By SINGAPORE — Singapore Unbound, a New York City-based literary arts organization that promotes freedom of expression and equal rights, will be hosting the first-ever independent media fair in Singapore on 1 July 2023, with Sydney-based literary magazine Mekong Review.
The fair, which is free and open to the public, will be held at Projector X: Picturehouse, 2 Handy Road, 6th floor, Singapore 229233, from 2.00 pm to 6.30 pm.
The fair will feature a variety of independent media outlets, including magazines, books, websites, and podcasts.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet some of Singapore’s most exciting publishers, editors, journalists, and writers, such as Jom, New Naratif, Kontinentalist, Gaudy Boy Press, Ethos Books, Function 8, Workers Make Possible, SG Climate Rally, and Checkpoint Theatre, and purchase their products at the exhibition booths.
There will also be a number of speaker events throughout the day, including an open forum that poses the question of why Singapore needs an independent media with panelists Ariffin Sha (Wake Up Singapore), Loh Pei Ying (Kontinentalist), and Ng Kah Gay (Ethos Books), and moderated by veteran journalist and co-founder of Jom magazine, Sudhir Vadaketh.
In keeping with Singapore Unbound’s focus on the literary arts, founder Koh Jee Leong will moderate an author reading and discussion on the uses of storytelling in media, with authors Alfian Sa’at and Victor Fernando R. Ocampo, as well as Kelly Leow, who co-produced the AWARE podcast Saga.
“Diverse and alternative perspectives are vital for a mature democracy to flourish. Different sources of data and information help us understand our current realities and future prospects,” said Koh Jee Leong.
“We have been much encouraged by the efflorescence of independent media outlets and persons, and we want to celebrate and support this outpouring of passion, initiative and ingenuity in whatever way we can, including bringing everyone into conversation with one another at the fair.”
“As a literary review focused on Asia, Mekong Review would like to be part of the communities that we cover, and to show solidarity and support for other independent media creating space for expression,” said Kirsten Han, managing editor of Mekong Review.
“We believe that a vibrant media scene, with opportunities for literature and the arts to flourish, is key to thriving societies in which we can live full and free lives. We’re very glad to have this opportunity to collaborate with Singapore Unbound to put together this independent media fair in Singapore.”
The public can register for free at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/singapore-independent-media-fair-tickets-652604436437
For more information about Singapore Unbound and Mekong Review, please visit www.singaporeunbound.org and www.mekongreview.com