Lianhe Zaobao and Yuewen launch Global Chinese Literary Awards to foster literary creativity and cross-cultural exchange

Singapore, 30 June 2025 – Lianhe Zaobao (LHZB) and Yuewen have signed  a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly launch the Global Chinese Literary Awards, an initiative that celebrates Chinese-language literary creativity and promotes cross-cultural  exchange. The competition offers a global platform for writers to showcase their talents and connect through the art of storytelling.

The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony at The Arts House by Ms Loh Woon Yen, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Chinese Media Group, SPH Media, and Mr Wang Chen, Vice President of Public Affairs at Yuewen.

Ms Lee Huay Leng, Editor-in-Chief of the Chinese Media Group, SPH Media, said, “The number of people writing novels in Chinese in Singapore may not be large, but we must always think bigger and adopt an open mindset to connect our works—whether many or few—with Chinese fiction creators worldwide through the Internet. Online platforms allow literature to go beyond limits and focus on exploring ideas and creativity. We look forward to partnering with Yuewen and collaborating with literary creators from the global Chinese community to progress together in this age.”

Mr Hou Xiaonan, CEO and President of Yuewen, said, “Chinese literature is now reaching the world at a faster pace and with a younger energy. Overseas readership of online literature has surpassed 350 million across more than 200 countries and regions. With the Global Chinese Literary Awards as a new starting point, we hope to nurture more high-quality works that reflect the spirit of the times and showcase creative writing, fostering an open and diverse ecosystem for Chinese literary creation, where online literature becomes a cultural bridge connecting Chinese people around the world.”

To be held annually over a three-year period, the competition calls for Chinese-language fiction entries ranging from short to long novels from writers worldwide, along with a dedicated Southeast Asia Novel Award that honours outstanding regional voices and perspectives. Writers are encouraged to transcend geographical boundaries, connect diverse cultures through imaginative storytelling, and shape a new era of contemporary Chinese literature.

The inaugural edition is open for submissions from now till 15 December 2025. Winners will be announced at City Reading@SG 2026. The first prize winner for long novels will receive a cash prize of 60,000 yuan (approximately S$10,735), while the first prize winner for short novels will receive 50,000 yuan (approximately S$8,946), and both will be offered a Yuewen Branded Author Agreement contract. The winner for the Southeast Asia Novel Award will receive a cash prize of 60,000 yuan (approximately S$10,735). All 3 winners will each be given the opportunity for an exclusive interview with LHZB.

In conjunction with the competition, LHZB and Yuewen will be co-hosting a series of literary talks in Southeast Asia. These events will bring together Singaporean and Yuewen writers to discuss the art of crafting narratives with both cultural depth and international resonance. The dialogues will further explore how creative writing can serve as a bridge between individuals, cultures and societies, demonstrating how online literature intersects with global multiculturalism.

More details on the Global Chinese Literary Awards 2025 can be found on the website: activity.write.qq.com/noah/205353145

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ANNEX

(From left) Ms Lee Huay Leng, Editor-in-Chief of the Chinese Media Group, SPH Media; Ms Loh Woon Yen, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Chinese Media Group, SPH Media; Mr Wang Chen, Vice President of Public Affairs at Yuewen; Mr Hou Xiaonan, CEO and President of Yuewen

[Photo credit: Lianhe Zaobao]