Singapore Book fair in June to feature comic artists, media personalities

Visitors at the Singapore Book Fair 2014 held at Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre.

PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

SINGAPORE - 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.

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