SBC x MHF Malay Writers Residency (English)

SBC x MHF Malay Writers' Residency (English)

Jointly organised by the Singapore Book Council (SBC) and the Malay Heritage Foundation (MHF), the SBC x MHF Malay Writers Residency is a new developmental programme designed to support aspiring and emerging Malay-language fiction writers in Singapore.

This six-month pilot programme (July–December 2025) offers selected writers the time, space, and guidance to develop a short story or fiction project in Malay that explores aspects of Malay culture, heritage, or identity.

Participants will benefit from:

One-on-one mentorship with an established writer
A series of workshops on creative writing to support project development
A 4-day writing retreat with a guest foreign writer
A final public sharing to showcase their works
Community engagement opportunities with the wider literary and heritage networks

If you’re an emerging fiction writer with a story to tell in the Malay language, we warmly invite you to apply.

Limited slots available.

Call for Applications (Mentees): 02 May - 18 June 2025

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MALAY

A Short Story Writing Workshop Series

Presented by SBC x MHF Writers Residency Programme

Whether you’ve always dreamed of writing fiction or you’re looking to sharpen your craft, this hands-on four-part workshop series will guide you through the art of short story writing — from that very first spark of an idea to crafting a powerful opening that hooks your reader.

Led by award-winning writer Farihan Bahron and literary scholar Dr Noridah Kamari, this workshop is tailored for aspiring writers who wish to explore storytelling through the lens of Malay literature while mastering the universal tools of fiction.

You’ll not only learn how stories are built — you'll also explore the why, as we journey through themes, language, history, and character.

Each 2-hour session blends theory, discussion, and writing prompts designed to unleash your creative energy and elevate your storytelling voice.

Session 1 — 16 July: Spark & Premise
Facilitator: Mr Farihan Bahron

Unleash your ideas and give them shape. We'll explore where compelling stories begin, how to mine your lived experience and imagination, and craft a solid premise that carries weight and direction.

Session 2 — 30 July: Character & Plot
Facilitator: Mr Farihan Bahron

Breathe life into your characters and structure their journey. We’ll dive into characterisation techniques and plot architecture, ensuring your story moves with intention and emotional impact.

Session 3 — 13 August: Theme & Setting
Facilitator: Dr Noridah Kamari

Discover the richness of place, time, and cultural context. Using powerful examples from Malay short stories across eras, we’ll examine how themes emerge through setting — and how to root your story in a world that feels real, layered, and meaningful.

Session 4 — 30 August: Style & the First Line
Facilitator: Dr Noridah Kamari

Find your voice and write an unforgettable opening. We’ll explore stylistic language choices, sentence rhythm, and literary devices — culminating in writing a compelling opening paragraph that demands to be read.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible to apply?

Writers who:

Are Singapore citizens or PRs
Are aged 18 and above
Have a writing project (in Malay or English) related to Malay culture, heritage, or identity
Can commit to the full duration of the residency, including all phases and required sessions

2. Do I need to be a published writer?

No. We welcome both aspiring and emerging writers. If you have a strong concept and a clear intention for your work, we encourage you to apply.

3. What kind of writing projects are accepted?

We accept proposals for fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, poetry, or hybrid works.

4. What will the residency involve?

The residency includes:

Mentorship with an established writer
A writing retreat and regular check-ins
Feedback and peer sharing
A final public showcase or presentation
Opportunities to engage with the literary and heritage communities

5. What is the expected commitment?

You must be able to commit fully across all phases of the programme. This includes scheduled residency sessions, your own writing time, and public sharing sessions. A statement of commitment will be required upon acceptance.

6. What is the programme schedule?

Call for Applications (Mentees): 2 May - 18 June 2025
Selection & Shortlisting of Mentees: By 30 June 2025
Acceptance Confirmation by Mentees: By 11 July 2025
Workshops Phase: 16 July – 27 August 2025
Mentorship Phase (3 Months) : September – November 2025
4-Day Writers' Retreat: 3 - 6 December 2025

7. Is there a fee to apply or participate?

Yes, there is a $10 application fee. This fee is used to cover the administrative costs of the programme (non-refundable). Participation for selected applicants in the residency is free.

8. What are the selection criteria?

We assess applications based on:

Strength and originality of the proposed project
Relevance to Malay culture/heritage/identity
Writer’s voice and potential
Commitment to the residency

9. When will the results be announced?

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 30 June, and interviews may be conducted before final selection.

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SBC x MHF Malay Writers' Residency (English)

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