Singapore Press : Encounters with books, authors and more at Singapore Book Fair 2019

Singapore, 3 May 2019--- Singapore Book Fair (SBF) 2019 returns this year from 31 May to 9 June at Capitol Singapore. The fair will be officially opened by Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Trade and Industry, on 1 June.

Organised by Singapore Press Holdings' Chinese Media Group (CMG) for the 34th year, the theme for this year's SBF is 'Encounters @ Reading City', with the aim of rekindling the joy of reading and motivating city dwellers to integrate reading into their busy lifestyle. Apart from gathering general knowledge, learning more about culture and creativity, readers can also experience interesting encounters with various characters in the books.

SBF 2019 has specially invited local illustrator Lee Xin Li to design three key visuals revolving around the theme 'Encounters @ Reading City'. Visitors to the fair will get to admire these beautiful visuals as they browse for their favourite reads.

Apart from books, the 10-day fair will offer a variety of programmes, including seminars, guided tours, workshops, movies, music performances which are suitable for all ages and interests. In addition, the fair will also commemorate the Singapore Bicentennial by launching a special crosstalk production called 'It Could Have Been..'.

Ms Loh Woon Yen, SBF Organising Committee Chairperson and Managing Editor of SPH Chinese Media Group, said: 'A book can transport us to a different world to experience something new. We may encounter a version of our self in the past, or we may discover and learn something new about ourselves. At the Singapore Book Fair, we hope that the visitors will not only encounter new books, but they will also have the opportunity to enhance their reading experience with an unexpected meeting with writers, artists, celebrities, and other book lovers.'

Capitol Singapore, owned and managed by Perennial Real Estate Holdings Limited, is once again a partner of SBF. The success of last year's SBF at Capitol Singapore, which attracted over 180,000 visitors, prompted the organiser to organise the event again at this historical venue with a rich heritage, offering visitors a unique experience.

Ms Tong Ka-Pin, Chief Corporate Officer of Perennial Real Estate Holdings Limited, said: 'The Singapore Book Fair is one of the key collaborative events under the Perennial and SPH MOU, and Capitol Singapore is proud to be the Venue Sponsor for the second consecutive year. We are pleased that the well-loved literary event held at Capitol Singapore last year saw a significant increase in footfall. To provide customers with a wider offering in a conducive environment, we will be extending the Singapore Book Fair to Capitol Singapore's Outdoor Plaza within an air-conditioned tentage, other than hosting it within the Capitol Theatre and parts of the development. We hope our collaborative efforts with SPH will enhance the literary scene in Singapore and make the signature event accessible to visitors across all walks of life and age groups.'

Visitors to the book fair will also be able to enjoy special deals at participating tenants of Capitol Singapore, including F&B establishments of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore and CHIJMES.

Highlights of SBF 2019:

Writers' sharing sessions and forums
Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Mr Goh Chok Tong will launch the Chinese edition of the book 'Tall Order - The Goh Chok Tong Story' 《高难任务》which is written by Peh Shing Huei. Mr Goh will share the process of producing the book, as well as his journey in politics on 4 June 2019.

Some other well known authors and personalities who will be sharing about their writing and creative processes include Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-At-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hong Kong author Leung Man Tao, China author Mao Jian, local author Wong Koi Tet, You Jin, China entrepreneur Ji Qi, Malaysian author Lee Tianbao, local illustrators Ah Guo and Richard Lee Xin Li.

Books Galore
More than 30 publishers will be offering new books and literary classics at SBF 2019. Established publishers which have participated in SBF for many years, including Union Book Co Pte Ltd, MAHA YU YI, Fables and the Linking Publishing Company, will continue to showcase their wide range of publications. This year's book fair has also attracted Shandong and Guangdong publishers from China.

SPH subsidiaries The Straits Times Press and Focus Publishing will also showcase their books at the fair. A few independent bookstores will be participating in this year's book fair, with their booths at Capitol Theatre Level 2. Some exhibitors will offer special deals in conjunction with the Singapore Bicentennial celebration.

Book Exchange Area
A Book Exchange area has been set up for the public to bring their pre-loved books to exchange them with others. Book donors are encouraged to write down a reason for recommending their pre-loved book so that there will be an exchange of ideas, thoughts and feelings with other book lovers. The remaining books left over from the book exchange will be donated to charity.

Kids Zone Activities
This year Kids Zone will be moved to B2 of the Capitol Singapore. There will be exhibitors selling children's books along the walkway leading to the MRT station. There will also be a children's activity area. The event area will feature storytelling by NLB volunteers, children's art and craft workshops, colouring competitions and more.

Lego has kindly agreed to sponsor 100 copies of Lego Ideas Pop-Up Book for children which can be won through various activities.

CMG's ZShop offers discounts and pre-sale promotions
CMG's various media products and Focus Publishing will be launching 10 new books at the fair this year.

CMG's online store ZShop (zshop.zaobao.sg) has launched pre-sale promotions starting 3 May. Newly launched titles by CMG and selected books from other book sellers will be sold at a discounted price of 15% to 20%. The public can pre-order their books before SBF 2019 from 3 May to 28 May (12pm). Those who made purchases online can collect their books at the ZShop booth at SBF 2019.

Singapore Book Fair 2019 details

Venue: Capitol Singapore
Date: 31 May 2019 (Friday) to 9 June 2019 (Sunday)
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm
Entry: Free Admission
Website: www.singaporebookfair.com.sg
Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/sgbookfair/
https://www.instagram.com/sbookfair
Hashtag: #sgbookfair

Please see attached Chinese media release and Annexes.

Issued by Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
Co. Regn. No. 198402868E

For media queries, please contact:

Lydia Huang
Business Development & Partnership Executive
Culture, Education & New Group
Chinese Media Group
Singapore Press Holdings
DID: 63191591
Email: [e-mail]

Roseline Yew Guey Er
Senior Manager
Culture, Education & New Growth
Chinese Media Group
Singapore Press Holdings
Contact: 6319 2495
Email: [e-mail]

Francis Mah
Senior Manager
Corporate Communications & CSR
Singapore Press Holdings
DID: 6319 1028
Email: [e-mail]

About Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
Incorporated in 1984, main board-listed Singapore Press Holdings Ltd (SPH) is Asia's leading media organisation, engaging minds and enriching lives across multiple languages and platforms.

SPH's core business is publishing of newspapers, magazines and books in both print and digital editions. It also owns other digital products, online classifieds, radio stations and outdoor media.

On the property front, SPH owns 70% in a real estate investment trust called SPH REIT which comprises Paragon, a premier upscale retail mall and medical suite/office property in Orchard Road, The Clementi Mall, a mid-market suburban mall and The Rail Mall, a stretch of shopping and dining outlets along Upper Bukit Timah Road. SPH REIT also holds 85% equity stake in Figtree Grove, a freehold sub-regional shopping centre in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. SPH owns and operates The Seletar Mall. It is developing a new commercial cum residential site at Woodleigh. It also has a stake in Chinatown Point and owns a portfolio of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in the United Kingdom.

It is in the aged care sector and owns Orange Valley, Singapore's largest private nursing home operator.

SPH runs a regional events arm and a chain of Buzz retail outlets. It also invested in the education business.

For more information, please visit www.sph.com.sg.

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