NAC-NLB Writers' Lab 2026
The National Arts Council is pleased to present the NAC-NLB Writers’ Lab for up to four writers working in any of Singapore’s four official languages (English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil). A joint initiative by NAC and NLB, the Writers’ Lab will take place in NLB’s libraries of the writers’ choice, from February to June 2026.
The NAC-NLB Writers’ Lab is a 16-week manuscript incubation programme that aims to support writers at the early pre-drafting stages of conceptualising their manuscript idea, by providing the requisite support to the appointed writer to develop a strong manuscript concept. Writers will be supported with:
- rich primary resources available at the host library and National Library Board’s collections;
- feedback and guidance from a mentor, literary agent or publisher;
- “beta-testing” of concept or topic with library-goers through public programming; and
- stipend to allow the writer to allocate time to develop the concept.
In doing so, writers will strengthen their skills in developing their manuscript idea through rigorous research of their chosen writing topic(s), and in conversation with the community of library users who may be their potential readers.
Writers will be provided with the following:
- a room for programming purposes;
- access to archival services, and National Library resources and services;
- a stipend of $8,000 for the four-month period;
- an honoraria of up to $2,000 for engaging additional services related to the editorial development of the manuscript idea (e.g. engaging a literary agent, publisher or editor); and
- a grant of up to $1,000 for public engagement sessions, materials cost, publicity and marketing costs, etc., related to a proposed public engagement programme. This should not include any fees for the writer, who is already supported via the stipend.
Residency Duration: 16 weeks, depending on the writer’s proposed period of the Lab. All public programmes must be completed within the duration of the Lab.
Application Deadline: 12 Jan 2026, Monday, 5pm
Application Procedure: To apply, please download the Application Guide. All applications are to be submitted via Form SG.
Please read the Application Guidelines before submitting. The following will need to be included in the submission.
- A proposal that includes:
- a statement of purpose which outlines your main objectives for participating in the NAC-NLB Writers’ Lab;
- a detailed outline of your work plan on how you aim to achieve these objectives that includes specific requests for materials from NLB’s archival services, resources or other services; and any additional services, if required e.g. honoraria for a writing mentor;
- a 100-word synopsis of working title and the manuscript idea to be developed; and
- details of both the proposed public engagement programmes, including a budget breakdown.
- Literary curriculum vitae including all published works, awards, contributions to the local literary scene and other relevant literary experience.
Key Dates:
Dates | Milestones |
12 January 2026, Monday, 5pm | Call closes |
Early February 2026 | Notification of results |
Mid-February 2026 to June 2026 | NAC-NLB Writers’ Lab |
| Year | Participants |
| 2020 |
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| 2024 |
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| 2025 |
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Examples of Past Projects and Public Engagement Programmes
Don Shiau |
Project: My Twenty Names In My Twenty Names, I explode (sic) my own identity, examining all the names I’ve ever answered to. These include the English, Chinese, and dialect names in my Singapore NRIC; my family name, nicknames, pet names given
by lovers, online usernames, and even names I’m mistakenly called. Each is explored as a separate character, and given both personal and socio-historical context (e.g. the Speak Mandarin Campaign, demographic shifts, rise of
the Internet in Singapore). The connective tissue between these personas forms a devastatingly coherent picture of who I am, and invites readers to examine the multiplicity of their own identities. |
WHO WANTS TO READ ABOUT ME? THE ART AND BUSINESS OF WRITING A MEMOIRDon Shiau pitches his memoir-in-progress to author Melissa De Silva and publisher Ng Kah Gay in an interactive session that offers aspiring writers and readers insight into what makes a compelling personal narrative.
THE COMFORTABLE CHAOS OF SINGAPOREAN CHINESE NAMESThis public lecture by Don Shiau explores how Singapore developed its uniquely confusing system of Chinese naming conventions through a complex history involving government policies, geopolitics, and cultural shifts.
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Hidayat Nordin |
Project: Jujur, Bulan Tak Akan BohongJujur, Bulan Tak Akan Bohong is a creative non-fiction manuscript that explores the intersection of memory, myth, and truth through the symbolism of the moon. Drawing from Malay folklore, including tales like the folk song commonly sang at the end of a dikir barat performance "..mimpi bulan, jatuh atas riba", the manuscript weaves personal essays and cultural reflections to examine how the moon functions as a silent witness to life’s hidden stories. Using memory theories—autobiographical, sensory, collective, nostalgic, historical, and prospective—the work delves into how personal experiences and cultural myths shape our understanding of the past, present, and future, revealing the ways in which the moon becomes a timeless, unyielding symbol of truth.
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Panel Discussion: Everything about the moon...A one-hour panel discussion exploring how the moon and memories serve as metaphors in creative work, with panellists sharing their views, experiences and approaches to the theme through literary arts, visual arts and philosophical perspectives.
Dramatic Reading and Doodle Session: Myself, the Moon, and MemoriesA session featuring an 8-minute dramatic reading by Hafiz Aziz of Hidayat Nordin's manuscript, followed by 45 minutes of doodling in which participants are free to write, draw or express themselves in any art form, taking inspiration from the theme Myself, the Moon and Memories.
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Jamal Ismail |
Project: Corporal 228Set in the 1960s in Singapore, Corporal 228 tells the coming-of-age story of eleven-year-old JAMIL, the son of Warden ISMAIL, known as Corporal 228, and his wife, ASMAH. Jamil's life is shaped by his experiences growing up in a barrack at the Jalan Lembah Bedok, Reformative Training Center, an open males' prison (for 16-21 years old) at Batu 6 ¼ in Changi Road, Singapore. After being brought back from his rural village in Parit Ju Batu Pahat, Johor, he faces a unique and challenging life in Singapore that will define his path through adolescence and up to his pre-university years at Sang Nila Utama Secondary School. |
From Batu Pahat to Lembah Bedok: Memory of Humanity in Koperal 228A session exploring life around the Reformative Training Centre at Jalan Lembah Bedok and Sungai Bedok in the 1960s-70s through the perspective of 11-year-old Jamil, a warden's son, highlighting humanity within the prison system, rural life, and multiracial harmony in the barracks community. Koperal 228 Between Sufferings & Hope: Community, Politics & NatureA session examining how political events and natural disasters affected the multiracial RTC community through Jamil's perspective, exploring collective trauma, the Gotong Royong spirit, and the strength of traditions from daily routines to annual practices as a tool of hope and unity.
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Prasanthi Ram |
Project: The Sun Never Sets in JoaquimArul is a longtime resident at Joaquim Nursing Home, ever since the sudden passing of his wife three years ago. Each day, he eagerly waits for new arrivals, hoping he may reunite with someone from his past, someone who can breathe new meaning into his time at Joaquim. While no such person turns up, he does hang out with three other residents on his floor–his teatime kakis Alice, Ismail and Kalyani. With their clashing personalities and cocktail of illnesses, they become the sole source of chaos at Joaquim, even gaining notoriety among the staff. Then, someone from Arul’s past does arrive at the nursing home. Except, Arul has no idea if he can truly handle what he wished for. |
Caring about Care: A Community Chat about Ageing in SingaporeA session exploring ageing and care in Singapore's super-aged future, featuring writer Prasanthi Ram discussing her research on ageing, followed by a guided community chat where participants of all ages share their views on ageing, nursing homes, and quality care. Writing An(other): A Character Building MasterclassA generative writing masterclass by Singapore Literature Prize 2024 winner Prasanthi Ram teaching writers how to authentically embody and depict fictional characters vastly different from themselves through guided exercises exploring physical and psychological aspects.
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