Migrant Worker Poetry Competition

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The Migrant Worker Poetry Competition is an annual competition launched in 2014 that recognises outstanding poetry written by migrant workers in Singapore.

Contents

Poems are written by construction workers, domestic helpers and other migrant workers either in English or their native language. [1]

The top three poets receive $500, $300 and $200 respectively. [2] Winners are selected by a judging panel comprising playwrights and poets. Past judges include Haresh Sharma, Alvin Pang and Amanda Chong. [3]

The competition was initiated by travel writer Shivaji Das [4] and is organised by a team of volunteers and former participants. It is sponsored by the United States Embassy in Singapore. [2]

A Malaysian edition was first held in Kuala Lumpur in 2015, [5] featuring poetry by migrant workers and refugees. [6] Similar competitions have also been launched in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. [7]

History

The Migrant Worker Poetry Competition was launched in 2014 when organiser Shivaji Das was a volunteer with non-profit organisation Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2). Das was inspired to showcase a different side of migrant workers and push back against stereotypes that society held of them. [1]

The 2014 competition had 28 participants, all Bangladeshi workers. By 2016 it had grown to 70 participants. [5] The 2017 competition received 107 submissions in 7 languages, and was the first time all three competition winners were women. [8] In 2018, there were 120 participants.

Impact

Many contest participants have gone on to create more literary and artistic work, participating and collaborating with fellow artists in events such as the Singapore Writers Festival. [9]

Former winner, Zakir Hossain Khokon, co-edited a poetry anthology called Migrant Tales, [10] which was launched at the 2016 competition finals. [11]

Two film documentaries have been produced about the competition. [11]

Former participants wrote, directed and performed a play at the 2017 competition finals, under the mentorship of judge and playwright Haresh Sharma. [12]

The contest has also empowered migrant workers. At a panel discussion, domestic worker and former third place winner Rolinda Espanola said, "In Singapore you look at me like a domestic worker, but in my home country I am a hero.”[ citation needed ]

Previous Winners

Winners of Migrant Workers Poetry Competition [13]
YearNamePoem
2014Zakir Hossain KhokonPocket 2
2015Zakir Hossain KhokonI Am Sorry
2016Bikas NathKeno Probashi? (Why Migrant?)
2017Deni ApriyaniFurther Away
2018Sugiarti MutiarjoMy Lady

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References

  1. 1 2 Varma, Ankita (4 September 2017). "Shivaji Das gives voice to fringe communities". The Straits Times. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  2. 1 2 Ho, Olivia (5 December 2017). "First woman to win migrant worker poetry competition". The Straits Times. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  3. ↑ "About The Judges". Singapore Worker Poetry.
  4. ↑ Yusof, Helmi (10 June 2017). "Interview With Shivaji Das". The Business Times. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  5. 1 2 Martin, Mayo (12 December 2016). "More than words: Singapore's migrant workers shine through poetry". Channel Newsasia.
  6. ↑ Lazaroo, Suzanne (4 October 2017). "Raising their voices". Star2.com.
  7. ↑ Zannia, Neyla (7 November 2017). "Migrant Worker Poetry Competition 2017". The Online Citizen.
  8. ↑ Zannia, Neyla (4 December 2017). "Female poets take top three prizes for the first time for the Migrant Work Poetry Competition". The Online Citizen. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  9. ↑ "Migrant Worker Poetry Competition 2017". The Online Citizen. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  10. ↑ "Migrant Tales". National Library Board (Singapore).
  11. 1 2 Martin, Mayo (12 December 2016). "More than words: Singapore's migrant workers shine through poetry". Channel Newsasia. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  12. ↑ Martin, Mayo (2 December 2017). "After poems, Singapore's migrant workers try their hand at doing a play". Channel Newsasia. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  13. ↑ "Winner of Migrant Worker Poetry Competition". Migrant Worker Poetry Competition. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
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