Source: The Straits Times

The Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) is a leading Asian literary event that brings together writers and readers from all over the world.

Established in 1986, it has grown into a key event on Singapore’s cultural calendar, highlighting the nation’s multilingual heritage and thriving arts scene.

Each November, the festival offers a full programme of talks, performances and workshops that showcase international and local talent.

Whether you enjoy fiction, poetry or thought-provoking debates, there is something to spark every reader’s interest.

Discover why this festival continues to inspire book lovers and should be on your itinerary.

The Singapore Writers Festival began in 1986 as part of the Singapore Festival of Arts and became an annual event in 2011.

Organized by Arts House Group with support from the National Arts Council, the festival celebrates literature in English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil.

This makes it one of the few truly multilingual literary gatherings in the world.

Each edition features various programmes, from author talks and panel discussions to performances and workshops.

Past participants have included celebrated writers such as Margaret Atwood, Zadie Smith and Neil Gaiman, alongside emerging voices from Southeast Asia.

The festival also honours local pioneers through special showcases, ensuring that Singapore’s own literary heritage remains in the spotlight.

By blending global and regional talent, it has become a central point for readers, writers, and thinkers who value the written and spoken word.

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Attending the SWF offers a chance to experience literature as a living conversation.

Visitors can meet well-known international authors and discover new voices from across Asia, ideal for anyone who loves books.

The festival provides opportunities to network with writers, publishers and readers, creating connections that can inspire future projects.

Beyond readings, guests can join discussions on current issues, attend creative workshops, and enjoy performances with music and visual art.

Families, students, and professionals will find sessions tailored to different interests and ages. 

For anyone keen to expand their understanding of global writing, this leading Singapore literary festival is a rewarding event to add to the calendar.

Live Drawing Battle: Watch illustrators Christopher Boyd, Chloe Chang, and Ong Chao Hong compete in a playful art contest that brings characters to life.

Da Kaka Farm Meetings: Celebrate the 80th anniversary of Animal Farm with a Singlish reading by Rosemarie Somaiah and Gwee Li Sui, blending humour and social commentary.

Visual Storytelling with Procreate: Learn digital art techniques in a hands-on session with illustrator Isaac Liang, focusing on crafting stories through visual design.

Carnival Games with Animal Fun: Children can enjoy interactive storytelling followed by animal-themed carnival games designed to spark imagination and play.

What If an Asteroid Hit the Earth?: Explore how humanity might respond to a cosmic disaster through a lively, science-inspired workshop.

Festival Closing Debate: “This House Believes That Robots Are Our Friends”: Writers and performers debate the role of robots in society in this exciting finale.

The festival is committed to diversity, bringing together international and Singaporean voices. 

This offers the audience a wide range of styles, languages, and cultural viewpoints.

From contemporary novels to speculative storytelling, the festival presents various narratives. 

Visitors can explore everything from literary fiction to science fiction, with discussions on character development and world-building.

Sessions highlight memoirs, investigative works, and cultural histories.

Authors share research methods and personal journeys, offering readers new perspectives on real events and ideas.

Interactive readings, drawing battles, and creative activities engage young audiences.

Families can meet beloved authors and illustrators while encouraging a love of books in kid.

Each year introduces a fresh central idea (in 2025 it is Shape of Things to Come).

Panels explore the future of storytelling, technology’s role in art, and how society might change in decades ahead.

Poets from Singapore and abroad perform readings and conduct workshops.

These sessions emphasise voice and the power of concise language to convey deep emotion.

Live performances add a rich audio dimension to the festival.

Musicians collaborate with writers to create pieces that blend lyrics, spoken word, and instrumental soundscapes.

Selected films inspired by literature or adapted from books are shown at partner venues. 

Post-screening discussions often feature directors and authors, giving audiences insight into the creative process.

Theatre, dance, and multimedia shows present stories in fresh formats.

These events invite audiences to experience narratives through movement, visuals, and dramatic interpretation.

Artists, writers, and designers team up for projects that combine text with art or digital media.

Such collaborations highlight how literature connects with other art forms to create memorable experiences.

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Joining the Singapore Writers Festival is simple, with the 2025 edition taking place 7–16 November at key arts venues across the city.

Festival Pass (SG$21)

Youth Pass (SG$10.50)

SG Culture Pass

The Singapore Writers Festival is centred around the historic Civic District.

The main hub is The Arts House at the Old Parliament, where many talks, debates, and workshops take place.

Major events and performances are also hosted at Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, both within walking distance of the riverfront.

Additional sessions are held at the Asian Civilisations Museum, known for its spacious rooms and riverside views.

Meanwhile, nearby creative spaces such as the Goodman Arts Centre and Aliwal Arts Centre occasionally host special programmes.

With venues located close to each other, festival-goers can easily move between sessions and enjoy Singapore’s cityscape.

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A multilingual celebration featuring poets and spoken-word performers in English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil.

The festival includes workshops, readings, and panel discussions that highlight the richness of Singapore’s poetry scene.

A platform for students to debate, perform poetry slams, and showcase creative writing.

It nurtures a love for literature among young people and encourages critical thinking and confident public speaking.

Bringing together publishers, writers and readers, this event offers book launches, signings, and discussions on the latest trends in publishing.

It provides a chance to meet authors and explore a wide range of titles from local and international publishers.

Various councils host annual festivals to promote their languages and literary traditions.

Activities often include storytelling, author talks and writing competitions, reflecting the island’s diverse cultural heritage.

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Overall, the Singapore Writers Festival brings readers, writers, and artists for ten days of discussions and creative exchange across the city.

From headline authors and hands-on workshops to music, film and cross-disciplinary events, it offers something for every literary enthusiast.

Plan your visit, secure your passes, and enjoy the wealth of programmes that celebrate global and local voices.

Don’t forget to book your flights, hotels, and attraction tickets with Traveloka to make your trip smooth and stress-free!