Sunday, June 01, 2008

The Poppies Have Authors Smiling

More coverage in Starmag today of the Star-Popular readers-Choice Awards 2008.

Elizabeth Tai writes :
More than any amount of cash, though, it was the recognition that had everybody at the award ceremony walking about with big smiles on their faces.

When we contact her later, Popular’s executive director, Lim Lee Ngoh, says, “We are very happy because, as (Transport Minister) Datuk Ong Tee Keat (who gave out the awards) said, it’s the first of its kind on Malaysian soil.

“We’re also happy that our local authors are very appreciative of the effort made by the organisers, but most of all of the support and attention from their readers.

“I think it was a very successful event and we will certainly continue to organise it. Our hope is that this is a seed of an idea, and if we cultivate it, nurture it, given time, it will even bigger and better.”

With more support, we will see more locally produced Malaysian work, says Lim: “(The awards) gives authors greater motivation to produce better work,” she adds.
I'm glad that everything went off so well, despite the dodgy voting system. It's so nice to see local authors rewarded.

(Pics - of Adibah Amin (above left) and Lydia Teh (above right).

8 comments:

mel said...

So our *Transport* Minister gave out the award ...

bibliobibuli said...

of course. who else do you think should give out a book award? at least he can improve the traffic in books haha

gnute said...

Congrats to Adibah Amin. Her written tutorials on BM helped me tremendously throughout my school years. She's been around a long time, what an institution.

bibliobibuli said...

gnute - one thing i wonder actually is whether those who voted for her, voted for the person (who helped them with their SPM with useful advice, who entertained them with her beautifully written columns) or for the novel?

gnute said...

You're probably right about both, Sharon.

Martin Bradley said...

Hopefully this may lead to other awards and maybe even greater sponsorship of writing in Malaysia, if so then all praise to those who have been involved in this endeavour.

Anonymous said...

Minister started his speech to explain why HE was the guy invited. He said first he's an avid reader who loves books and secondly he also writes!!!

bibliobibuli said...

thanks cean! that's good news.