AFCC 2027 Call For Papers

The 2027 Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) will run from 27 – 30 May 2027 at the National Library Building in Singapore. 

Organised by the Singapore Book Council, the annual festival is now seeking proposals for our festival programme based on the theme - CONNECTING VOICES. 

The proposal can be a presentation, panel discussion, or workshop focusing on topics related to children’s books, stories and content. 

AFCC 2027 Theme – CONNECTING VOICES

Connecting Voices celebrates the power of storytelling to bridge languages, cultures and creative expressions. At AFCC 2027, we envision a world where every voice is heard, where the main currency is the openness to listen and desire to make connections.

Stories find new meaning as they travel through languages, evolving through adaptation and technology. Along the way, we encounter perspectives beyond our own that unveil new ways of telling and sharing.

Connecting Voices also asks us to consider whose stories we hear, and whose voices remain at the margins. How then can we make space for them to enter the conversation?

We invite you to bring fresh ears and eyes as we explore how distinct narratives can come together as one shared chorus!

Programme Tracks

We invite you to submit a proposal for consideration, to be presented at AFCC 2027 through either the Conference or Public Programme categories.  

• Conference programmes are industry-focused sessions presented along three main tracks: Writers and Illustrators; Teachers and Parents; and Cross-Platform. They are mainly targeted at children’s book creators, including writers, illustrators, translators, publishers, editors; educators, academics, librarians and parents; and producers and professionals working in the children’s media and technology industry. 
   
• Public programmes are sessions that aim to bring children’s books and stories to members of the public in fun and approachable ways. The sessions can be targeted at young children and/or families; teenagers, and grandparents. 

Programme Tracks within CONFERENCE

• WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

  This track focuses on the creation and development of literary content; translation of different language books; market trends; and industry practices in the children’s books industry. The topics would highlight literature and works from Southeast Asia and Asia for children and young adults.

• CROSS-PLATFORM

  This track focuses on transmedia storytelling, adaption of content across platforms, edu-tech and the use of technology in content creation. The topics could explore current technological trends (such as AR/VR or A.I.), digital storytelling and gamification.

• TRANSLATION FORUM 

  This track focuses on the importance of translation as a bridge between languages and cultures, and spotlights the role of translators in promoting diverse stories. The topics would highlight the craft, challenges and opportunities of translating children's literature in a globalised world. 

• PUBLISHING FORUM 

  This track focuses on examining the evolving landscape of the children's book industry in Asia, bringing together book creators, editors and publishing professionals to exchange insights into current market trends and impacts. The topics would highlight the integration of technology with book creation, book marketing and bookselling. 

• Reading Forum 

  This track focuses on exploring the strategies for fostering meaningful and balanced reading experiences for children. The topics would highlight how children's reading habits/practices are evolving across print and digital mediums, address the impact of screen-time for children and explore strategies for cultivating healthy reading habits and the joy of reading in children.  
   

Programme Formats

We welcome presentations, panel discussions, and in particular workshops that will actively engage the participants. The festival will be primarily in-person. However, we are open to virtual formats if the proposal suits our programming considerations and requirements. 

Proposals for programmes that are conducted in Chinese, Malay or Tamil will be given priority in the review process. Proposals should be aligned with the festival theme of “Connecting Voices”. 

For the conference, we are particularly looking for proposals that tackle our areas of focus topics (see Call for Paper Topics). 
 

The available programme formats for the conference are:  
 

• A presentation or talk (60-min duration, inclusive of 15 minutes for Q&A with audience)
  • Consists of one or two speakers who will speak on a particular topic. A moderator will then facilitate questions to the speaker(s) and with the audience.
     
• A workshop (90-min duration, inclusive of 15 mins for Q&A with audience) 
  • A highly interactive session, with one to two facilitators. The session usually includes hands-on activities or practical exercises for audience participation and engagement.
     
• A panel discussion (60-min duration, inclusive of 15 mins for Q&A with audience)
  • A session with two to three speakers, and a moderator who will lead a group discussion with the panellists and facilitate the Q&A session.
     

Public programmes available formats are:  

• Storytelling session (45-min duration)
  • A storytelling by an author or otherwise, preferably with interactive activities  incorporated.  Generally targeted at younger children.
     
• Performance (drama/dance) (45-min duration)
  • A dance, musical or theatrical performance adapted from or inspired by children’s books/stories. 
     
• Workshop (90-min duration)
  • A highly interactive session, with one to two facilitators, to engage children and/or parents in the craft of writing or general reading. The session can include hands-on activities or practical exercises for audience participation and engagement.

Call for Paper Topics

Preference will be given to proposals that discuss the following topics below. We are also interested in proposals for programmes conducted in Chinese, Malay, Tamil or bilingual (in Mother Tongue and English). 

Proposals should address how literature, books or stories for children and/or young adults are utilised, or play a role in the discourse of the focus area topics, preferably in relation to the festival theme. 
 

Areas of Focus

• Southeast Asia / ASEAN
• Narrative Voice(s) 
• Speculative Fiction
• Re-thinking Reading (via technology, experiential design, innovative formats/practices)
• Translation (minority and/or under-represented languages in Asia, translating within Asian languages)

Other Suggested Topics

In addition to the above, participants are also welcome to submit proposals that touch on the topics below. 

• Nature and the City 
• Wonder/Imagination
• Travels/Journeys
• Intersections and Exchanges 

Check out the previous AFCCs to view past presentations/sessions. 

Submission

Each applicant may submit up to a maximum of two (2) programme proposals for consideration: either 2 conference/public programmes, or 1 conference + 1 public programme. 

To submit your proposal(s), please do so online via the AFCC 2027 Call for Paper submission form by 9 October 2026 (23:59, GMT+8). 

The online submission form can be accessed at https://afcc2027cfp.paperform.co

The organisers reserve the right to reject any applicants who do not comply with the submission guidelines and/or provide incomplete submission(s). 

SUBMIT HERE

Review & Selection

All submissions will be assessed by the respective programming track committee. The committee will select the papers based on their assessment of the proposal content and its relevance to the festival.

Please note that only successful applicants will be notified of their proposal status - notification period: from late November 2026. 

For Successful Applicants

Successful applicants will be notified of their application status from between late November to December 2026. Successful and confirmed applicants will receive a complimentary full Festival pass, which includes admission to conference sessions during the festival period. 

Please note that applicants selected through the Call for Papers do not receive a speaker’s honorarium. Travel and accommodation for successful applicants based outside of Singapore will not be covered by AFCC. 

Confirmed presenters will be asked to submit a draft of their presentation, including the talking points and PowerPoint presentation file at least one (1) month prior to the start of AFCC. Presenters are encouraged to include interactive elements in their presentation (where possible), and to prepare notes or handouts for attendees.

Please note that the organisers may use applicants’ paper in parts or in full for marketing and publicity purposes for AFCC, either in printed or online versions.

Enquiries

For any enquiries, please contact [email protected] 

About the Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC)

AFCC is the leading festival in Asia focusing on children’s books and stories and young adult (YA) fiction. Targeted at writers, illustrators, translators, publishers, parents, educators and media producers, this unique festival offers a series of exciting panel discussions, workshops, author talks, masterclasses, pitching sessions, and networking events. AFCC promotes the creation and appreciation of quality children’s literature and YA with a focus on Asian themes. 

Since its establishment in 2010, AFCC has grown to become a key literary event in the region, attracting many local and international speakers, as well as thousands of delegates and participants, providing an opportunity for academics, writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, distributors, parents, teachers, and librarians to meet, learn, hone their craft, and develop cross-cultural collaborations.

The 18th edition of AFCC will take place from 27 – 30 May 2027.

 AFCC 2026 highlights video