Speakers

Adriena is an illustrator and author born and raised in Singapore. In 2020, she graduated with a BA in Illustration at Falmouth University in the UK. She loves working with gouache and colour pencils as well as textured brushes on Photoshop and Procreate. With a keen interest in all things fantastical and folkloric, her work hopes to instil a sense of warmth and wonder. Her debut book, 'Ning and the Night Spirits' was published by Flying Eye Books in 2023 and was recently longlisted for this year's Klaus Flugge Prize.

Aklat Alamid is an independent publishing house of children’s and young adult books written in the various languages of the Philippines. It partners with individuals, government agencies, organizations, and private institutions in conducting seminars, workshops, storytelling sessions, book-giving events, contests, book fairs, and other activities that promote children’s literature in the different regions of the Philippines. 

Represented by China Pearl, Patria De Vera and John Romeo Venturero

Aldy C. Aguirre, an artist and illustrator in Quezon City, Philippines, has contributed to children’s books for various publishers and independent writers. His work has been honoured by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) and the National Book Development Board, as well as internationally by ILUSTRARTE in Castelo Branco, among others. Aldy’s illustrations for Papuntang Community Pantry were finalists in the 2022 Bologna Children’s Book Fair Illustrators competition.

Amanah, a TV scriptwriter since 1982, has won Anugerah Persuratan awards for TV scripts, a short story, and a children's book. At Pesta Perdana, she won Best Drama Script and Best Special Drama. Her song "Titik Merah" won the Liriik Baiik competition. Her scripts "Gerimis Di Hati" and "Terbelenggu" were chosen for MOE anthologies. She mentored in Bogor's Mastera Writing Program and represented in Iowa's International Writing Program. She also served on SWF panels in 2017, 2018, and 2021.

For 16 years, Amelia has mentored education professionals specialising in language and literacy. As a lecturer at the National Institute of Early Childhood Development, she teaches children’s literature, language/literacy, and techniques for preschool education. Amelia conducts Continuing Professional Development (CPD), Continuing Education & Training (CET) programs, and workshops for parents.

Ames is a Humanities teacher by training, but has since converted to freelance training since she became a mother. This journey ignited her love for storytelling, and she is now learning to share the stories of others. She has specifically chosen to pen books for children as she firmly believes in the potential of the next generation to affect change.

Her first children's picture book series - The Invisible People is well-loved in many Singaporean homes. It highlights occupations we often neglect in our midst, from the cleaner of the food center to our neighbourhood bus driver. She started writing these with the intent to ignite kindness to those 'invisible' to us, starting with the smile of a grateful child.

Andrea Pasion-Flores is the publisher at Milflores Publishing, Inc. Before that, she was the general manager of a large trade publisher. She worked as a literary agent for a Singapore-based literary agency. She’s a copyright lawyer with a special interest in publishing.

Andrea Wang is an acclaimed author of children’s books. Her picture book Watercress was awarded the Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, among other accolades. Her other books, Summer at Squee, The Many Meanings of Meilan, Luli and the Language of Tea, Magic Ramen, and The Nian Monster, have also received awards and starred reviews. Her work explores culture, creative thinking, and identity. She lives in Colorado with her family. For more information about Andrea and her books, please visit www.andreaywang.com.

Anittha’s debut novel, The Lights That Find Us, was published in 2018. Her latest novel, It Had to Be Her is the first of a YA trilogy and was published in April 2024. Her short stories have appeared in Mahogany Journal, the fifth volume of Best New Singaporean Short Stories, and How We Live Now. When she isn’t working or writing, she can be found either walking her poodle, Dino, or attempting unnecessarily difficult jigsaw puzzles. Anittha is currently working on the sequel to It Had to Be Her.

Anurati Srivastva, a playful learning and game designer, has led the design of 30+ award-winning educational products for children globally. As the founder of PEDAL Studio, she collaborates with UNICEF, WHO, and Miko.AI. Formerly leading Games for Learning at UNESCO, Anurati is recognized as an Arts for Good Fellow 2021 and a Young India Fellow 2017. Her impactful work has earned recognition from SXSW, Games for Change, and NASSCOM.

Atiqah Halim has over 14 years of experience in People, Leadership and Organisational Development. Currently working in a non-profit, she leads a team that looks at ways to inspire and future proof our Malay/Muslim youth and workforce.

As blogger and writer in her free time, she shares her and her family’s love for travelling on Instagram @Familytrippers. Rubiah from Semarang is her first children’s book series.

Atty. Dominador Buhain graduated Bachelor of Laws at Far Estern University in the late 1970s. He is the Chairman and President of Rex Bookstore, Inc. He is also part of numerous associations, such as the ASEAN Book Publishers Association (ABPA) currently as Vice President; and the Philippine Educational Publishers Association as President Emeritus.

Heena Baek identifies herself as a storyteller rather than strictly an illustrator or author. Her passion lies in captivating audiences through the collaboration of pictures and text, utilizing various mediums. This passion is rooted in her studies in Educational Technology and Animated Films, which fuel her interest in the world of children.

Heena incorporates filmmaking techniques into her picture books, creating a refuge from the harshness of the real world. The primary motivation behind her creations is personal happiness, both as a picture book maker and reader. Her ultimate goal is to bring joy, particularly to children and those facing challenges, considering it the most honorable aspect of her creative journey.

Bea Mandapat is a children’s books creator. She is the author of More (Kado Publishing, 2023). Her self-published book, Goodfire (2022). also received the PBBY-Salanga Prize Honourable Mention.

Beth Parrocha is a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, majoring in Visual Communication. A graphic designer and children’s book illustrator, her works have been awarded and recognised locally by the Manila Critic’s Circle National Book Awards, Gintong Aklat Awards and by the National Children’s Book Awards (2018); internationally by the Noma Concour, Yahoo Asia, grand prize and second place for the (2016) AFCC Samsung KidsTime Awards, and the grand prize at the first AFCC Asian Children’s Book Award, Singapore (2017).

She has illustrated more than 50 children’s books. Beth is the featured illustrator of this year's Key Visual. Know more about the key visual here.

Camille Faylona is a born and bred Filipina mom of 2, living in Hong Kong. Filipino food is an obsession and her favourite Filipino word is gigil. She spent the last 14 years making documentaries for major TV broadcasters and is now creating content for the online world.

Carlo Ebeo is a cultural worker with a growing resumé of domestic and international engagements in research, production, education, and festival organising.  An advocate in public cultural policy in local and national government, he has devoted his life to advance issues and ideologies in the arts, culture, tourism and governance, working intensively on cultural education through peace-building initiatives, poverty reduction, social artistry and other related social infrastructures with various international organisations.

Charisse Aquino-Tugade is the Executive Director of the National Book Development Board (NBDB). She is a cultural worker, primary mover for CulturAid, founder of The Manila Collectible Co., and founding Director of Museo ng Muntinlupa. As the NBDB Executive Director, she is working on the National Book Database to standardize publishing industry metadata and bibliographic information of Filipino-authored publications. She also envisioned and spearheaded The Book Nook, which are storytelling and reading communities that provide Pinoy books for kids and kids-at-heart from Ifugao to Tawi-Tawi. Charisse has a B.A. in Anthropology and Marketing from San Francisco State University and is pursuing her graduate studies in Museum Studies at Harvard.

Dr Cheng Wan-Ni, a distinguished early childhood educationist and dean at the Singapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL), brings decades of expertise to practice, policy, and teacher training. She is an award-winning writer specialising in early childhood curriculum, child development, preschool management, and child welfare. Recently venturing into children’s picture books, Dr Cheng skillfully integrates elements of Singaporean culture, enriching young minds with engaging narratives.

Chen Shuai, loves writing stories. Over the past 14 years, published over a dozen books and won over a dozen awards. Now, I want to start fresh and am looking forward to meeting that self who just started writing stories again.

Ziyue, also known as Angeline Chen, is a Singapore based Illustrator and graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design in the U.S. She has illustrated several picture books for US publishers and her latest book is Butterfly on the Wind by Adam Pottle, published by Roaring Brook Press, NYC. Dabbling in art was her form of escape from the struggles and confusion of growing up deaf. This led her to discover the beauty of how the art communicates with the viewer. Her life goal has been to have an emotional connection with those who view her work. www.ziyuechen.com

Chong Lingying is a Jack of all trades with experience in writing, translating, editing, publishing, and selling content in print and digital formats. She is a co-founder of COMIX.SG, the online home for Singaporean comics.

叶俊良来自台湾，2007 年与黎雅格 Loïc Jacob 在法国创办鸿飞文化出版社。鸿飞每年出版约 10 种新书，大部分是以旅行、对未知的好奇和人我关系为主轴的儿童图画故事书，其中《花木兰》以其出色的插图获得2015 年上海陈伯吹国际儿童文学奖。叶俊良长期与欧洲伙伴合作，善于和创作者展开对话，提供法国读者能够理解和欣赏的图画书，包括具有亚洲文化内容的作品。

Wan Xin, a librarian with NLB, selects Chinese books for children aged 8-12. She also works with library volunteers to curate fun reading club packages aimed at nurturing children’s love for reading in Chinese.

Claire Betita de Guzman is a Filipina writer based in Singapore and is author of five novels. A former journalist, she started as a lifestyle reporter for the broadsheet Today before becoming an editor for international and local magazines including Preview, Cosmopolitan Philippines, and Harper’s Bazaar Singapore. She works closely with the Migrant Writers of Singapore and has led talks, workshops, and panels at literary events, including the Singapore Writers Festival and Poetry Festival Singapore.

Claire is the Design Lead at local comics publisher Difference Engine SG and a freelance illustrator. Known for her fantasy-inspired works under the Instagram handle @comatomato, Claire Low is a creative with an interest in telling stories. Her works range from illustrations and comics to graphic design and scriptwriting.

COLIN GOH, co-creator of Dim Sum Warriors, a children’s comic series, saw it evolve into a musical in China, licensed by Scholastic, now integral to a patented bilingual language learning system. He began drawing comic strips at 17 and is also a lawyer in three jurisdictions, creator of TalkingCock.com, writer/director of "Singapore Dreaming," and cartoonist of two New York Times bestsellers.

Dr. Daniel Fung, a psychiatrist and CEO of IMH in Singapore, serves as Adjunct Associate Professor at all 3 medical schools. He's President of the College of Psychiatrists, Academy of Medicine (Singapore), and former President of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professionals. With over 230 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Fung has developed digital mental health solutions over 20 years, including a patented ADHD treatment.

Danielle Florendo is an illustrator currently based in Baguio City. She graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines Baguio and pursued a career in children’s book illustration. She has illustrated published titles under Ilaw ng Tahanan Inc., OMFLIT Hiyas Publishing, and Kado Publishing. She currently teaches Fine Arts at the college level. Her primary medium is watercolour with applied digital collaging.

Daniel works as a Project Development Officer III and OIC Division Chief at the Readership Development Division of the National Book Development Board (NBDB), spearheading flagship reading engagement projects such as the Book Nook Project and the Read for Empowerment and Advancement (READ) Campaign. He revels in writing Filipino creative nonfiction and conducting research in literary criticisms and language studies, particularly in orthography development.

Dante Francis M. Ang II heads The Manila Times, one of the most highly respected national daily newspapers in the Philippines. The Times is a multi-awarded newspaper and is the oldest in the country, having been founded in October 1898. Under Dante’s leadership, The Times has won numerous awards and citations,  including the “Newspaper of the Year” award for 2016, given by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) at a ceremony in Malacañang Palace featuring former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Besides journalism, Dante’s interests include education and managerial economics. He has a worldly outlook, having lived in three countries and traveled to more than a dozen others in North America, Europe and Asia. Lastly, he lives a well-rounded lifestyle, balancing hard work with hard play, corporate work and civic duties.

David Liew, an illustrator of children’s books, also crafts miniature worlds. Formerly a junior college teacher, he transitioned to professional illustration. His works include series like "Ellie Belly," "The Plano Adventures," and "Change Makers." Liew instructs Picture Book illustration at the National Institute of Early Childhood Education and teaches art at Republic Polytechnic. He serves as Regional Advisor for the Singapore Chapter of the Society of Children’s Books and Illustrators.

Denon Lim Denan  has been deeply involved with Chinese literature, publishing, and writing since his youth. In 1994, he and his wife started their own publishing business. He is currently the President and Chief Editor at Lingzi Media. Over the past 30 years, Lim has witnessed and contributed to the evolution of Chinese publishing in Singapore, involving thousands of projects with authors such as Hu Wei, Ace Khong, Patrick Yee, and Lin Wenpei. Recently, he has been active in bringing Singaporean children's books into the digital and online reading arena, including developing the platform chinesebooks.sg. Lim is also an award-winning poet with several publications and participates in children's literature as a writer of multiple children's picture books.

Diana, a dedicated early childhood specialist, passionately nurtures young minds. Recognising storytelling’s pivotal role in education, she curates rich narratives to ignite imaginations and instil vital values. As a Senior Curriculum Specialist, she advocates for prioritising early childhood development in educational policies and practices.

Dimity Powell, an award-winning children's author, immerses every spare moment in words. As the Managing Editor for Kids' Book Review, she exclusively writes and reviews for children. With over 30 published stories, including Pippa and The Troublesome Twins (2023), award-winning At the End of Holyrood Lane (2018), and critically acclaimed, The Fix-It Man (2017), Dimity embraces the transformative power of reading and storytelling. Explore her work at www.dimitypowell.com

Dominic Agsaway is a children’s books writer and illustrator of Boy Kendeng (Adarna House) and Lola Adela’s Ten Cats (Anvil Publishing). He is a recipiet of the Kids' Choice Awards in the 7th National Children's Book Awards 2022 as a contributor for the book, I am the Change in Climate Change (CANVAS).

As an educator, Elaine champions imagination, play, and storytelling. With over a decade of mentoring experience across age groups, she focuses on early literacy initiatives. At the National Institute of Early Childhood Development, she lectures on children’s literature, social-emotional learning, and language/literacy. Elaine is currently serving as an advisor to the Ministry of Social and Family Development for Family Values Education projects targeted at preschools.

Emila Yusof, born in 1969, is a visual artist, illustrator, and author. Her creative journey started as a broadcast and DTP graphic artist from 1996 to 2007. Since 2007, she has passionately embraced roles as a picture book illustrator and fine artist, showcasing creativity through traditional and digital artwork. She has crafted over 60 picture books to date, earning numerous awards locally and internationally.

Emily Lim-Leh is an award-winning author of over 40 children’s books. She was named Mediacorp’s Singapore Woman Award Honoree for inspiring readers and is a recipient of the Public Service Medal (Covid-19) for her informational e-picture books for the community. Little Hero, her new junior historical fiction book, came out of her curiosity and interest to learn about her grandmother’s and father’s stories.

Eugene Y. Evasco is a full professor of creative writing and children’s literature at the College of Arts and Letters, University of the Philippines Diliman. He was a Research Fellow at the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany.

His The Cat Library (Ang Aklatang Pusa) was included in The White Ravens in 2019 as one of the world’s notable children’s books. He won the 2000 Poet of the Year and 2020 Essayist of the Year from the Commission on the Filipino Language.

Eugene was inducted in the Hall of Fame of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in 2009 and awarded the 2021 Dangal ng Panitikan (Pride of Literature) by the Commission on the Filipino Language.

Evangeline A. Encabo is a professor at De La Salle University Manila and a textbook writer and editor. She is an expert in the formulation of product concepts and strategies that will result to the development of effective instructional materials. She also has extensive experience teaching Filipino language and culture to Filipino and non-Filipino learners.

Evelyn Sue Wong is children’s author of the multilingual Just a Little Mynah picture book series. She writes to spark children’s imagination, with hope for real change. She has been involved in AFCC since its first festival in 2010, curating publications, programmes and partnerships. Evelyn has led research and education programmes promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Canada, Singapore and Asia-Pacific.

Fran Alvarez is an illustrator who draws for children's books, commercial projects, and personal experiments. She uses digital and traditional materials, and is inspired by nature, pop culture, childhood and daily life. Her recognitions include the Nami Concours Green Island Award, the Philippine National Children's Book Award, and being a Bologna Children's Book Fair Illustration Exhibit finalist.

Germaine Tan, a clinical psychologist at the Institute of Mental Health, is a registered psychologist (Singapore) and SRP-approved supervisor. She’s a certified mindfulness teacher for both age groups with over 20 years of dedicated service to children, youths, and families. Germaine holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (NIE) and has been honoured with the Ministry of Education Teaching Award and Healthcare Manpower Development Award (Singapore).

Glenda Oris is a children’s book writer. Her book Ako ay May Kiki (Lampara, 2020) has been translated to Italian and was also awarded as the National Children’s Book Award Best Reads 2020-2021. Her Ayun, O! series, published by Anvil Publishing (2017) has been translated into six (6) Philippine regional languages (Bikol, Ilocano, Kapampangan, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Chavacano). She is also an Assistant Professor at Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines.

Ai Yat is the principal course leader for The Back Of The Napkin, a bestselling business visual communication and problem-solving book by Dan Roam and a certified trainer for LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®. She runs workshops on entrepreneurship and career planning at the Civil Service College, SIM Global Education, schools and corporations. An ex-banker, Ai Yat is also a storyteller, an artist and an entrepreneur.

Born deaf and reliant on hearing aids and lip-reading, Grace Ng loves to read manga, take photos and watch movies. Inspired by Deaf actress Marlee Matlin, Grace began to explore opportunities in acting through online courses and further enrolled into ART:DIS’s theatre training programme where she can use Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) for artistic expression. This opened up an opportunity for her to write and perform Between Us for Singapore Writers Festival 2020. She plans to pursue further studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (UK) in BA Performance in British Sign Language and English.

With 19 years of ECE experience, Grace designs enriching learning experiences. Passionate about nurturing young minds, she prioritises building strong educational foundations. Her expertise in early childhood education ensures safe, stimulating environments. Grace advocates for curiosity and compassion, staying current with research. As a Senior Curriculum Specialist at PCF, she mentors teachers, ensuring every child receives equitable opportunities.

Hafiz Rashid is an experienced museum docent who has been volunteering with the National Heritage Board (NHB) since 2013. He is also a storyteller who has performed at various events and venues such as Storyfest at the Arts House and Singapore Heritagefest. In 2021, he received the Teman Warisan award in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the Malay arts and heritage sector. His research interests include learning about the history, culture, folklore and languages of the Malay Archipelago, with a special focus on textiles. Hence, he is often seen wearing these textiles in his tours and storytelling sessions, sharing the stories behind their motifs and designs - stories with deep links to the past.

Hannah, an early childhood educator with 16 years of experience in local and international kindergartens, as a teacher and curriculum coordinator. Specialising in early literacy, she is pursuing studies in applied linguistics to align with her passion for lifelong learning. She cherishes interactions with children, sharing stories, questions, or their writing. Hannah’s only red flag is her penchant for hoarding children’s drawings and sketches.

Naomi holds a Bachelor’s in Food Technology and a Master’s in Food Industry Management. She has published 10 picture books, including The Dream Weaver and Luftan and The Monster, which depict the inspiring stories of young teenagers. In 2022, she was chosen as one of Melbourne’s Virtual Writers in Residence.

Jessica Amanda Bauza is a children’s book illustrator and the former president of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan. She won the 7th National Children's Book Awards Best Reads 2020-2021 for her book, Magtanim ay Di Biro (Adarna House). She is also a contributor to Tuttle Publishing’s The Amazing Beasts of Philippine Mythology. She is also the illustrator of Ang Dangkal ni Matmat (Tahanan Books).

Janice Khoo is the co-author of Sing a Song of Hawker Food, a collection of fractured nursery rhymes re-written to feature Singapore hawker culture. The title received the second prize in the English (Children) category at the Popular Readers’ Choice Awards 2022. At AFCC 2024, she will introduce two new picture books – Shelby and Mona, and The Emperor’s Gazillion New Toys, co-written with Lianne Ong.

Jegannath Ramanujam, is an animator and an illustrator who predominantly works on children’s animation content. He is also the Founder and Creative Director of Creative Hands. He created Kathai Neram, a website that features originally created animation stories, audio books and comics in Tamil for students. With a keen interest in animation and Tamil language, Jegan has collaborated with SINDA, Tamil Murasu, SWF on various occasions to offer his expertise and knowledge in terms of workshops, as an animator, as a speaker. Jegan hopes to reach out to the youth and the larger community by bridging animation with Tamil.

Jennith Chen, widely known as readwithjenn on TikTok, is a BookTok content creator who seamlessly blends her passion for literature with the digital realm. 

From heartwarming romance to captivating asian literature, Jennith’s curated recommendations cater to a diverse audience, fostering a vibrant community of book lovers eager to discover their next literary adventure. 

Jennith’s influence extends beyond the platform, as she actively engages with her community through collaborations with authors and partnerships with literacy organization such as National Library Board, National Reading Movement, and Definitely Books. 

Join her on a journey through the pages of endless stories, where every like is a bookmark in the shared experience of the written word.

Jessica Leman is a writer and storyboard artist based in Jakarta, Indonesia and the co-creator of Magical Sweet Gula. She is currently pursuing digital marketing in creative industries. She met Johanes Park while studying animation at Kyungsung University in South Korea. The duo remain passionate about pop culture and comics as a medium to communicate meaningful stories with universal appeal, and participate actively in efforts to bring Indonesian creators’ works to global audiences.

J.H. Low has a degree in fine art, a MA in Children’s Illustration, and a PhD (in The Expressive Potential of the Picturebook Form). J.H. is the winner of the 2022 Hedwig Anuar Children's Book Award and his picturebook "Lemonade Sky" is featured in the White Ravens catalogue 2021. His latest published books include "The Visitor", a graphic novel that explores existential issues about human relationships, and a children's picturebook "Orang & Hutan" which brings to light the importance of nature conservation through the eyes of an Orangutan.

Jill Lim has been in the fields of writing and editing for almost 30 years. Her roles have included being a newspaper reporter, a 3 magazine editor and a newspaper subeditor. She has been a book editor with Straits Times Press since January 2017. She is married with three children, the oldest of whom has autism. Jill is the author of four children's books, including My Colouring Book Is Ruined!, published in 2019, about a child with autism.

Joanna Maneckji, a Singapore-based author, educator, and artist, crafts captivating collages that defy expectations, evoke joy, and foster empathy. Starting with a meditative outlet when her son began walking, she later used collage to navigate grief after her father’s passing, resulting in her debut storybook, Letters to My Grandfather. Raised in a multicultural environment in Mumbai, Joanna pursued anthropology at Smith College and holds a master’s degree in teaching.

Joel is a novelist, poet, and translator based in Bay, Laguna in the Philippines. His novel, Wing of the Locust, is the 2018 Scholastic Asian Book Award winner and a 2021 Singapore Book Award finalist. His short story, Artifacts from the Parent, is an Editor's Choice awardee for Best Asian Short Stories in 2019. He was awarded by the Philippine National Commission on Culture and the Arts with the Ani ng Dangal for Literature in 2021.

Johanes Park is a comic artist and university lecturer based in Jakarta, Indonesia. He met Jessica Leman while they studied animation at Kyungsung University in South Korea. Inspired by Johanes’ childhood experiences growing up with both Korean and Indonesian identities, the duo first created Magical Sweet Gula together in 2015, to share a story of acceptance and friendship with young people who feel “different”.

Josef Lee tells stories through pictures. As a picture-book author & artist, his illustrated short stories have been shared online since 2008. In 2017, Josef successfully published his first picture-book via crowdfunding. Since then, he has published over 10 picture-books and 1 novel adaptation, in Singapore, China, Taiwan, Korea and Thailand. Josef also launched the 'House of Mini Picture Books' (www.minipicbooks.com/) in 2021 - an online FREE resource of original picture stories by local authors, to be downloaded / printed / DIY-ed into mini picture books. Follow him on IG @joseflee.stories

Josephine Chia is a  local author who likes to feature Singaporean history, life and fables in her books. Proud of her Peranakan heritage , she includes facets of her rich culture and heritage. Josephine writes both fiction and non-fiction, with 14 published books here and in UK. When she was living in UK, she was a finalist for UK’s Ian St James Award and won other literary prizes. Her Masters in Creative Writing is from UK Bath Spa University. After her return home, she won the Singapore Literature Prize in 2014 for her non-fiction memoirs, Kampong Spirit/Gotong Royong, which is based on the attap village she grew up in the 1950s. Her children’s novel, Queen of the Sky, was shortlisted for the Scholastic Asian Book Award 2018. In 2019, she won the Singapore Publishers Book Award for her first YA Novel, Big Tree in a Small Pot.

Josephine is a Creative Writing mentor with a passion to nurture the future writers of Singapore. Several of her students are now published writers. 

Joseph Namara Hollis is a multi-award winning author-illustrator from the United Kingdom. Named "most exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration" in 2022, with his debut title Pierre’s New Hair winning the Klaus Flugge Prize. In 2018, on graduation from the internationally renowned MA at Cambridge School of Art, Joseph won the V&A Student Illustrator of the Year Award. The judges praised him for "bringing charm and sophistication in equal measure". Since then he has worked with Tate Publishing, Laurence King, and Andersen Press. He also lectures at Nottingham Trent University, where he shares his passion for illustration and picture books.

Joshene is a children’s book writer, editor, and translator. She received the 2023 PBBY-Salanga Prize Honourable Mention for her book, Hindi Ako Mayumi! Adarna House also published her children’s book, Bianca’s Big Secret in 2018.

As Chief Education Officer at PictureThink Academy, Joyce crafts visual thinking programs to enhance children’s and youth’s cognitive abilities and creativity. With 15 years of teaching experience spanning toddlers to college students, she specialises in English Language, Character Education, and Project Work Skills. Drawing from her expertise in Curriculum Planning at Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) headquarters and leadership roles in secondary schools, Joyce is adept at designing impactful educational programs for students and teachers alike.

Joyce is the author of several novels, including the Children of the Desert trilogy (Penguin Random House SEA, 2021), Until Morning, No Room in Neverland (Penguin Random House SEA, 2023) and Lambs for Dinner (Straits Times Press, 2013). She graduated from the National University of Singapore with a degree in English and is now a personal finance editor by day and author by night. Her articles have appeared in Harper's Bazaar, Her World, The Straits Times, and more. She can be found on Instagram, TikTok and Threads at @joycechuawrites.

Joyceline See Tully is a Singaporean children’s book author with a penchant for local wildlife. Singapore lore and glorious food. She has written several children’s books including Tiger Tales, Road Safety with Kay and Bear Bear, Attack at the Mall and The Runaway Car, and co-authored The Little Singapore Book. After working in publishing for more than 25 years as a journalist and magazine editor, she now teaches part-time at a local university and is working on her next children’s book.

June CL Tan is the author of the internationally bestselling Jade Fire Gold and the Darker By Four duology. Her books have garnered multiple starred reviews from Kirkus and BCCB, and are Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections. In 2021, she was also chosen as one of Publishers Weekly’s Flying Starts. A Singaporean raised on a diet of teh tarik, classic books, and wuxia movies, she now resides in New York City.

Katherine Wallace is an author, musician, and educator whose love of words and music is united in her stories and songs. Her picture books, Mirelle’s Mirror and Trash-er Island, inspire curiosity about sustainability and our world. A former university professor, Katherine has published and performed in professional music ensembles worldwide.

Kimberly Lee serves as the Managing Editor of the parenting platform makchic.com, in addition to being a lawyer and author of BOYS DON’T FRY, the upcoming 100 DAYS and co-author of WHAT IF?. Kimberly advocates for the transformative power of storytelling and believes in every child's right to be heard. She resides in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with her husband and two sons. Connect with her online at www.kimberlyleebooks.com or on Instagram and X as @kimlsywrites.

Min is a Manager at Yeon Agency. She earned her BFA in Graphic Design from Parsons and worked as a UX designer at Samsung HQ in Seoul, Korea for 10 years. After relocating to Singapore four years ago, she became an artist agent. Her experience gives her a unique understanding of both corporate and freelance environments. Min has been surrounded by art and design for over half of her life. She loves exploring the beauty of being in the creative world.

Krishna Belle D. Meniado is a writer and editor with over 14 years of professional experience in media and publishing, with exposure to public policy, youth development, and entrepreneurship. She is also an avid reading advocate.

Lauren Ho is a reformed legal counsel who now prefers to write for pleasure. Hailing from Malaysia, she is currently based in Singapore with her family. She is the author of two critically-acclaimed adult contemporary fiction novels, Last Tang Standing and Lucie Yi is Not a Romantic. Bite Me, Royce Taslim is her first young adult novel.

Lawrence Schimel (New York, 1971) is a full-time author, writing in both Spanish and English, based in Madrid, Spain, who has published over 130 books in a wide range of genres. His picture books have won a Crystal Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a White Raven from the International Youth Library in Munich, and have been chosen by IBBY for Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities (three times), among other honors. His writings have been translated into over sixty languages, including Korean, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Urdu, Farsi, Kurdish, and Basque. In addition to his own writing, he is a prolific literary translator, primarily into English and into Spanish, who has published over 160 books. His translations into English have won a Batchelder Honor from the American Library Association, a PEN Translates Award from English PEN (three times), and a National Endowment for the Arts Translation Fellowship (with Layla Benitez-James), among other honors. He is Editorial Director for Ediciones NorteSur, the Spanish-language imprint of children’s book publisher NorthSouth Books.

Lianne Ong, an editor and award-winning children’s author, has published 18 picture books. Renowned for "Stacey & the Museums" and "A Place for Us," she won second prize in the POPULAR Reader’s Choice Awards (Children’s Category) in 2022 for "Sing A Song of Hawker Food." This year, she’s excited to launch two new books on rough sleeping in Singapore and an environmental fractured fairy tale, "The Emperor’s Gazillion New Toys."

Liew Shiang Hui is a medical social worker at the Institute of Mental Health. She is currently working in the field of Forensic Psychiatry. Shiang Hui has worked passionately with children, youths and their families in the last 20 years and is trained to teach mindfulness.

Liwliwa Noble Malabed is an Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños. She is also the Editor and Popular Media Developer for Learning Toolkit for Weaving, under the UP-funded research project, CORDITEX.

Adarna House recently published her works: Bawat Bata: Gabay sa mga Karapatan ng mga Bata (Every Child: A Guide to Children's Rights) (2023), Mga Sinaunang Hayop sa Pilipinas (Ancient Animals in the Philippines) (2022), and Matandang-matandang Buto: Ang Homo Luzonensis sa Pilipinas (Very, very old bones: The Philippines' Homo Luzonensis) (2022).

Liyana, a former public relations practitioner and government consultant, currently serves as the Special Projects Director of makchic, an online parenting platform based in Malaysia. With a mission to inform, support, and uplift families, she co-authored WHAT IF? in 2021, published by makchic. Passionate about connecting through literature, Liyana finds books to be invaluable for initiating conversations that might not occur otherwise. Find her on Instagram as @liyana.taff.

Liza is one of the leading children’s book illustrators in the Philippines. Her books, The Secret is in the Soil (2012), and Ang Maliit na Kalabaw (The Tiny Carabao) (2021) have been included in the National Children’s Book Award Best Reads for 2012-2013 and 2020-2021. She mentors illustrators from different countries through Room to Read, an international nonprofit organisation.

Liza also runs Studio Dialogo, a graphic design studio in Manila. She designed the book, KarapatDapat (2018), which was included in The White Ravens list in 2020.

Louisa’s Go, Go Green Gavin books, celebrated by environmental advocates, showcase her passion for living in harmony with nature. As a  Professional Member of the Storytelling Association of Singapore and member of the National Storytelling Network, USA, she holds UK Licentiates in Speech & Drama and Public Speaking. Louisa earned Magna cum Laude for her BA (Theatre Arts) and an MA (Communications) from New York, USA.

A journalist by profession, Low Lai Chow is a children's book author with nine books to her name including Becoming Margaret Leng Tan: The World's First Toy Piano Virtuoso (2023) and Catch Mee If You Can: Find the Noodles, Eat the Noodles! (2022), which was nominated for Best Picture Book at Singapore Book Awards 2023. She is the creator of National Gallery Singapore's Art for Tinies (2020) board book series and has worn multiple hats as publisher, illustrator and author of Penguins Eat Pancakes (2022). Her attempts at doodling are best described as questionable. 

Luis Gatmaitan is a medical doctor and an author of more than 40 children's books, some of which have been translated into Nihongo, Thai, and Bahasa Indonesia. He is a member of the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) and now sits as Chair of the National Council for Children's Television (NCCT) as a child development specialist.

Known as Tito Dok to his readers and listeners, he hosts a weekly radio storytelling program, Wan Dey Isang Araw at 702 DZAS of the Far Eastern Broadcasting Company. In 2003, he was one of the recipients of The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM).

Mae Coyiuto is a Chinese-Filipino writer, born and raised in the Philippines. Mae earned her BA in Psychology from Pomona College and her Master’s Degree in Writing for Young Adults/Children from The New School. If she’s not writing, she’s usually fangirling over Beyoncé, tennis, Gilmore Girls, or all of the above. She currently lives in Manila.

Mary Ann has written 45 books for children. Her stories have won various awards in the Philippines and overseas: her first book, The Crying Trees, won grand prize at the Samsung KidsTime Authors Award in Singapore; Malong, the Magic Cloth, was awarded Best ASEAN Fiction Children’s Book Illustration in the first International Children’s Content Rights Fair (ICCRF) in Thailand; The Pencil Who Would Not Write recently won first prize in the Los Angeles International Indie Children’s Book Cover Award (2021); and Bulul, was awarded Best Reads at the National Children’s Book Awards (2020/2021).

Many of her books have been translated into Nihongo, Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, Thai, Russian, Korean, Nepali, Azerbaijani, and Bahasa Indonesia. She is the founder of ABC Educational Development Centre and currently a member of the governing board of the National Book Development Board (NBDB)-Philippines.

Dr Michelle Chan, who earned her PhD at Royal Holloway, University of London, is affiliated with the Department of English Language and Literature at Hong Kong Shue Yan University. Her research includes Victorian Literature, Fantasy, and Children’s Literature, with a recent focus on healing and picture books, fairy tales, translating visual narratives, and transmedia presentation of children’s literature.

Mignon ‘Migs’ Bravo Dutt is a writer and researcher who has published work in several countries, regions, and cultures. She is the author of the contemporary novel, The Rosales House, and the interlinked novella collection, Room 216, both from Penguin Random House SEA (PRHSEA).

Migs has also published several essays, including one in the Washington Post about her pandemic experience in the USA. She has contributed prose and poetry to anthologies and journals and has been featured in literary interviews and programs in Asia, Europe and the USA. Her short fiction was selected for 22 New Asian Short Stories, Kitaab’s The Best Asian Short Stories, and Growing Up Filipino 3.

Mindy has more than a decade of experience as editor and marketing manager at Marshall Cavendish International. She is the driving force behind key publications as a senior editor and develops marketing strategies to help the publishing house remain a leading publisher in Asia and beyond.

Muhammad Bin Kamit, also known as Chief Sidekick Mudd, has been educating children since 2010 and preschool educators since 2016. He advocates for outdoor learning, fostering confidence and curiosity in young minds. Mudd excels in simplifying learning through purposeful play, injecting adventure through stories, and creating games from everyday items. Passionate about play’s value, outdoor learning, and presence for children, he has inspired over 10,000 students and trained 3,000 educators.

Muhammed Shahril Shaik Abdullah is a librarian at the National Library Board, Singapore, managing reading programs for children aged 1 to 9. He holds a Master of Education from Monash University, specializing in Leadership, Policy, and Change. His research focuses on children’s literature and critical education, with published works in KOMENTAR and AMP’s Karyawan magazine.

Murti Bunanta is a children’s literature specialist, writer, and founder of two nonprofit organizations, The Society for The Advancement of Children’s Literature and the Indonesian Board on Books for Young People. She has authored 50 books, given lectures in 22 countries, and written 250 essays. Her works have been translated into several languages, earning her seven international recognitions for her books and six for promoting children’s literature.

Myra Loke is a theatre director, puppeteer / performer, designer, maker and educator.

Her artistic journey in Singapore’s theatre started 18 years ago when she was the pioneer batch of ARTivate, the youth wing of Drama Box Ltd. Now, Myra is part of the core team of The Finger Players, one of Singapore’s leading theatre companies, best known for their visually-arresting productions and its strong advocacy of puppetry. She led the company as co-Artistic Director from 2020 – 2023. 

Myra also co-founded The Wanderlings, where she co-created You Can Reach The Sky (2017 – 2019), Singapore’s first immersive theatrical experience for babies. Myra believes in the transformative power of Puppetry for dialogue, reflection and social change. 

Namita Moolani Mehra is an agented children’s book author, freelance writer, and entrepreneur. Her latest picture books are The Light Within You and Anni Dreams of Biryani. She has been a speaker at AFCC and held workshops at Singapore Writers Festival. She founded Indian Spicebox, a social-impact platform that has funded half a million meals for underprivileged children in India.

Marc Noesis Marquez is a theatre and film artist who graduated from Arellano University-Manila. Currently taking up his master's in Theatre Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Noesis is currently the Executive Assistant II for the Office of the Executive Director of the National Book Development Board (NBDB)-Philippines. 

Noretta Jacob, founder of Safar Training and Consultancy, provides comprehensive training for early childhood practitioners and parents, recognizing them as primary educators. With extensive experience in leadership roles, she is a dedicated change-maker focused on enhancing understanding and knowledge of early childhood education within the Muslim community in Singapore.

Nori is a dedicated educator and cultural advocate, boasting 25 years of enriching experience in fostering creativity and learning. She passionately champions multicultural experiences and storytelling as pathways to understanding. Skilled in arts, music, and drama, Nori has collaborated worldwide, nurturing young minds and promoting inclusion. She merges diverse experiences into meaningful projects, utilising her expertise to contribute to community growth.

Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar has translated children’s picture books, fiction and poetry since 2017. She won the Inaugural MASTERA Translation Prize for Poetry in 2019 and Honourable Mention for Translation at the Golden Poing Award 2023. She has conducted translation workshops for students. She is also an editorial consultant and an author of eleven children’s picture books.

An acclaimed author and writing teacher, Pauline Loh boasts a diverse portfolio: 15 adult non-fiction, 5 Young Adult, 9 children’s storybooks, and 3 junior chapter books. Among the awards that she has won include the Scholastic Asian Book Award 2012, 1st runner-up, Samsung KidsTime Author’s Award 2015 & Singapore Book Awards 2016 and Popular Kids’ Choice Award 2021.

Pham Thi Hoai Anh, a children’s picture book author and educator, founded Vietnam’s ICBC (Initiative of Children’s Book Creative Content). Leading diverse educational programs, including visual art exhibitions and interactive storytime, she aims to enrich children’s artistic experiences and spread the joy of reading. Hoai Anh sees this as a vital responsibility as a children’s book author.

An experienced educator, Ping-Shi Kao studied and taught in various countries, earning her M.Phil. in Children’s Literature from Trinity College Dublin in 2017. As a full-time lecturer at Tatung University since 2019, she teaches picturebook translation, multimedia learning, and negotiation courses. Her research explores visual texts, material culture, and war animals, emphasizing cross-cultural collaboration in storytelling as a catalyst for curiosity and creativity. Ping has connected her picturebook class with Fighting Words Ireland to foster bilingual storytelling at storymeetsstory.net.

Priscilla Hoon-Tan is the co-creator of the Awesome Women Series. She calls herself an “accidental author” – prior to writing and running a business, she spent 7 years as a professional in the finance industry. With two young daughters, she co-created the Awesome Women Series with her husband to empower young girls everywhere with inspiring stories of female role models. Her interests include girl empowerment, early literacy and financial literacy for children. She is currently working on a new series of gender-neutral books for young readers.

Rachelyn Gordon grew up inventing stories to get out of trouble. Though her stories did not often work, the practice came in handy for her job as a primary school teacher. Teaching with colourful stories did not quell the ideas in her head. Instead, it pushed her to write and publish Rosie And The Mamak Shop in 2020 and Curly in 2023. Rachelyn is currently working on her next picture book and transitioning out of mainstream teaching to teaching private creative writing workshops. Find out more about her at rachelyngordon.com / https://www.instagram.com/teacherwhowrites/

Rafidah Jalil is the founder of STEAMSEL Edutainment, dedicated to instilling a love for Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in children aged 5 to 8. With a background in international banking spanning over a decade, Rafidah's journey into edutainment began when she became a mother of three. Recognizing the scarcity of STEAM content in Bahasa Melayu for her children, she founded STEAMSEL Edutainment to fill this gap.

Raissa Avery Marfa, a literacy and peace worker from Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines, collaborates with Friends Peace Teams to establish peace libraries. Committed to fostering peace and community empowerment, she conducts storytelling sessions, develops children’s books in local languages, and pursues a master’s degree in Reading Education at the University of the Philippines.

Rommel Joson is an illustator, painter, and educator based in Quezon City, Philippines. He received Honourable Mentions from the Philippine Board of Books for Young People-Alcala Prize in 2008, 2010, and 2021. He illustrated the book, Isang Harding Papel, which was awarded the 2015 Filipino Readers Choice Award, Best Children's Book. He currently teaches at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts.

Having worked in public communications and publishing, as a writer and editor, for 25 years, Ruth is currently the Publisher at World Scientific Education, where she acquires children’s books on Asian and STEM themes and manages a team of editors, designers and illustrators.

Ruth is also the author of the bestselling Timmy and Tammy preschool series, which has sold over 300,000 copies worldwide. The series has had the honour of being given to all Singaporean babies born in 2015, the year Singapore celebrated 50 years of independence. Ruth’s Timmy and Tammy books were also presented to Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana by the President of Singapore to commemorate the royal birth.

Ruth is passionate about encouraging children to love reading and to love Singapore.

Australian author Sally Murphy, OAM, known for acclaimed children’s books like Queen Narelle and Pearl Verses the World, also contributes to education with works like Teaching Poetry for Pleasure and Purpose. Awarded an OAM in 2022, she’s recognized for her contributions to children’s literature and education. Sally works at Curtin University in the School of Education, focusing on literacy education and children’s literature.

Sandhya Prabhat is an Independent Animator and Illustrator based in the Bay Area, California and is from Chennai, India. She holds an MFA Degree in Animation and Digital Arts from NYU Tisch School of the Arts Asia, and a Bachelor's Degree in Literature from Stella Maris College.  

She is represented by Alice Sutherland-Hawes of ASH Literary for UK/USA Children's Books.

For more information, please visit: https://sandhyaprabhat.com/

Sarah Ang, a children’s book illustrator and author, initiated her career illustrating Christian children’s books before venturing into writing. Her aim is to craft literature that instils eco-consciousness. She penned "The River that Brings Us Life," chronicling Singapore River’s cleanup. At AFCC, she unveils "Charlie the Sweeper" and "The Three Little Builders," blending heartwarming narratives with fractured fairytales.

Sara Patricia Kelly is a creative storyteller and keynote speaker. Born in Australia, she loves creating words, singing nursery rhymes, and having family morning walks. Sara authored "4 a.m. Raspberry Party: Childhood Poems" and manages flossiebossy.com, a poetry site for kids. She is a regular speaker at spoken-word events and holds an MA in Creative Writing from LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore.

Having left her home in Japan, Satomi Ichikawa arrived one day in Paris, without knowing a single word of French. She decided to stay no matter what the price. She didn’t know that her professional calling was in the field of drawing – she had this revelation while looking through an illustrated book by Maurice Boutet de Monvel.

Serene Choo, revelling in newfound joy post-corporate life, embraces creative pursuits with freedom. Immersed in writing, dancing, singing, and imaginative ventures, she values openness and learning through experiences, both good and bad. Over the past five years, she's ventured into unexpected realms—composing children's songs, gracing the Esplanade stage, and penning children's books, among others.

Shalom Lim is a former painter who writes for Muscular Dystrophy News, sharing his lived experiences with the condition. He has a criminology degree from the University of Liverpool and a counselling graduate diploma from The School of Positive Psychology. Shalom dreams of becoming a counsellor and playwright working with the disabled.

Shawn Tan is a lawyer by profession and a children’s book author by passion. With two young daughters, he co-created the Awesome Women Series with his wife to empower young girls everywhere with inspiring stories of female role models. His interests include early childhood education and the Japanese concept of Ikigai — finding one's purpose and joy in life. Through the Awesome Women Series, he hopes to inspire children to be anything they want to be and to navigate life’s adventures with courage and purpose.

Sherry “Elisa” Toh is a writer and SMA advocate, whose professional start began
with her column on SMA News Today. Loud Little Mermaids is based upon her
friendship with fellow columnist Brianna Albers. In 2023, she had an essay included in Singapore’s first printed disability studies anthology, “Not Without Us: Perspective on Disabilities and Inclusion in Singapore.”

Shreya is the Editor at Difference Engine and has edited comics, literary fiction, and non-fiction publications. Her short stories have appeared in The Epigram Books Collection of Best New Singaporean Short Stories (Vol 4) and Mahogany Journal. She never leaves home without a book in tow.

Sim Ee Waun, renowned author of "The Little Singapore Book" and "We Shall Remember: The Story of Singapore at War," is dedicated to bringing Singapore’s history alive for children. With nearly 30 years as a food writer and editor, she now focuses on historical creative non-fiction, co-founding Pepper Dog Press. Ee Waun also teaches part-time at the National University of Singapore and is a Former Ford Factory Museum docent, fervently sharing her passion for Singapore’s past.

Soumya Ayer, intrigued by the narratives held in objects, explores stories of times, places, and people influencing our world. The author of three children’s books on Indian mythology, her fiction debut, The Ghost of Malabar, intertwines history and storytelling. It has been shortlisted for the Neev Book Awards 2023, Atta Galatta Children’s Book Fiction Prize 2022, and PVLF Author Excellence Award 2024. Soumya volunteers as a docent in Singapore’s museums and is part of SCBWI’s Singapore chapter.

Srividhya Mohan is an English Language teacher at Jing Shan Primary School. She enjoys working with children to provide rich language experiences that will develop their love for the language while equipping them with social emotional skills. As a book lover, she particularly enjoys children's literature and believes that stories is an effective teaching tool that captivates children's attention, brings learning to life and creates platforms for teachable moments.

Tan Beng Tian is a disciple of the late renowned traditional hand puppet master
Li Bofen and is a recipient of the JCCI Singapore Foundation Culture Award in
2005. Major companies she has worked with in her twenty-seven-year-old career are Checkpoint Theatre, Drama Box, Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, The
Finger Players, The Necessary Stage, The Theatre Practice, Toy Factory Productions, Wild Rice and Zuni Icosahedron (Hong Kong). As a multifaceted independent theatre practitioner, Beng Tian has been actively promoting theatre making and passing on her puppetry knowledge through Masterclass Workshops and talks.

The Inteligente Publishing, Inc. is a company dedicated to producing high-quality educational materials for children. They have received the Golden Globe Awards 2023 for Best Trusted Textbook Publishing Company as well as the Gawad Filipino Awards 2024.

Represented by Abigael Joice Francisco

As a Tamil Language teacher for the past 20 years, Dr Umayalambigai is no stranger to the arts world. She started off as a youth volunteer in 1997 and a debudant as an actress. She pursued her love for Tamil and worked with several theatre groups and flourished to directing her own plays. Notably, she paved the first children’s theatre in Tamil in Singapore - Ali Baba. The flare for scriptwriting grew on Dr Umayal and she has since written, translated and worked on transcreations of several plays. Her notable works include Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice in Tamil as ‘Venice Vanigan’, Reginald Rose’s Twelve Angry Men and many more.

Dr Umayal has written two children books; one entitled ‘Num Kaatinilae’ together with Avant Theatre and Language and ‘Kaanamal Pona Kizhangu Paatti’ with the support of NAC & Beyond Words Singapore Book Council.

Currently working as a Project Development Officer at the National Book Development Board (NBDB), a national agency that provides technical and developmental assistance to the whole book publishing industry, Virgie handles and coordinates for both local and international exhibitions of NBDB. She is a founding member of The Manila Collectible Co. and Culturaid, a non-profit organisation that documents, safeguards, revitalises and promotes the practice and relevance of Philippine cultural heritage.

As an illustrator, designer, and researcher at KIBA ITB Bandung, Wenny Yosselina focuses on creating inclusive media for children with special needs. She has actively engaged in community projects since 2017, including providing disability tools and children's books. Recent initiatives involve 3D printing for Low-Vision Children, fostering cross-ability collaborations, and producing research articles guiding picture book design evaluations in Southeast Asia.As an illustrator, designer, and researcher at KIBA ITB Bandung, Wenny Yosselina focuses on creating inclusive media for children with special needs. She has actively engaged in community projects since 2017, including providing disability tools and children's books. Recent initiatives involve 3D printing for Low-Vision Children, fostering cross-ability collaborations, and producing research articles guiding picture book design evaluations in Southeast Asia.

Xi Zuq is a writer and reading advocate from Southern Mindanao. He is also a publishing personnel of Aklat Alamid, an independent publishing house for children’s books.

Hsu Tseng Chiao is from Taipei, Taiwan. Her interest in animals and ecology started when she joined a nature conservation society during her university days. She has been a research assistant, veterinarian, primary school teacher, stay-at-home mother, and columnist. She loves food, small animals, and nature. Currently, she writes picture books and grows vegetables. Her picture books include 《生态池的故事》(The ecological pond),《和爸爸去爬山》(Hiking with papa),《来自森林的礼物》(A gift from the forest),《神秘甲虫》(The mysterious beetle),《和我一起去野餐》(A picnic with me),《小班做饭团》(Ben makes rice balls) ,《妈妈》(Mama),《台湾生态寻宝趣》(Ecological treasures in Taiwan),《野地漫游》(Roaming in nature),《小黄吊车》(The little yellow crane), and《棒球场的老鼠》(The mouse in the baseball field).

Yan Du received her PhD as a Cambridge Trust scholar at the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Education. Her research focuses on representations of writing and girlhood in youth fiction, poetry, and media culture. She explores contemporary Chinese youth literature with a keen interest in visual and transmedia content. Yan also translates children’s books and authored My Pocket Bathroom, published by Yehoo Press.

An early childhood practitioner of 24 years, Ms Yogeswari Preshant is the ex founder of a bilingual education school. Under the brand, she has also previously headed a Childcare Centre. She was also the Artistic Director for a children's Theatre programme.

Ms Yogeswari Preshant is also a theatre practitioner and media artiste. She has participated in various stage, radio and television productions. As a certified Speech and Drama Facilitator, she conducts and designs curriculums for school workshops and programmes.

A passionate philanthropist, she travels extensively around the world providing support and bringing literacy programs to the less fortunate children in welfare homes, steadfastly believing that no one should be denied an education. Her philanthropy efforts are particulary recognised in Myanmar and India where she had went down to the HIV homes to set up models. She ensures that Tamil education is extended to as many children with our resources at ThinkTamil Academy.

Her talents however do not stop there. A writer herself, Ms Yogeswari Preshant has written and produced the Appalakutty Series -a bilingual book series for kids. Besides writing, she has also Directed children's plays and Singapore's first bilingual animated film that were screened in local cinemas.

Zeno Sworder is a writer and artist who lives in Melbourne with his young family. After studying Chinese literature and migration law at university, he ended up as a dishwasher. Later, he went on to work as a journalist, an English language teacher, a consular officer, an advocate for refugees and immigrants, and a jewelry designer. But he has always felt most himself sitting at a table drawing pictures and making up stories. He is a lover of all stationery but has a particular soft spot for pencils. Sworder is the winner of the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) 2023 Picture Book of the Year for My Strange Shrinking Parents. In 2021, Sworder was named the CBCA New Illustrator of the Year, and his first book This Small Blue Dot was a CBCA Notable Book, the winner of the 2021 Australian Book Designers Association’s Award for Best Designed Children’s Illustrated Book, and the Designers' Choice Children’s/Young Adult Book of the Year.

Zhou Jian Xin is an illustrator and writer. He has a PhD in children’s literature from the National Taitung University and a Master’s of design from the Taipei National University of the Arts. In 2016, he won the first prize at the Hsin-Yi Children’s Literature Award with Puppy and I（《小白》）. Other picture books by him include 《寻猫启事》(The runaway cat),《小小的大冒险》(Xiao Xiao’s great adventure),《小朱鹂》(The maroon oriole),《机车妈妈》(Mum rides a bike), and《黑武士林雕》(The black eagle knight). In 2021, Zhou won numerous awards, such as the Golden Tripod Award, the Golden Comics Awards Best New Talent, the Taipei Book Fair Award, and the White Ravens Award with his Son of Formosa (《来自清水的孩子》). The book has since been published in many countries.