Visitors to this year's Singapore Book Fair in June can look out
for comic artists scheduled to appear alongside established
speakers and writers from around the region.
The annual event, organised by Singapore Press Holdings' (SPH's)
Chinese Media Group , is in its 31st edition. It is themed "In
Books, We Live" this year, which integrates topics on literature,
creativity, family, food and travel. Books in Chinese and English
will be featured at the fair held at Suntec Singapore.
Mr Chua Chim Kang, chairman of Singapore Book Fair 2016, said in
Mandarin at a media briefing on Tuesday (May 17): "We want books to
be a part of everyone's lives, whether on the train, at work, at
play, at home, or during the weekends."
The Association of Comic Artists Singapore will be bringing in DC
and Marvel-trained artists from the region to share the art of
comic drawing.
The association will also be giving away free copies of its newly
launched graphic novel titled Return, a story about a teenager who
solves the mysteries surrounding her nightmares, together with her
best friend.
Other new content can be expected as well. SPH's Chinese Media
Group will be launching five Chinese books written by its own
editorial team and staff from radio station UFM100.3, while Ms Wang
Shijia, founder and owner of local brand Ang Ku Kueh Girl and
Friends, will be releasing her new English children's book titled
The Magical Dragon Playground.
Ms Wang will be among several writers and media personalities who
will share about their experiences, including five Taiwanese
writers and Singapore movie director Anthony Chen, known for his
film Ilo Ilo.
Visitors will be able to try their hand at soap making, sewing,
letterpress printing and Peranakan tile colouring in workshops
spread across the week.
Those who wish to spend their time more leisurely can have a cup of
coffee at a book cafe, set up by The Travelling C.O.W (Chefs on
Wheels).
For last year's Singapore Book Fair, visitors could study in a
"Confucian" classroom, where they put on traditional Chinese
costumes, sat at low tables and recited Chinese poems, with a
teacher guiding them.
The Singapore Book Fair will be officially opened by Mr Ong Ye
Kung, Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and
Skills).
The book fair will be held from June 3 to 9 at the Suntec
Singapore, Hall 401 and 402. Admission is free.
ST