A Literary Weekend Extravaganza!

 
 
Sunway University Press

On 2 December, we gathered at Eslite Spectrum, KL, for the much-anticipated launch of The Pathbreakers and Other Stories. Inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this collection showcased the Top 20 winning entries of the Blue-White Dot Short Story Writing Competition, organised by Sunway University Press.

The Pathbreakers and Other Stories
The Pathbreakers and Other Stories on display at Eslite Spectrum, The Starhill, KL.

The Forum
The afternoon kicked off with a forum titled "Beyond Words: The Role of Creative Writing in Advancing Global Goals." Here, our distinguished panellists-cum-authors shared their range of experiences and perspectives!
 

Our emcee, Ivan Ling, introducing the members of the forum.
Our emcee, Ivan Ling, introducing the members of the forum.

Moderated by Prof. Graeme Wilkinson, Chair of the Sunway University Press Editorial Board, our panellists provided valuable insights on the role of creative writing in achieving global objectives.

Our moderator, Prof. Graeme Wilkinson, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Distinguished Professor at Sunway University and Chair of the Sunway University Press Editorial Board.
Our moderator, Prof. Graeme Wilkinson, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Distinguished Professor at Sunway University and Chair of the Sunway University Press Editorial Board.
Guest panellist, author and cultural activist, Lee Su Kim sharing her writing advice.
Guest panellist, author and cultural activist, Lee Su Kim sharing her writing advice.

Questioned on writing short stories, guest panellist, Lee Su Kim, answered, “I just have that little nugget of idea, and I sit down and write, and as you write, the ideas come along, the prose flows.” 

Our first runner-up, well-known locally and internationally, Paul GnanaSelvam also shared his thoughts on the question. He reminded our audience of budding authors, “You – as a writer – should be independent because you’re a creative being, and the point of departure should be in your control when you’re writing.” 
 

Well-known within the local and international literary scenes, Paul GnanaSelvam talks about his own experiences as an author.
Well-known within the local and international literary scenes, Paul GnanaSelvam talks about his own experiences as an author.

As the forum neared its end, Prof. Graeme Wilkinson questioned the relationship between sustainable development and creative writing. Our Top 20 winner and fellow panellist, Aneeta Sundararaj described it as such, “When there is conflict, you need a way to resolve that conflict.” Hailing from the practice of law, the author of “Nusantara Crimes,” was a testament to using storytelling to create and inspire changes in our daily lives.

Aneeta Sundararaj, our Top 20 winner and author of “Nusantara Crimes”, providing words of wisdom and motivation during the forum.
Aneeta Sundararaj, our Top 20 winner and author of “Nusantara Crimes”, providing words of wisdom and motivation during the forum.

Honouring Talent:

First prize winner, Guy Russell, author of “The Pathbreakers”
First prize winner, Guy Russell, author of “The Pathbreakers” 

Celebrating our 20 writers who emerged victorious from 161 entries during the Blue-White Dot Short Story Writing Competition, first prize winner and author of “The Pathbreakers”, Guy Russell, shared a video message from Milton Keynes, UK. He expressed his delight at coming in first and being given the “chance to contribute” to a better world.

With this list of fantastic authors, we hope it marks the beginning and continuation of brilliant literary careers.

Our first runner-up, Paul GnanaSelvam, author of “Tug-of-War”.
Our first runner-up, Paul GnanaSelvam, author of “Tug-of-War”.

Grand Finale
Officiating The Pathbreakers and Other Stories launch were the 11 winners in attendance, alongside fellow judges Prof. Graeme Wilkinson and Dr Stephen Hall, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeoh Keat Hoe from the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development!

For those who were unable to join in person, this event was live-streamed and recorded, so you can check it out on Sunway University Press’s Facebook page!

Our second runner-up, Ksatria Baskara Prasetya, who wrote “Harsh Winds”.
Our second runner-up, Ksatria Baskara Prasetya, who wrote “Harsh Winds”.
A group photo of our winners who attended the event, alongside Prof. Graeme Wilkinson, Dr Stephen Hall, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeoh Keat Hoe.
A group photo of our winners who attended the event, alongside Prof. Graeme Wilkinson, Dr Stephen Hall, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeoh Keat Hoe.

A Weekend to Remember
As the curtains dropped on this extravagant literary Saturday, we thank everyone who attended! The Pathbreakers and Other Stories is ready to transport you into a world of imagination and purpose so grab your copy now!