SINGAPORE — A new international initiative aimed at promoting Chinese-language fiction was launched on June 30 with the introduction of the Global Chinese Literary Awards. Spearheaded by SPH Media, the awards are designed to foster cross-cultural dialogue and elevate literary talent across the globe.
The competition will run annually for the next three years, inviting submissions of both long and short-form novels. A special Southeast Asia Novel Award will also be introduced to highlight distinctive voices from the region. Winners in each category will receive up to 60,000 yuan (approximately S$10,660) in prize money. The initiative is a collaboration between SPH Media’s Chinese-language daily, Lianhe Zaobao, and Yuewen, one of China’s most influential online literature platforms.
Ms. Lee Huay Leng, editor-in-chief of SPH Media’s Chinese Media Group, emphasized the importance of global storytelling. She noted that while Singapore may have a relatively small number of Chinese-language novelists, their stories have the potential to reach a wide international audience through digital platforms.
Yuewen CEO Mr. Hou Xiaonan noted the growing global appetite for Chinese literature, pointing out that more than 350 million readers across over 200 countries regularly engage with online Chinese fiction. He described the awards as a way to encourage literature that reflects contemporary life and resonates across cultures.
Submissions for the awards are open until December 15. Winners will be announced during City Reading@SG 2026, a literary festival in Singapore that celebrates books, storytelling, and literary dialogue through community programs and cultural events.
In addition to receiving prize money, winners will be offered a branded author agreement with Yuewen and featured in an exclusive interview with Lianhe Zaobao. Ahead of the awards ceremony, a series of literary events and talks will be organized across Southeast Asia to further promote reading and creative writing in the region.