and Illustrators Conference (ACWIC) - 20 to 22 November 2003
This annual three-day conference, also part of the Asian Children's Festival, will celebrate writing and illustrating for Asian children and be an excellent avenue for promoting and nurturing Asian children's literature. Come learn from award-winning Asian writers, distinguished publishers and children's literature experts on how to write for children.
NBDCS Annual Dinner - 21 November 2003
Last year's Annual Dinner, held at the Tanglin Club, was a very enjoyable and successful one with more than a 100 guests turning up to honour and celebrate the book industry. This year NBDCS plans to hold an even grander and bigger gala event to give the book community members greater recognition and to organise a social event they can call their own. Celebrated local author Catherine Lim will be delivering this year's Distinguished Author Lecture at the dinner.
The dates and details of the above events are subject to change.The full details of all our events and programs would be gradually posted on our website in the coming months, so please keep checking our website at http://www.nbdcs.org.sg
THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE THE BOOK BUSINESS
LAUNCHING
NAC’s Young Artist of the Year for Literature Award in 2000, Felix Cheong, is back with his third collection of poems – “Broken by the Rain”. Along with Mime Unlimited he would present his latest poems as part of the National Library Board's Poetry as Drama programme at the National Reference Library on Fri 7 February 2003 at 7pm. For more information, please contact the National Library Board.
STAR STUDDED VALENTINE READINGS
The Book Council's very own Advisory Board Chairman, Prof Tommy Koh would be part of a star studded cast which includes Chairman of Temasek Holdings, S. Dhanabalan and singer Jacintha Abisheganaden, who will read their choice of love poems at the St Valentine's Day Dome Readings, an inaugural Centre for the Arts event. It would be held on Friday 14 February 2003, 1pm, Dome Cafe, University Cultural Centre. For more information, please contact the Centre for the Arts, NUS.
LATEST ADDITION
Azrina Aziz, 22, is the latest addition to the Book Council, joining us on 2 Jan 2003 as an Administrative Assistant. Azrina graduated in 2001 with a Diploma in Film, Sound and Video from the Department of Film and Media Studies in Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Before joining the Council, Azrina also acquired experience in book sales with Borders Books as a Sales Assistant. She was also actively involved in the organisation of the 2002 Asian Children's Festival during her time with the National Library Board as a casual Administrative Assistant.
Azrina is proficient in both English and Malay and has excellent interpersonal skills. She is also our webmaster and has strong interest in reading, writing, music and computers. Congratulations and welcome aboard!
