Asia Writes

11 March 2013

Deadline: 30 April 2013

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), Malaysia’s broadband champion and leading integrated information and communications group, offers a comprehensive range of communication services and solutions in broadband, data and fixed-line.

TM is also a multiple corporate awards winner, having been recognised consistently for our high standards in Corporate Governance as well as the Anugerah CSR Perdana Menteri for Best Workplace Practices two years consecutively, in 2009 and 2010. TM was most recently honoured with 5 National Annual Corporate Report Awards (NACRA) 2010, notably the Platinum Award for CSR; and 4 Frost and Sullivan Malaysia Excellence Awards 2011, including Best Broadband Service Provider of the Year.

Editor Travel Writer (Selangor - HQ)

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To write, edit and proofread the company's publication
• To coordinate and liaise closely with authors pertaining the publications
• To work closely with graphic designers pertaining the typesetting and designs

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent command of written and spoken Bahasa Malaysia/ English
• Minimum 2 years of editorial experience in educational publishing
• Meticulous, able to multi-task, independent and committed to deadline

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions:
For queries:
For submissions: apply via TM Info-Media's careers website

Website: http://www.tm.com.my/

06 March 2013

Deadline: 6 March 2013

ARE you a teenager who dreams of becoming a newspaper journalist? Do you want to interview celebrities like Leona Lewis, Christina Perri, The Wanted, or meet ex-Manchester United players? Or do you simply want to take a step out of your comfort zone and see the country better? You can do all that by joining the BRATs!

For the past 19 years, The Star has been training young journalists through the BRATs programme, preparing them for the journalistic world by instilling in them the skills and knowledge they need to do proper research, interview individuals from all walks of life, take good pictures and even effectively use the new media. More importantly, this is a place for young people to build life-long friendships with individuals who share the same passion for new experiences.

Our former BRATs have made mooncakes, woven songket using a traditional loom, learned to fly wau, the traditional Malaysian kite, and gone into the deepest parts of our tropical jungle — experiences that would otherwise never be exposed to city or suburban children — and these are only a few of the many things that the BRATs have been exposed to.

If this sounds like your idea of fun or a much-needed adventure outside the classroom, then being a BRAT is your calling.

Each year, 120 budding young journalists join The Star for one of the three BRATs workshops, each held in a different city. During the workshops, participants are sent out on real-life assignments,where they get to meet people and try out new things together. There is no need to worry about getting swallowed up by a tough assignment, as editors and journalists from The Star will guide participants in every step of the news-gathering process.

The adventures as a journalist do not just end there. After completing the workshop, participants have the opportunity to join The Star as a contributor for R.AGE. Assignments are sent out to the BRATs every week, and in the past year alone, BRATs participants have been sent for interviews such as the ones mentioned earlier, and many more. BRATs participants are also sent to cover charity events, write opinion pieces and may even appear on radio shows!

So what are you waiting for? This is a call for you to be a BRAT!

HOW TO JOIN BRATS:

It’s easy! All you have to do is write an essay about yourself and why you want to join BRATs, then send it to us along with an application form. BRATs is open to all Malaysians aged 16 to 19. You can apply to join one of the three BRATs workshops this year:

• Johor Baru — March 25 to 28
• Kuala Terengganu — June 5 to 8
• Kota Kinabalu — Aug 14 to 17

Applications for all three workshops have to be submitted by March 6. You can scan and email your completed application forms or mail it to the following address:

The BRATs
Menara Star
15, Jalan 16/11
46350 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan

Download: application/registration form

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: brats@thestar.com.my

Website: http://thestar.com.my/ or http://facebook.com/starbrats

05 March 2013

Deadline: 30 March 2013

KL Noir: White seeks short stories of between 2,000-5,000 words. The anthology will be published by Fixi Novo in October 2013.

Note from the editor Amir Hafizi:

KL Norir: White - what a strange name, as noir means black in French. So KL Noir: White is a collection of Noir stories set in Pahang? Not really, but it can be. This edition will be another collection of Noir stories set in KL, the 'White' suggests what defines black, how light defines shadows, and other crafty, artsy things. It is also suggestive of the harsh glare of light that punctuates the darkness in KL. So send us your stories, may they be dark and shadowy-like and tendrils of whatever. But don't forget the light, in order to cast a proper shadow.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: info@fixi.com.my

Website: http://fixi.com.my/

04 March 2013

Deadline: 30 September 2013

The Calistro Prize for Children’s and Young Adult fiction 2013 is now open for entries, with a total of RM10,000 in cash prizes on offer!

In its second year, the Calistro Prize is aimed at promoting Malaysian stories for children and teenagers written by Malaysian writers. The competition is open to all Malaysians aged 18 and above.

The winning entry this year will receive RM8,000 in cash, a medal, a certificate. Two merit awards are also up for grabs, each with a cash prize of RM1,000, a medal, and a certificate.

To be eligible for the competition, stories should be original and unpublished works of at least 6,000 words, written in English, set in Malaysia and be Malaysian in content. Translations of original unpublished works are also welcomed. Only one entry per writer is allowed.

An independent panel comprising three judges will select the winning entries. The judging panel will be announced in October, and the results will be announced on Dec 31, 2013.

Entries are only accepted electronically at calistroprize2013@gmail.com. Entries should also include a completed copy of the official entry form, a recent photograph, and a short biography of 200 words. Submissions that do not comply with the rules will be automatically disqualified.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

The Calistro Prize is an award that aims to celebrate the creation of Malaysian stories by Malaysians for Malaysian children and teenagers.

The objectives of the Calistro are as follows:

• To promote the creation of Malaysian stories for children and teenagers.
• To reward excellence in Malaysian fiction for children and teenagers.
• To support Malaysians writing for children and teenagers.

The closing date for the 2013 Calistro Prize is 30 September 2013. The organisers shall not be responsible for any manuscripts lost or damaged in transit. The results will be announced on 31 December 2013.

HOW TO ENTER:

Your entry must include the following:

• An official entry form, duly filled in.
• A softcopy of the complete manuscript in both PDF and Word format.
• A recent photograph in soft copy (1 Mb).
• A short biography and a summary of the manuscript, each not more than 200 words, should be submitted in soft copy, in both PDF and Word format. In case of a translation, the biography of both the author and the translator must be submitted.

ORGANISERS: The Calistro Prize 2013 Committee is responsible for organising the award.

ELIGIBILITY:

The Author:

The Calistro Prize is awarded every year to an unpublished manuscript (original or in translation) targeted at readers 18 years and below, written by writers of Malaysian nationality, who are 18 years of age and above.

The Manuscript:

• The manuscript must be unpublished, un-contracted and un-commissioned by a publisher at the time of submission and until the prize is announced.
• All submissions must be in English.
• The manuscript must be a novel or chapter book of 6,000 words or more.
• Previously published authors can submit unpublished manuscripts.
• The story must be set in Malaysia and Malaysian in content.
• The work must be original or the translation of an original unpublished work.
• Entries should not be accompanied by illustrations.

THE FORMAT:

• At the top right-hand corner of the cover page, please specify the word count.
• The title of the entry should be in the middle of the cover page. The beginning of the manuscript should start on a new page.
• The entire entry must be double-spaced, in 12 point Times New Roman font.
• Margins should be one-inch all around. Identifying information is not necessary.

THE PRIZE:

• The best entry will be awarded the Calistro Prize worth RM 8,000, a medal and a certificate.
• Two Merit Awards will receive RM 1,000 each as well as a medal and a certificate.

The judges reserve the right to not award a prize should the entries fail, in the judges’ opinion, to meet the required standard. In the case of translations, the prize money will be shared equally by the author and the translator. The Calistro Prize reserves the first right of refusal for publication of the award-winning manuscript and the first- and second-runners up.

NUMBER OF ENTRIES: Limited to One (1) submission per writer.

SELECTION:

• The Calistro Prize committee will check details concerning the eligibility of the authors and the manuscripts submitted.
• Only manuscripts of authors who meet the criteria will be accepted and sent to the judges.
• An independent panel of three (3) judges, will be announced in October 2013. The panel will select the winners from the manuscripts submitted.
• The judges’ decision is final, and no appeals or correspondence will be entertained at any point.

Shortlist: The Organising Committee will announce a short list of works considered for the Calistro Prize in November 2013.

The Award Presentation: The Calistro Prize will be awarded on Monday, 14 January 2014 in Kuala Lumpur at a venue that will be announced closer to the date. the details of a prize-giving ceremony for the award will be announced after the winners have been selected.

Media Promotion: The contest and prize details will be separately and officially announced in newspapers and other media. The details of the award will also be disseminated to interested people and organisations at home and abroad.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:

Each entry must include the following:

• An official entry form, duly filled in.
• A softcopy of the complete manuscript in both PDF and Word format.
• A recent photograph in soft copy (1Mb).
• A short biography and a summary of the manuscript, each not more than 200 words, in both PDF and Word format. (In case of a translation, the biography of both the author and the translator must be submitted.)
• Entries can be submitted either by the author or translator. In case of a translation, the translator must indicate that the author (or his or her estate) is aware of the fact that a translation of the original unpublished work is being submitted for the award.
• The manuscript must be typed double-spaced, in 12 point, Times New Roman font.

SUBMISSION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

• All entries must be sent in soft copy to calistroprize2013@gmail.com.
• The subject of the email should be THE CALISTRO PRIZE 2013 followed by the TITLE of your entry.
• If you do not hear from the the Calistro Prize Committee 2013 within one (1) week of submission, kindly contact calistroprize@gmail.com
• Entries that fail to comply with any of the above rules and conditions of entry will be disqualified.

Download: entry form

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: calistroprize@gmail.com.

Website: http://calistroprize.wordpress.com

01 March 2013

Deadline: 12 April 2013

This essay writing competition, organized by HELP University, is open to all students up to Sixth Form level or equivalent in educational institutions, including home-schooled candidates and private exam candidates.

Essays should be on the topic"Real Friends are Better than Facebook Friends". Entries must be double-spaced in either Word or plain text format, accompanied by the entry form.

Winners will be announced in The Malay Mail and the HELP University website. The organizers reserve the right to publish the winning essays.

Download: entry form


CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: helpmmessay@help.edu.my

Website: http://www.help.edu.my/

21 February 2013

Deadline: 28 June 2013

The competition is designed to help sharpen students’ command of English and creative writing skills through the provision of test kit, essay writing guide and video. Exciting prizes await for the best essays.

We welcome entries from students and schools nationwide, and we hope that teachers will find that this essay competition is a useful resource for stimulating ideas and discussions and the development of analytic and critical thinking skills.

On this site, you will find everything you need to start the process of entering the competition.

Please contact us at essaycompetition@britishcouncil.org.my or call Vina at 03-27237988 if you have any enquiries regarding the competition.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: This competition is open to all Malaysian Students, aged 16-19 years old. Employees of British Council Malaysia and DKLS Industries Bhd and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in this. School with the most entries will have the chance to win cash grant.

WHAT TO DO

1. Completion of online training modules period 4 March – 10 May 2013
2. Write an essay of not more than 350 words Essay competition opens on – 13 May 2013
3. Submission by - 6pm, 28 June 2013.

RULES AND GUIDELINES

• Every entry should be enclosed with the submission form.
• All submissions will be blind reviewed. Please do NOT include your name anywhere except on the submission form.
• 3.Entries for the DKLS Linquistic Ambassador Award must be electronically submitted to essaycompetition@britishcouncil.org.my by 6pm, 28 June 2013 or via post to DKLS Linguistic Ambassador Award, Vinayagi Gopal Krishna, British Council Malaysia, Ground Floor, West Block, Wisma Selangor Dredging, 142C Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Submit your essay in a word or pdf file. Students are encouraged to submit their essays at any time before this date as this will greatly help the Essay Judging Panel in the process of reading and evaluating the essays.
Essay must not exceed 350 words. Each contestant may enter only one essay

Before you write the essay, it is compulsory for students to complete ALL online modules available here. Your entry will be disqualified if you did not complete all of the modules. After completing each module, send the answer sheets to essaycompetition@britishcouncil.org.my for our feedback. These answer sheets will be used as proof of completion of the modules.

Answer key will be uploaded on the website every 2 weeks and feedbacks will be emailed to you within a week of receiving your answer sheet.

Module no: Module Upload - Module Completion

• Module 1: 4 March 2913 - 22 March 2013
• Module 2: 18 March 2013 - 29 March 2013
• Module 3: 1 April 2013 - 12 April 2013
• Module 4: 15 April 2013 - 26 April 2013
• Module 5: 29 April 2013 - 10 May 2013

All submissions must be typed, double spaced, in English, and must be the original work of the contestant. Plagiarism or use of another’s work without proper attribution is strictly prohibited and will be disqualified.

JUDGES: The Organisers reserve the right at our sole discretion to disqualify any participant that we determine to be breaching the Contests Terms and Conditions. The judges' decision is final and is not subject to an appeal. The organisers reserve the right to publish and/or to make available to the public the winning submissions. The organisers reserve the right to modify the format and content of the submissions for publication purposes.

PRIZES:

Ten (10) prizes are allocated as below:

STUDENT CATEGORY

Gold Medallist

• Seven (7) days study tour to Cambridge & London including visit to University of Cambridge Campus with following travelling arrangements:
• Return flight economy class for the winner to be accompanied by the parent or official guardian with Letter Indemnity endorsed.
• Airport transfers in UK
• On-ground transport
• Accommodation
• Cash Award worth RM 4,500.00
• Book Voucher worth RM 5,00.00
• Trophy and certificate

Silver Medallist

• Cash Prize worth RM2,000.00
• Book Voucher worth RM500.00
• Trophy and Certificate

Bronze Medallist

• Cash Prize worth RM1,000.00
• Book Voucher worth RM250.00
• Trophy and Certificate

Consolation Prize: Winner for 4th to 10th placing will be awarded with a trophy and certificate of participation.

All participants: Will receive a certificate of participation. Certificate will be issued upon completion of all modules.

SCHOOL CATEGORY

• Special Award: School with most number of entries: RM1,000 cash grant from DKLS
• Special Trophy (School of Gold Medallist): Recognition with a special trophy

JUDGING CRITERIA:

• In order to standardise our marking criteria, entries will be marked in accordance with the following criteria:
• Task Response: Entries will be judged on whether they have answered the title question fully
• Grammar: Entries will be judged on the level of grammatical accuracy (i.e. the number of mistakes in each composition and whether they put a strain on the reader).
• Vocabulary: Entries will be judged on the students’ range, accuracy and appropriateness of vocabulary (e.g. ‘parallelism’: how often the same word is repeated).
• Coherence: Entries will be judged on whether they are ‘coherent’ (i.e. ‘make sense’) and ‘flow’ as a piece of writing.
• Originality and Creativity: Essays will be judged on the writer’s imaginative response to the task and how much their response differs from their counterparts.

THE JURY: Qualified British Council teachers will be shortlisting the best 10 entries out of all the entries received. The best 10 entries will be sent to Cambridge ESOL to select the top 3 essays. The top 3 writers will then be interviewed by our judging panel.

CONTEST SUBMISSION:

• All essays must be in either word . doc, word.docx or .pdf format
• To submit your essay, download the contest form, fill in all your details, attach it to an email with your essay and send it to essaycompetition@britishcouncil.org.my
• Make sure all your details are correct so that we can contact you.
• You can also submit your essay via post to DKLS - British Council Essay writing Competition, Vinayagi Gopal Krishna, Ground Floor, West Block, Wisma Selangor Dredging, 142C Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Download: submission form

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: essaycompetition@britishcouncil.org.my

Website: http://www.britishcouncil.org/malaysia-dkls-cambridge-essay-competition.htm

20 February 2013

Deadline: 31 March 2013

Are you a playwright with a script waiting to be brought to life? Want to write the next Great Malaysian Play but worry about getting paid? If you have a story to write, we’re in the market.

The Grant for New Malaysian Works will be disbursed to organisations, institutions, performing art companies or individuals that successfully develop and produce new Malaysian content for the performing arts, in accordance to the level of work created.

Successful applicants will receive RM15,000 for each new work he or she produces. A new Malaysian work, here, is defined as:

• a written script for a stage play of no less than 75 minutes
• in any recognised Malaysian language [e.g. Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese dialects, Indian languages and East Malaysian languages].

And for a select number of scripts that really impressed, their creators receive an additional grant of up to RM100,000 to bring their works to life as a production on stage!

HOW TO APPLY:

• Download the application form. 
• Complete the fillable PDF form on-screen. (You must have the latest version of Adobe Reader installed)
• Email your application to us.
• You can also mail it to us at: DIKN New Malaysian Works Grant, Kakiseni, L1-35 & 36, Level 1, SStwo Mall, 40, Jalan SS 2/72, 47300, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Download: application form (Bahasa /  English)

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: grants@kakiseni.com

Website: http://grants.kakiseni.com/

18 February 2013

Deadline: 28 February 2013

This competition is Malaysia's first eBook Competition for independent writers, jointly organised by Maxis ebuuk and e-Sentral. We accept all genres of fiction in both English and Bahasa Malaysia. Submit your manuscript and stand a chance to win an iPad and many more prizes!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

• Step 1: Start writing a manuscript of at least 10,000 words in English or Bahasa Malaysia, and save it in Microsoft Word format.
• Step 2: Prepare a synopsis not exceeding 250 words of the manuscript.
• Step 3: Submit application, manuscript and synopsis via the “Submit eBook” tab on the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/EbookCompetition
• Step 4 Promote your published eBook and encourage downloads by sharing it with your friends and family on your social media networks!

HOW TO WIN:

A total of five (5) participants will be selected as Winner(s) for the Contest. The winners shall be selected based on the following criteria: Participant with the highest number of downloads of his or her eBook competition submission on both http://www.ebuuk.com.my and http://www.e-sentral.com. All ebook submissions can be downloaded from 12.00pm 8th March 2013 to 11.59pm 25th April 2013. There shall be-

• One (1) x Grand Prize winner;
• Four (4) x Finalists

PRIZE(S):

• Grand Prize winner x 1: An iPad and professional editorial consulting package
• Finalists x 4: An iPad each

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1. The Contest is jointly organised by Maxis Mobile Services Sdn Bhd and Xentral Methods Sdn Bhd (“the Organisers”) and is open to all who:

• are residents of Malaysia;
• are at least 18 years of age.

2. The following group of persons shall not be eligible to participate in this Contest-

• permanent or contract employees of the Organisers (including its associated or related companies) and their immediate family members (children, parents, brothers and sisters, including spouses);
• representatives, employees and/or agents of the content, advertising, promotion services providers for this Contest and their immediate family members (children, parents, brothers and sisters, including spouses)

3. By participating in this Contest, the Participant agrees to be bound by the Terms & Conditions contained herein. In addition to these Terms & Conditions, the terms and conditions applicable for the use of the content and/or service, including terms and conditions for the use of the relevant content and/or service as set out on http://www.maxis.com.my/personal/general/tnc_main.asp shall apply. The entries and/or responses submitted by the Participant must also comply with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code as set out on http://www1.skmm.gov.my/skmmgovmy/files/attachments/ContentCode.pdf. Failure to comply with any applicable terms, conditions, rules, regulations, instructions or methods shall result in the Participant being disqualified from the Contest.

4. The Participant further agrees to grant the Organisers the right to make editorial amendments to the entries and/or responses including grammatical and spelling amendments.

5. The Contest shall in all respects be governed by the laws of Malaysia. However, it shall be the Participants’ sole responsibility and obligation to ensure that the Participants comply with and do not contravene with any laws to which the Participants may be personally subject to.

6. Only the winners of the prizes (“the Winners”) will be notified via email or telephone call after 26th April 2013. The Organisers shall not be responsible or liable if the Winners cannot be contacted for any reason whatsoever following efforts by the Organisers to contact the Winner via email or phone. If the Organisers are unable to reach the Winner, the Organizers reserve the right to disqualify the Winner and to select the next eligible winner in line who fulfils the criteria to win the prize.

7. The Organisers' decision on the winners of the prizes shall be final and conclusive and no correspondence, complaint or appeal shall be entertained by the Organisers at any time during or after the Contest period.

8. The Organisers reserve the right to replace or substitute the prizes with other items of equivalent value without any notice to the Winners.

9. Upon notification, prizes will be sent out to the Winners by one of the following methods:

• Courier to the address as confirmed by the Winners that the Organisers has contacted; or
• Presented in person at a media event.

The Organisers do not guarantee or warrant any damages that might happen to the prizes after it has been sent out to the Winners via the courier company. In the event that the prizes received were damaged during the delivery, the Organisers shall not be liable for any compensation to the Winners and this does not give any rights to the Winners to demand for compensation of any sort.

The Organisers reserve the right to replace the prizes with another prize of equivalent or higher value than the previously advertised prizes without prior notice to the participants.

10. The prize set out above shall be used/taken entirely at the risk of the Winners at all times and the Organisers exclude all warranties and liabilities in connection with the prize to the fullest extent permitted by law. The prize is non-transferable, non-assignable and non-exchangeable for cash or any other item.

11. The Winners shall be responsible for any additional costs, duties, taxes and/or other incidental expenses which may be incurred as a result of and/or related to the Winner's acceptance or use of the prize.

12. By entering the Contest, each participant expressly grants permission and consents to the Organisers and its agencies to use his/her name, personal data, photograph and/or likeness for purposes of advertising, editorial, promotional, marketing, trade and/or other purposes without further compensation and notice.

13. Acceptance of the prize by the Winners constitute a release and discharge of the Organisers and its related companies, by or from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and/or damages which the Winners may have, whether known or unknown at the present time, of any nature whatsoever, arising out of or relating to-

• the Contest;
• personal injury and/or property damage, theft or loss suffered by the Winner as a result of the use, employment and/or acceptance of the prize or participation/presence in the Contest; or
• any tax liabilities in relation to the Contest, prize and/or use or enjoyment of the same.

14. The Organisers reserve the right-

• to change, amend, revise, supplement, delete, vary or add to these Terms & Conditions without prior notice at any time and the Participant shall be bound to such changes, amendments, revisions, supplements, deletions, variations or additions;
• at any time, change any aspect of the Contest (including the prizes and discontinuing the Contest) without prior notice; and
• at its sole discretion to cancel, suspend, modify or delay the Contest or tabulation of votes in the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond its reasonable control. By continued participation in this Contest, the Participants will be deemed to have accepted any changes, amendments, revisions, supplements, deletions, variations or additions, which may be published in http://www.facebook.com/EbookCompetition

15. This Contest and the prize are provided on an "AS IS" basis without any representations or warranties of any kind whether express or implied. The Organisers, its related and affiliated corporations disclaim and exclude all warranties relating to or in connection with the Contest and the prize including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purposes, security and accuracy.

16. In no event shall the Organisers, its related and affiliated corporations, sponsors, agencies and representatives be liable to the Participant or to anyone else for any loss or injury or any direct, indirect, special, exemplary, consequential damages, or any damages whatsoever, whether in contract, negligence or in tort, arising out of or in connection to the Contest, the prize and the Participant’s participation in the Contest including (without limitation) any cancellation or postponement of the contests by the Organisers.

17. The Organisers shall not be liable to the participants or for any other party for any loss or damage of whatsoever nature suffered by a Participant or such other party as a result of participation or non-participation in the Contest or as a result of any act or omission on the part of the Organisers.

18. The Organisers are not responsible for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction, unauthorized access to, or alteration of, user or member communications, or any problems or technical malfunction of our telecommunications network or lines, computer online systems, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of e-mail or participants on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet.

19. The Participant represents and warrants to the Organisers that all factual information provided are accurate and true and shall be accountable for any inaccuracies and/or mistakes.

20. The Organisers reserve the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any Participant that is found or suspected of tampering with the Contest submission process, the operation of this Contest or to be in violation of the Terms and Conditions. The Organisers reserve the right to disqualify any participant and/or to forfeit any prize and/or contest from a Participant it believes has undertaken fraudulent practice and/or activities or other activities harmful to this Contest or the Contest submission process. Fraudulent activities are deemed to include but not be limited to the following-

• any act of plagiarism and/or deceit and/or deception and/or cheating;
• submission of entries and/or responses by any person other than the natural person who is the named Participant in the Contest; or
• submission of entries and/or responses wholly or partially by way of and/or generated by way of any electrical device, computer, pre-programmed modem or by any other method or device which contravenes the submission of entries and/or responses as stipulated in part (b) herein above.

21. The entries and/or responses submitted by the Participant must be an original work of the Participant and written solely by the Participant. The entries and/or responses submitted by the Participant must not have been previously published or otherwise distributed in any media or format and/or made available in the public domain. The Participant grants to the Organisers an exclusive, unrestricted, royalty-free, perpetual and irrevocable license to publish or produce the Participant’s entries and/or responses, in part or in whole, as free downloads or for purposes of advertising, editorial, promotion and/or marketing, on all media properties branded or co-branded by the Organisers, their related and/or affiliated corporations, that are used to deliver the entries and/or responses over the Internet, mobile device and/or physical distribution channels. The Participant further grants to the Organisers, if the Participant desires to make available commercially, their submitted entries and/or responses (in part or in whole), a right of first refusal, by first offering the Organisers the exclusive right to commercially publish, produce and distribute such entries and/or responses.

22. The Participant represents and warrants to the Organisers that entries and/or responses submitted by the Participant do not infringe any intellectual property rights or any other rights whatsoever of any third party. The Participant agrees to defend and indemnify the Organisers (including its associated or related companies) at the Participant's own cost and expense, in any claim brought by any third party against the Organisers (including its associated or related companies) insofar as such claim is based on a claim that entries and/or responses submitted by the Participant or any part thereof, infringes any intellectual property rights or any other rights of such third party and the Participant shall fully indemnify the Organisers (including its associated or related companies) from and against any and all damages, settlements, costs, expenses and liabilities paid, incurred or suffered as a result of the foregoing.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For submissions: via the submission form on Faceboook

Website: http://www.ebuuk.com.my/, http://www.e-sentral.my/

12 February 2013

Deadline: 28 February 2013

We are looking for poetry submissions for inclusion in a new anthology entitled “THE ORDER OF NATURE: An Anthology of Malaysian Queer Poetry”.

We are often preached, taught, informed, cajoled, threatened and persuaded by science, religion, education, law and folklore that there is only one type of sexuality between only two types of gender for one main purpose: heterosexual coupling between a man (penis) and a woman (vagina) for making babies. This image has been etched so firmly into our imagination that it has become the only possible reality - everything else falling outside of this neat formula becomes an unnatural deviation of logical divine order. But as poets and people know, life is often messy, diverse and chaotically fluid.

Poets are asked to explore the anthology’s title and theme: “The Order of Nature” as it is lived and experienced in Malaysia. This can be from various aspects of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexed and/or queer experiences, including: love, sex and relationships; family and community; discrimination and acceptance; coming out, transitioning and self-discovery; youth and aging; hopes and fears; science, God, laws and “truth” etc.

POEMS WILL BE CHOSEN BASED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

• High quality of writing.
• Originality and creativity in dealing with the theme.
• References to Malaysian LGBTIQ experiences.

Note: Poets do not necessarily have to identify as LGBTIQ nor required to reveal their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. Poets don’t have to have Malaysian citizenship or PR to be eligible. Published and unpublished poets are most welcome to submit works.

SUBMISSION DETAILS:

• Poets can submit up to six poems for consideration.
• Poems submitted must be original and unpublished in print or online.
• Poems written in English and Bahasa Malaysia will be accepted.
• Each poem should not exceed 120 lines in length (count includes line breaks).
• Poems should be sent as a .rtf or .doc attachment.
• Please also include a 50-word bio of yourself.

Note: Poets may be asked to rework their submissions per editorial advice for successful inclusion.

Successful submissions will be informed via email before 31 March 2013. Successful poets will receive two complimentary copies of the anthology.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: theorderofnature@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/OrderOfNature

11 February 2013

Together with prestigious Universities in Malaysia, Springer and Edanz Group will host a series of FREE workshops for scientific authors in early March 2013. The workshops are designed to help authors to write quality manuscripts that will be attractive to SCI/SSCI indexed journals. This workshop is for faculty members, research professors and PhD students who are interested in writing and publishing manuscripts and journal articles, as well as books.

To register for the workshop, please enter your Contact Details in the form below. You will then receive a confirmation email confirming your participation in the workshop.

• Location: Faculty of Creative Multimedia E-Theatre, Multimedia University Cyberjaya
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Date: 4 March 2013
• Time: 09:00-12:35

WORKSHOP DETAILS:

The workshop consists of the following parts:

•  Springer’s strategy in Asia (10 mins): Springer is one of the leading scientific Publishing companies worldwide with a focus on online publishing. The presentation will explain the strategic background for the company’s expansion to South East and Central Asia.
• Malaysia - Creator and User of Scientific Information (30 mins): An introductory talk about Malaysia’s achievements in research over the years and how these achievements can be further enhanced by the continued development of international scientific publications led by regional researchers.
• Author Academy: Steps to Publication Success (2 hrs): This module presented by Edanz covers the basics of scientific publishing and the entire process of writing and getting a manuscript accepted. Topics covered will include: preparing yourself for the writing process, journal selection, structuring manuscripts, language that clearly communicates your research, preparing effective cover letters, and responding to peer review. It will be useful for anyone involved with English-language scientific communication, with a focus on providing young scientists with the skills needed for publication success.
• Journal and Book Publishing (20 mins): How does Springer assist its authors in their publication endeavors? An overview will be given of the process from idea to finished book, and the requirements of a (successful) book proposal. Springer will also highlight a variety of publication types – print and online formats, which will benefit to authors who publish manuscripts with us. Furthermore, journal types will also be discussed.

THE AGENDA:

• 8.30am – 9am Registration
• 9am – 9.05am Weloming Speech
• 9am – 9.15am Springer's Stragety in Asia
• 9.15am – 9.35am Malaysia – Creator and User of Scientific Information
• 9.35am – 10.35am Author Academy: Steps to Publication Success (Part 1)
• 10.35am – 11.15am Tea Break
• 11.15am – 12.15pm Author Academy: Steps to Publication Success (Part 2)
• 12.15pm – 12.35pm Journal and Book Publishing

Link: registration

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries: nizam.mohamed@mmu.edu.my

Website: http://www.springer.com

05 October 2012

Deadline: 13 - 14 October 2012

An intensive scriptwriting workshop for film and TV will be conducted by Dr. Mahadi J. Murat on October 13th and 14th at Akademi Semesta. Dr. Mahadi J. Murat has been involved with the film industry for 30 years, and is currently teaching at the Faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation, Universiti Teknologi MARA. Workshop fee is RM 400.

About Akademi Semesta: The organisation's objective is the education of adults, children and young people in the art of film, video and other types of media. We aim to work particularly with those people who are in need by reason of time consume, age or economic circumstances. In addition we also provide kids and adult training, specialising in the creative use of digital technology. The current courses selection includes video production courses, cinematography, scriptwriting, acting, directing and any other related. Our aim is also to be one-stop centre for all freelancers in arts industry.


CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries: info@isemesta.com or call 03-4131 2572, 019-3436232

Website: http://isemesta.blogspot.com

01 October 2012

The 2012 Sayembara Merdeka Poetry Recitation Contest, to be held on October 13th at People's Information Center (Seremban District Information Office), is open to Malaysian youth, at least 15 years of age. The contest is co-organised by the Federation of Malaysian National Writers Associations.

Interested youth should fill out a participation form available at the Negeri Sembilan Information Department or any district information office. They will have to choose one poem from a selection of 10 poems. Five minutes is allotted for the actual poetry recitation per participant. Participants are allowed to use props. Winners will receive cash prizes.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries: call 06-7639800/06-7639884

25 September 2012

Deadline: 27 October 2012

The Blu Inc Group is Malaysia’s biggest publisher of magazines with 20 well-known newsstand and contract titles in its portfolio. One of its magazines, Shape, is the only active lifestyle guide for women.

Shape Malaysia is looking for a writer! Just graduated? Love writing? Passionate about everything health and fitness? Have your own transportation? We want to meet you! Email your cover letter and resume.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: shapemalaysia@gmail.com

Website: http://www.shape.com.my/

19 September 2012

Rimbun Dahan runs a range of artists' residencies to encourage visual artists, writers and other creative individuals to explore and develop their artistic work. Financed by the architectural practice of Hijjas Kasturi Associates Sdn. the residencies range from all-inclusive sponsorship of allowance, materials, accommodation, studios and final exhibitions to more limited residences providing accommodation and studios only:

• Malaysia-Australia Visual Artist Residency (year-long, fully funded, final exhibition)
• Shorter Residencies (1-3 months, funded for Southeast Asian artists only)
• Choreographer's Residency (1-3 months, funded for Southeast Asian artists only, optional final performance)
• Residencies at Hotel Penaga in Georgetown, Penang (1-3 months, funded for Southeast Asian artists only)

Established in 1994, the program has hosted more than 100 individuals who have benefited from the unique atmosphere of Rimbun Dahan to build their own artistic practice.

Rimbun Dahan has a number of different styles of accommodation which is provided to artists according to their specific needs and availability.

Please note that the Visual Arts program at Rimbun Dahan provides residencies for artists from Australia and Southeast Asia (consisting of the countries of Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, Burma, Laos and Cambodia) only.

SHORTER RESIDENCIES

This is a shorter residency program (between one and three months) at the Rimbun Dahan compound. Visual artists, writers, and other creative individuals from Australia and Southeast Asia (consisting of the countries of Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, Burma, Laos and Cambodia) are invited to apply for the opportunity to live and work in a community of artists. This residency provides accommodation and utilities in a large one-room apartment with self-catering facilities and own bathroom. Studio space is based on availability.

Artists from Southeast Asia can receive funding for their air fare and a living allowance of RM1,000 a month, for a stay of three months maximum.

This residency does not provide additional funding for a living allowance or materials. Visas for international artists are the responsibility of the artist. Applications are accepted for these residencies throughout the year.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please submit an application containing:

• Biodata.
• A selection of images/samples of recent work.
• A short statement of why a stay at Rimbun Dahan would benefit your art practice.
• Dates for which you are seeking accommodation.

Selection depends on the strength of the application. Please note that Rimbun Dahan provides residencies for Australian and Southeast Asian artists only.

• Send hard copy applications to: Mrs. Angela Hijjas, c/o Hijjas Kasturi Associates Sdn., 23rd floor Menara Promet, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Send electronic applications to: Mrs. Angela Hijjas, rimbundahan@gmail.com

Hard copy application material will be returned after selections are made.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: rimbundahan@gmail.com

Website: http://www.rimbundahan.org/

12 September 2012

Penang Monthly is a magazine published by Penang Institute, in response to the growing insight among Malaysians of their responsibility for the future of their country. It provides critical and reliable information for the concerned citizen and to inspire positive action among its readers.

Penang Monthly stimulates discussion on significant issues that concern Penang and Malaysia. Each issue is backed by a socio-economic data section and studies present trends in the arts, industry, politics and economics for the benefit of decision-makers in government and the private sector.

ASSISTANT EDITOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research, conduct interviews and write feature articles and news items for publication.
• Take initiative in thinking up story ideas and new projects.
• Coordinate and ensure articles go through entire production process, from editorial to copyediting to design.
• Proofread magazine before it goes to print, checking for typos, correct credits and photographs, etc.
• Update events calendar every month.
• Source for photographs from various sources, e.g. our own archives, other publications and institutions, online, etc.
• Liaise with business manager and art director to ensure that correct advertisement artwork is used.
• Upload articles onto website and liaise with web designer.
• Help manage social media platforms, e.g. Twitter, Facebook accounts, etc. Tasks include uploading short updates such as upcoming events, online competitions, etc.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Strong eye for detail
• Good organisational skills
• Able to get around Penang on your own
• Able to work under tight deadlines
• Good understanding of social media a plus

There will be a probationary period of three months.

Fresh graduates encouraged to apply. Interested candidates, please submit your application, complete with resume and expected salary and contact information to Jeffrey Quah.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: jeffreyquah@penanginstitute.org

Website: http://penangmonthly.com

07 September 2012

Deadline: 1 December 2012

In cooperation with Aqsa Syarif-Malaysia, CPDS is organizing the second International Contest to support Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. All, regardless of nationality, can take part in this contest. The goal is to encourage creative efforts that support Palestinian prisoners and further their cause locally and internationally.

TOPICS:

• Prisoners' sufferings and incarceration conditions.
• Psychological, physical, and social impact of imprisonment on prisoners.
• Efforts exerted to support prisoners.
• Exposing the practices of Israeli occupation against prisoners especially veteran and ailing prisoners.
• Conveying the plight of prisoners' families

CATEGORIES:

• Literature (short story, poetry, and sketches) and News Features.
• Artistic works: collection of (a) pictures, (b) cartoons, (c) designs, (d) video clips, (e) short documentaries, (f) songs/ Nasheed, and (g) musical works.
• Social Media: Best (a) blog, (b) YouTube channel, (4) twitter account, (5) Facebook page. The account can be solely or partly dedicated to prisoners.
• Publicity proposals: campaigns and/or activities that mobilize more effort to achieve the goal of this contest.

CONTEST TERMS:

• All people, regardless of age and/or nationality, can participate in the contest
• Entries should be done for this contest
• More than one entry in the same category is welcome
• Team work i.e. entries made/written by two or more (like songs) is also welcome
• Pieces should all be submitted in English
• Deadline is absolute.
  
• CPDS has the right to publish the entries, with reference to the author
• Full name of the participant, title of the entry, email and cell-phone number should be provided

AWARDS:

• Literature: First award: $200, runner-up: $100, third award: $50 in addition to symbolic awards.
• Artistic works: First award: $300, runner-up $150, third award: $100, in addition to symbolic awards.
• Social media: First award: $300, second award: $150, third award $100, in addition to satisfactory awards.
• Publicity proposals: First award: $150, second award: $100, third award: $50, in addition to satisfactory awards.

Entries will be assessed by a professional team.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: thisispalestine@gmail.com or prisonerscontest@gmail.com

Website: http://www.aqsasyarif.org.my/