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| (Image Credit: Moonrise Studio, courtesy of Arts House Group) |
Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) is turning the page on an exciting new chapter as it prepares to celebrate its milestone 30th edition in 2027, with a familiar face returning to lead the way.
Arts House Group (AHG) has announced the appointment of acclaimed writer, poet and cultural practitioner Yeow Kai Chai as Festival Director of SWF 2027, marking his return to the Festival after previously helming four editions from 2015 to 2018.
For a Festival that has spent decades bringing stories, languages and cultures together, this homecoming feels particularly fitting for a milestone.
A Familiar Face Returns for a Milestone Celebration
First established in 1986, Singapore Writers Festival has grown into one of Southeast Asia's leading multilingual literary festivals, presenting over 200 programmes annually and connecting hundreds of writers, thinkers and artists from Singapore and beyond.
Yeow is no stranger to this literary landscape. During his previous tenure, which included the Festival's 20th edition, he championed multilingual programming and pushed the boundaries of traditional literary experiences.
Under his direction, literature ventured beyond the written page, finding new connections with music, theatre, visual arts, dance and film. Now, as SWF approaches its 30th edition, Yeow hopes to celebrate the Festival's rich history while making room for fresh voices, creative collaborations and new ways for audiences to experience storytelling.
“Returning to SWF feels both familiar and exciting,” shared Yeow, reflecting on his journey with the Festival as an attendee, participant and organiser over the decades.
Current Festival Director Yong Shu Hoong will helm his final edition in 2026, before handing over the reins to Yeow for the milestone celebration.
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| (Image Credit: Moonrise Studio, courtesy of Arts House Group) |
Nurturing the Next Generation of Literary Leaders
Beyond the anniversary celebrations, there is also something brewing for Singapore's literary community.
From 2027, the National Arts Council (NAC) will introduce a new Festival Leadership Development Programme, aimed at nurturing future literary leaders. The initiative will equip aspiring leaders with the knowledge, experience and professional networks needed to guide literary programmes, including future editions of SWF.
It is a step towards ensuring that Singapore's literary scene continues to grow, evolve and welcome new generations of storytellers.
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| (Image Credit: Moonrise Studio, courtesy of Arts House Group) |
What Can We Expect from SWF 2027?
While the Festival theme, dates and programme lineup have yet to be announced, the 30th edition promises to be an opportunity to look back on three decades of literary history while exploring what storytelling could look like in the years ahead.
And with Yeow's experience in bringing literature together with other creative disciplines, it will be interesting to see how the Festival continues to evolve beyond books and traditional literary conversations.
After all, stories have a way of connecting us, whether through the pages of a book, a performance, an artwork or a conversation that stays with us long after the Festival ends.
Stay tuned for more details on Singapore Writers Festival 2027!
Official website: https://www.singaporewritersfestival.com/
