In a bid to improve Singaporean students’ literary resources, books written in all four official languages will be provided to primary and secondary schools nationwide.
The books, written by local authors, are part of a push by the National Arts Council to improve the local literary arts in both English and the vernacular languages.
While Singaporean literature is already available in some schools, this initiative is the first to provide schools nationwide with home-grown books in all four official languages.
In the debate on his ministry's budget last Thursday, Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Parliamentary Secretary, Baey Yam Keng, said Singapore has a “strong talent” base thanks to continued efforts in the literary arts scene.
However, he said there is more room to promote the Chinese, Malay and Tamil literary arts.
“We hope that the early exposure to Singlit will allow them to develop a sustained interest in local literary works,” The Straits Times quoted Baey as saying.
“These local stories will also serve as a shared experience as they grow up.”
From April, each school can choose up to 15 books from a curated list according to its students' reading preferences and abilities. These will enhance its libraries and may serve as supplementary reading to the syllabus.
Chinese-language writer, Liew Kwee Lan, who is vice-president of the Singapore Association of Writers, said most students don't encounter local literature and that the latest initiative is a chance for them to do so.
However, Liew said that while having these books in schools is an encouraging step forward, teachers should be actively recommending the books to ensure that students are getting involved.
“Students are busy with homework and they do not have time to seek out the books,” Liew said.