Nanyang Chinese Literature Award 2008

Nanyang Chinese Literature Award Presentation 2008 cum The 7th International Forum on Modern Chinese Literature in East Asia

The highly-anticipated Nanyang Chinese Literature Award Presentation 2008 was held on 22^nd November 2008 at the 3^rd Floor auditorium of the NTU Alumni Club. The resounding applause from the 200-strong audience conveys much well wishes to Mr Fang Xiu who had the honor of receiving the Nanyang Chinese Literature Award that fateful night. The award was presented to him by Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Education.

The 87 year-old Mr Fang Xiu was one of the pioneers of Singapore art and literature and the first to compile a comprehensive history of Chinese literature in Singapore and Malaysia. He also compiled a series on prewar and postwar Chinese literature in Singapore and Malaysia, an anthology on Chinese literary works in Malaysia, as well as aided local writers in editing and compiling countless publications.  In the midst of such a turbulent era, Mr Fang Xiu displayed much resilience and determination toward gathering materials, conducting research; editing and compiling these cherished publications. For these efforts, he is worthy of our admiration.  

Mr Fang Xiu has spent much of his life’s energy wordlessly toiling within literary circles. To finally receive an award in recognition of his efforts is indeed a momentous experience marked with as much significance to Mr Fang Xiu personally, as it is to the emerging local literary scene. Many industry-related friends in Singapore as well as from across the causeway flocked to attend the ceremony in order to witness his well-deserved moment of glory. With the aid of a wheelchair, Mr Fang was accompanied on stage by his children to receive the award and make a brief thank-you speech.  Every word uttered was ladled with emotion and gratitude, captivating the audience. Upon receiving the award, Mr Fang Xiu announced that he would like to donate the award money toward establishing of a new Chinese literature award, thus advancing the cause of promoting and producing local Chinese literature. His generosity earned an appreciative applause from the audience.  

The establishment of the Nanyang Chinese Literature Award is a major milestone toward elevating Singapore’s prominence and participation within the global arena for Chinese literature.

The Nanyang Chinese Literature Award- An introduction

The Confucius Institute Fund was established in 2007. Its main objectives include reaching out to Chinese people all around the world, maintaining and strengthening ties within and between Chinese communities, promoting the circulation and production of Chinese literature that reflects the modern age and rewarding outstanding Chinese writers for their literary contributions. The Nanyang Chinese Literature Award will be given out once every 2 years and consists of an exquisitely sculpted award and a cash prize of SGD 40, 000. Confucius Institute, NTU has collaborated with numerous local and foreign organizations to form a management committee for the Nanyang Chinese Literature Award. On top of that, it also received the support of the Embassy of China in Singapore, Hanban, Lingzhi Media and the Confucius Institute Headquarters.  Guests from the China embassy that graced this event include Zhou Jian Ping, representative of the education division, Zhu Qi of the culture division, Xue Yun Gang of the commercial affairs division.

The award was specially designed by Mr Chen Lian Shan, a well- known sculptor. Its design was inspired by the logo of Confucius, Institute, NTU. The minute details and depiction of a hand deftly holding a pen is reminiscent of the meticulous care a writer must necessarily take to compose a superior piece of work. This award not only bestows its recipient with the highest honor and recognition in the global Chinese literature scene, but it also doubles up as a distinctive artwork on its own. 

In order to accommodate this award ceremony as well as to gain a more informed understanding of the fluctuating Chinese literature market in East Asia, Confucius Institute, NTU also collaborated with East Asian Modern Chinese Literature Society to hold the 7^th International Forum on Modern Chinese Literature in East Asia.

The 7^th International Forum on Modern Chinese Literature in East Asia

The 7^th International Forum on Modern Chinese Literature in East Asia was held at 9am on the same day as the Nanyang Chinese Literature Award Ceremony. The discussion forum began with welcome speech by Dr Koh Hock Kiat, Director of Confucius Institute, NTU. Dr Wong Wang-Chi, Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences and Dr Chen Yan, Vice Principal of Shandong University were also each invited onstage to make a short speech.  The main topic for this forum is 'Metropolitan Literature and The Evolution of Society'. Scholars hailing from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and Singapore gathered to comment and express their views with this theme in mind.

During the fourth segment of the forum, Mr Fang Xiu’s literary works and contributions to the literary community in Southeast Asia were also discussed and evaluated. Dr Wang Run Hua, one of the founding members of the East Asian Modern Chinese Literature Society, then brought the forum to a concluding applause. The Nanyang Chinese Literature Award Presentation commenced thereafter on a high note.

As the sun dimmed its radiance, The Nanyang Chinese Literature Award Presentation 2008 cum 7th International Forum on Modern Chinese Literature in East Asia came to a close with much fanfare and in the spirit of goodwill.