ACTIVITY ARCHIVE - 2007

24th Feb Organized National short stories writing camp for Secondary schools and pre-university

The Ministry of Education Malay Language and Promotion Committee (MLLPC) has garnered the expertise of Asas 50 to conduct a short story writing workshops for 80 students from 18 secondary schools and 10 junior colleges. The workshop aims at inculcating the love and interest for creative writing among the younger writers. The camp was held in Millennia Institute.

25th Feb Organized National short stories writing competition for Secondary schools and pre-university

A short story writing competition was held island wide as a follow up from the camp conducted on 24 th Feb. This competition received many entries of which 3 were selected for the top prize and 7 consolations.

3rd Mac Organized Writers Discourse session at Bedok Library

This is an effort by Asas '50 to bring established and prolific writers closer to the younger writers and enthusiast. In this session, Mr Sabri Buang, a novelist shared his views on contemporary writings and literary developments.

11th Mac Organized the launch of Malay culture directory ‘Sanggan Budaya'

The first ever publication of A Singapore Malay Cultural Directory was made possible under the expertise of Asas '50. This book is packed with information on Malay heritage and customary practices over the years. It is a very handy guide for students and laymen.

May-Aug Organized reading group discussion for READ SINGAPORE 2007

In conjunction with READ SINGAPORE 2007, Asas '50 has brought together private companies to conduct reading session for their staff. Asas '50 members act as facilitators for this initiative. Monthly discussions were conducted at various locations.

17th May Organized Creative Workshop @ Asas'50 for youth and adult writers

In light of the Temasek Novel Writing Competition organized by Asas '50, experienced novelist, Peter Augustine Goh was invited to give his insights to young aspiring writers.

31st May Organized the National Novel Writing Competition 2007

This is the first ever competition held in Singapore since 1965. The competition is divided into 3 categories namely the established novel, young people novel and children stories. Cash prizes worth up to $11,000 in total will be given away to top 3 entries for all categories plus trophies and certificates as well as a publication contract for all selected entries. An MOU was signed between Asas '50 and 2 publishing companies to published the selected entries and provide for the prizes. An estimated of at least 70 entries will be published. The competition is on-going until December 2007 and result will be published in Jun 2008.

19th – 20 th Jun Organized the Teachers Writing Forum at Bedok Library

Asas '50 was engage to run writing forum for teachers in 3 modules namely language, critical writing and creative writing. The forum is an effort to equip teachers with writing skills.

30th June Organized Youth Meet at Malay Heritage Centre

Held at the historic Malay Heritage Centre, a youth forum was organized by the Asas '50 youth wing. Attracting youths from the polytechnics, junior colleges, centralized institute and the madrasahs, the forum saw an optimistic intellectual exchange between the youths and the Asas '50 panel. Such forum is essential in educating the youths on Asas '50's mission and vision on the arts scene.

27th -29 th July Organized youth activities at the Regional Writers Meet 2007 in Kedah

16 youth and 8 executives committee of Asas '50 was flown to Kedah to attend the Meet. This is a bi-annual meet hosted by the regional member countries namely Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore. This meet is a brand of Singapore as Asas '50 started it in 1977 and it continues until this day. A youth forum followed on this event where youth from the different region were able to exchange ideas and experiences. Asas '50 represented Singapore in the 14 th leg of The Regional Writers' Conference in Kedah. Led by Abdul Ghani Hamid and Mohd Pitchay Gani BMAA, the Singapore team was a good mix of experience and youth. Apart from the presentation of seminar papers, the Asas '50 youths were also involved in a forum with the GAPENA President Tan Sri Prof Emeritus Dato' Ismail Hussein. At the Nusantara Poetry Night, the youths also recited a poem in front of a 3000 strong audience. The conference ended at the Kedah Public Library, testament to the rich literary history of Kedah.

5th Sept Organized the National Spelling Bee Competition for primary schools

This is an effort by Asas '50 to stay connected to the young students in school and to provide avenue for them to take part in language and literary competition. This competition attracted 50 schools and was held at the Woodlands Regional Library.

5th Sept Organized the launch of Anthology of young writers short stories ‘Purnama Senja'

This is the first book ever published on short stories written by secondary and junior colleges students. This compilation saw 12 creative works been put together. This book is distributed to all schools in Singapore. The book publication is supported by MOE, MLLPC.

6th Sept Organized National short stories writing module for Secondary schools

ASAS 50 conducted a workshop for creative writing recently. The workshop saw some 50 secondary three Malay students from the express and normal academic stream who came together to get an exposure on creative writing. The primary aim of this workshop is to promote the interest in creative writings among young students. Held in Bedok Green Secondary School, this workshop involved a detailed lectures on creative writing followed by a short group practical where participants were expected to come up with their very own short story. This workshop featured some of our experienced teachers such as Mr Pitchay Gani, Mr Yazid Hussein, Mr Mohd Latiff Mohamad and Mr Samat Ali who were all well adversed in creative writings.

1st Dec Organised a fusion stage activities for the Singapore Writers Festival 2007

The Art House/NAC has approached Asas '50 to stage a play during the Singapore Writers Festival 2007 at the Art House. They have also requested for Asas '50 to do a display of the history of Asas '50 and its products.