PERSPECTIVES, SINGAPORE HISTORY

Celebrating Heritage and Historical Storytelling

My humble reflections on my experiences at the 3rd Edition of the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival

Shawn Seah speaking as part of the first panel of the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival, 3rd edition, 2024. Photograph taken by Shawn’s team.

The 3rd Edition of the Peranakan Association Singapore’s Baba Nyonya Literary Festival took place on 27 and 28 July 2024.

I was a panel speaker on Day 1, on the first panel.

As a Singaporean author, being a very small part of this festival was an incredible experience.

I am always honoured and delighted to speak at the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival (although, I have to say, I spent the night before my panel worrying and fretting about what I was going to say, do, and wear).

In fact, this round was my third time; I spoke at the inaugural festival in 2019 as well as served as a panel moderator in 2022.

This event brought together history, heritage, literature, and culture in a colourful tapestry that honoured the legacy of the Peranakan (local-born) community. The excitement was palpable the moment the festival opened. Minister Edwin Tong, who graced the event, added prestige and recognition to the Peranakan Association Singapore’s event.