KUALA LUMPUR: The enduring affection for literature remains deeply cherished within us as the Popular-The Star Reader’s Choice Awards (RCA) makes its return, celebrating the finest works authored locally.
In the 15th iteration of these accolades, 20 local writers received well-earned acknowledgment for their remarkable contributions across multiple genres. Half of them were recognized for achievements in non-fiction, while the remaining half was honored for outstanding work in fiction.
Dr Rusmini Ku Ahmad, the deputy director-general of policy sector and curriculum at the Education Ministry, who stood in for Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, commended the nominated works for their contribution to enriching the nation's literary legacy.
Their creations encapsulate our country’s deep-rooted heritage, customs, and current realities, enabling readers to delve into and relate with their cultural identity.
They also function as crucial educational tools that motivate and mold the minds of our upcoming generations, mirroring the ministry’s aim to cultivate a reading culture that supports continuous education.
“Through works like these, a strong literary foundation enriched by multilingual reading can be formed, which is essential to developing more well-informed and innovative Malaysians that are prepared to navigate our ever-evolving world,” she said in her speech at the awards ceremony yesterday.
Rusmini further mentioned that the ministry will keep supporting these literary efforts by incorporating local literature into the educational framework, motivating young Malaysians to connect with indigenous tales.
Simon Shen, a director at Popular Holdings Bhd, mentioned that the accolades and shortlisted books serve as indispensable pathways to knowledge, various cultures, and distinctive experiences for people in Malaysia.
By featuring works like those up for nomination, we aim to reignite the passion for reading within our community and among the youth.
"That’s why the RCA isn’t merely an acknowledgment of literary achievement; it also acts as a stage to highlight and celebrate authors for their societal contributions," he stated during his address at the occasion.
The three champions in every category received a certificate of acknowledgment, a trophy, and a monetary award for their outstanding creations from Rusmini together with Star Media Group’s senior news editor specializing in education, Christina Chin, and Popular Holdings Limited’s director, Emily Yiu.
In the fiction category, Nuruljannah Usop secured third place with her work "Lyrics & You." Second place went to debut writer Sajeet Soudagar for his book "Silencing the Lambs," leaving first place to Hanna Alkaf for "The Hysterical Girls of St Bernadette’s."
We reside in an era when creating art can be challenging because it isn’t always supported and might even seem pointless. However, the world needs our artistic contributions now more than ever.
"Thanks to this victory, I aim to encourage more aspiring young writers across Malaysia to keep producing art because it’s the nearest thing we have to magic in our everyday lives," Hanna stated.
In the meantime, the top spot in the non-fiction category went to "Finding Beauty in the Storm" by Pahrol Mohamad Juoi. The second position was claimed by Lilian Tan for her book "Behind the Stories," with the third place being taken by Ezzah Mahmud's "The Art of Waiting."
"In our daily routines filled with obstacles, my book revolves around discovering elegance amidst life's difficulties, and this is what I aspire to encourage in my readers through my work," stated Pahrol, who mentioned that his book marks his inaugural professional endeavor.
The RCA took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, coinciding with both the Popular-BH Readers' Choice Awards (RCA) ceremony for APP and the conclusion of BookFest @ Malaysia—the nation's biggest multilingual book exhibition—yesterday.
According to a declaration made by Popular Holdings Bhd, all 40 shortlisted titles from both RCA and APP will be exhibited across every Popular/Harris bookstore throughout the country. Customers will have the opportunity to browse these selections as well as purchase them with a 20 percent discount up till May 4th of this year.