1876 e 2006 THE ORIENTAL BANGKOK Cefebra tinj Tfie L ej e.n[

2006 S.E.A. Write Awards keo

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn .r*I .{. i.rt *ry),J

Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm ADDRESS OF Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha on behalf of His Royal Highness Crown prince Maha Vajiralongkorn The S.E.A.Write Awards presentation Ceremony on Wednesday l2 October B.E. 2548 (2005) the Royal Ballroom, The Oriental Hotel

Mr. Chairman, Honoured Cuests,

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has designated me as his representa- tive to preside over this 27th Annual S.E.A. Write Awards Presentation Ceremony. I feel indeed very pleased and honoured to have been given the opportunity to participate in this highly significant gathering and lwould sincerely like to congratulate the Com- mittee, organizers, sponsors and all other people concerned with this event for having pooled their efforts to create this occasion.

ເພື່ອຄົ້ນຄວ້າMy studies abroad and my recent participation in the work of the United Nations have brought to me clearly the vital need for people of all nations of every region and of the world to join together in order to promote peace and prosperity. Literary works of all kinds form one of the strongest bases for such an undertaking. In ,,Literature the words of our famous guest speaker for tonight, Ms. Rita Dove, pro_ vides a way for incorporating our interior lives into the facts of daily existence; it allows us to connect on a levelwhere race, class and gender hold little sway, where we can meet soul to soul." These are ເພື່ອສຶກສາheart-stirring words, and Ifully endorse them. The present ceremony, which has been repeated for 27 long years, show that there are also people in our region of the world who realize and cherish the value of literature as a vehicle for cooperation leading to the spirit of peace, freedom and prosperity.

Similar to our guest speaker, /v1s. Rita Dove, most winners of this year,s awards are noted for their prominence in poetry, in writing plays or at least, in what the guest speaker terms "story-telling." I commend them all just as I commend our guest speaker whose words I eagerly look forward to hearing. Thank you very much. ເພື່ອທັມມະທານ ? Foreword

It is a great honour and pleasure for me once more to welcome all of you to the Southeast Asian Writers, or S.E.A.Write. Awards Presentation.

This year marks the twenty'eighth occasion that S.E.A.Write recognises outstanding literary talents from the countries of Southeast Asia. We feel truly privileged that His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is presiding over the Awards ceremony, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm, Royal Consortto His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. On behalf of the S.E.A.Write Awards Organising Committee, I would like humbly to express our profound gratitude to both His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and his Royal Consort for gracing our gathering with their presence

I would also like to take this oPPortunity to record, on behalf of the S.E.A.Write Organising Committee, our great apPreciation for the continuing generosity of all the sponsors, as well as for the enormous sacrifice of efforts and time made by the selection and the judging committees in all countries. Once more, they have made it possible for us all to celebrate Southeast Asia's literary excellence. r' M.R.Sukhumbhand Paribatra Chairman, S.E.A. Write Awards Organising Committee 9 October 2006 D Organising Committee HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Honorary Chairperson

M.R.SukhumbhandParibatra Chairman Chairman, Chumbhot-pantip Foundation

Ivlrs. Chancham Bunnag Committee

Mrs. Nitaya masavisuth Committee

Prof.SrisurangPoolthupya Committee

Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trisilpa Boonkhachorn president, pE.N. lnte.national Thailand Centre

Mr. Maitree Limpichart president, Writers, Association of Thailand

ms. Tharinee Tavuaroen Bangkok Bank Public Co., Ltd

M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula Bank ofThailand

Dr. Frank Roesler BMW (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Dr. Apichai Boontherawara Export-tmport Bank of lhailand (EXIM Thailand)

I[rs. Sunathee Isvarphomchai Thai Airways International public Company Limited

Irlr. Polapatr Suvarnasom lhai Beverages PLC

lruilflilruffiililffiI

Irlr. Paul Warburton BC Asia pacific pte. Limited

Irlrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul Toshiba Thailand Co., Ltd.

Mr. Zulkofli bin Haji Mohd Zaid lhe Embassy of Brunei Darussalam

mr. So Bunna The Royal Embassy ofCambodia

Dr. Muhammad Huda A.Y The Embassy ofThe Republic oflndonesia

Mr. Shouphonh Phomsavanh The Embassy of The Lao people's Democratic Republic

Mr, S. Thuraisingam lhe Embassy of

I{s. Ceres S. Jaca The Embassy of The Republic of The philippines

Mr. Michael Chua The Embassy of The Republic of Singapore

Ms. Lam Han Thuy The Embassy of The Socialist Republic of Vjetnam

mr. Kurt Wachtveitl The Oriental, Bangkok

Ivlrs. Somsri (Susie) Hansirisawasdi The Oriental, Bangkok D Programme

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm, Royal Consort to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn graciously preside over The 2006 S.E.A.Write Awards Presentation Ceremony E Gala Dinner Monday, 9 October 2006 at The Oriental Hotel

18.00 hrs. Cocktail Reception in the Authors' Lounge to meet with awardees, guest speaker, members of the Writers' Association of Thailand and PEN Club, sponsors, past awardees and interested guests

19.00 hrs. All guests proceed to the Royal Ballroom

19.15 hrs. All guests seated in the Royal Ballroom (mobile phones/digital cameras are not permitted)

19.20 hrs. Welcome Committee, headed by S.E.A. Write Awards Organising Committee Chairman, M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, and major sponsors form recePtion line in the Lobby

19.30 hrs. HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and HRH Princess Srirasm arrive. M.R. Sukhumbhand introduces members of the reception line. M.R. Sukhumbhand and &1r. Kurt Wachtveitl, Ceneral Manager'

(Mezzanine Floor) via staircase

ln the Embassy Room: Private audience. HRH Crown Prince is presented with books by: - Brunei Darussalam: Mr. Sawal Rajab - Cambodia : Ms. Vannarirak Pal - lndonesia: /vlr. Sitor Situmorang - Laos: Ms. Douangdeuane Bounyavong - Malaysia : mr. Jong Chian Lai - Philippines: Mr. Victor Emmanuel Carmelo D. Nadera - Singapore: Mr. lsa Kamari - Thailand: Ms. Ngarmpun Vej.iajiva ' Vietnam: lvlr. Le Van Thao - Guest Speaker: Mr. Somtow Sucharitkul - President, PEN Club; Asst. Prof. Dr. Trisilpa Boonkhachorn - President, Writers' Association of Thailand: lvlr. Maitree LimPichart - The Oriental Hotel: Mr. Kurt Wachtveitl, General Manager l Group photo session in the Embassy Room (pre-designated areas)

19.50 hrs. Their Royal Highnesses proceed to the Royal Ballroom. Line up of ASEAN Ambassadors in the foyer

***Roaal Anthem****

Mr. Kurt Wachtveitl presents the 2006 SEA Write Booklet to HRH Crown Prince Mrs. Sunathee Isvapornchai, Thai Airways International, presents Booklet to HRH Princess Srirasm

20.00 hrs. Dinner served

21.00 hrs. Following dessert, FIt. Lt. Apinan Sumanxeni, President of Thai Airways International, invites everyone to stand up for the Royal Toast

***Rogal Anthsnl* * * *

21.15 hrs. M.R. Sukhumbhand delivers welcome speech and gives briefbackground of each awardee and guest speaker

Mr. Kurt invites each awardee to give a two-minute speech (in their native language)

21.30 hrs. HRH Crown Prince stands up to deliver speech (E)ergone stands up)

***RoAal Anthem**"*

21.45 hrs. Mr. Kurt invites major sponsors to receive plaque of appreciation from HRH Crown Prince

22.10 hrs. Mr. Kurt invites guest speaker, Mr. Somtow Sucharitkul, to deliver keynote address

22.30 hrs. ***Rogal Anthem*""*

Their Royal Highnesses depart from the Royal Ballroom

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Brunei Darussalam Dewan Bahasa Dan Pustaka Brunei (Language and Literature Bureau) Chairman Awang Haji Jemat bin Haji Ampal DeputA Chairman - Dr. Mataim bin Bakar SecretarA - Dayang Aminah binti Haji Momin Members - Dato Paduka Haji Mahmud bin Haji Bakyr - Dato Paduka Haji Ahmad bin Kadi - Dato Paduka Haji Aliddin bin Haji Othman - Dato Paduka Haji Matusin bin Omar - Prof. Madya Dr Haji Hashim bin Haji Abdul Hamid - Dr Haji Morsidi bin Haji Muhamad - Ampuan Dr. Haji Brahim bin Ampuan Haji Tengah - Awang Kamis bin Haji Tuah

Cambodia Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the Cabinet of the Prime Minister Writers' Association

lndonesia Chairman - Prof. Dr. Sapardi Djoko Damono Secretarg - Prof. Melani Budianta, Ph.D. Members - Prof. Dr Boen S. Oemarjati - Prof. Drs. Jakob Sumardjo - Drs. Abdul Rozak Zaidan, M.A

Laos Judging Committee - Viseth Svengseuksa - Savanhkhone Rajamountri - Sivengkhek Konnivong - Phintounaleth Rajapho - Nouphai Khonnivong - Chanty Deuanesavanh - Dara Kanlaya - Kongdeuane Nettavong Somsouk Souksavath Thongbai Photisan

Malaysia Chairman - Dato' Haji Baharuddin Zainal Deputg Chairman - Dato' Dr. Firdaus Haji Abdullah Secretarg - Puan Hajah Zaiton Haji Ajamain Committee Members - Dato' Dr. Anwar Ridhwan - Prof. Dr. Solehah Ishak - Associate Prof. Dr. Ruzy Suliza Hashim - Dr. Lim Swee Tin - Puan Hajah Zalila Shariff - Puan Hajah Siti Aisah Murad L 10 I

Philippines Writers Union of the Philippines Chairman - Virgilio S. Almario Members - Adrian Cristobal - Roberto Anonuevo - Carmen Guerrero Nakpil - Teo Antonio

Singapore Chairman - Professor Emeritus Edwin Thumboo Members - Professor Wong Yoon Wah - Assoc. Prof. Robbie Coh - Assoc. Prof. Shaharuddin b. Maaruf - Mr. Abdul Ghani Hamid - Mr. Ramachandran - Mr VT. Arasu - Mr Rama Kannabiran

Thailand Selecting Committee - Asst. Prof. Dr. Dhanate Vespada - Mr Charoonporn Parapakpralai - Mr Pinit Nilrat - Mrs Porntada Suvattanavanich - Mr Rakmananya Somtep - Asst. Prof. Dr Saiwaroon Noinimit - Miss Tanikan Jinapan Judging Committee - Mrs. Nitaya Masavisut - Assoc. Prof. Chusak Pattarakulvanit - Asst. Prof. Dr Dhanate Vespada - Mr. maitree Limpichart - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ruenruthai Sujjapun - Asst. Prof. Dr. Trisilpa Boonkhachorn , Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khunying Vinita Diteeyont

Vietnam Vietnam Writers' Association Chairman - Huu Thinh Vice Chalrman - Nguyen Tri Huan - Le Van Thao Members - Tran Dang Khoa - Ho Anh Thai - Phan Thi Vang Anh - Nguyen Duc Mau - Ha Minh Duc - Thuy Toan - Le Quang Trang - Ma Van Khang - Vu Tu Nam

11 > 2OOO S.E.A. Write Guest SPeaker

S.P. Somtow (Somtow Sucharitkul)

Once referred to by the lnternational Herald lribune as "the most well known expatriate Thai in the world", Somtow Sucharitkul is no longer an expatriate, since he has returned to Thailand after five decades of wandering the world. He is best known as an awaad_ winning novelist and a composer of operas. Born in Bangkok, Somtow grew up in EuroPe and was educated at Eton and Cambridge. His fkst career was in music and in the 1970s' his first return to Asia, he acquired a reputation as a revolutionary composer, the first to combine Thai and Western inst.uments in radical new sonorities. Conditions in the arts in the region at the time proved so traumatic fo. the young composer that he suffered a major burnout, emigrated to the United States, and reinvented himself as a novelist His earliest novels were in the science fiction field and he soon won the John W. Campbell for Best New Writer as well as being nominated for and winning numerous other awards in the field. But science fiction was not able to contain him and he began to cross into other genres. In his 1984 novel Vampire Junction, he injected a new literary inventiveness into the horror genre, in the words of Robert Bloch, author of Psucho, "skillfully combining the styles of StePhen King, William Bu.roughs, and the author ofthe Reoelation to John " Vampire Junctionwas voted one of the forty all'time greatest horror books by the Horror Writers' Association, joining established classics like Frankenstein and Dracula. He has also published children's books, a historical novel. and about a hundred works of short fiction ln the 1990s Somtow became increasingly identified as a uniquely Asian writer with novels such as the semi-autobiographical Jasmine /Yights and a series of stories noted for a peculiarly Asian brand of magic realism, such as Dragon's Fin Soup, which is currently being made into a film directed by Takashi Miike. He recently won the World Fantasy Award, the highest accolade given in the world of fantastic literature, for his novella Ihe Elrd Catcher His forty'seven books have sold about two million coPies world-wide. After becoming a Buddhist monk for a period in 2001, Somtow decided to refocus his attention on the country of his birth, founding Bangkok's first international oPera company and returning to music, where he again reinvented himself, this time as a neo_Asian neo Romantic comPoser' The Norwegian government commissioned his song cycle Songs Before Dawnfor the 100th Anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize, and he composed at the request of the government of Thailand his Requiem: ln Memoriam 9/1 1 which was dedicated to the victims of the 9/1 I tragedy. According to London's Opera magazine, "in just five years, Somtow has made Bangkok into the operatic hub of SoutheastAsia." His operas on Thai th emes, Madana aod Mae Naak, have been well .eceived by international critics. He is directing Wagner's Ring Cucle for the Bangkok Opera, a four-year project which recently received full page coverage in the N€u) York Times His cLlrrent p.oject is Agodhga, a modern oPera that retells the entire Ramagana in a single evening. He has written both the libretto and the music for this sPectacular work which will premiere in November 2006 and which he has dedicated to His Majesty the King.

12 aulfl1 aosnna

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13 > 2006 s.E.A. Write Award Winners

Sawal Raiab 'T Brunei Darussalam

Vannarirak Pal Cambodia

Sitor Situmorang

Douanq Bounyavonq Laos

14 Jonq Chian Lai Malaysia n Victor Emmanuel Carmelo D Nadera, Jr The Philippines #T & Isa Kamari #Efi

Nqarmpun Veiiaiiva H Thailand

6 Le Van Thao t,

15 >2006 Brunei S.E.A. Write Awardee

SAWAL RAJAB Sawal Rajab was born on 1 May 1950, at Kampung Santol, Jangsak, Jalan Gadong, Mukim Kilanas, Brunei. Most of his writings are poems, short story, novels, drama (theatre, Ra- dio and television) and literary criticisms and essays, pub- lished in magazines such as Bahana, Journal Pangsura, Beriga, by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), Brunei Darussalam publication, in newsPapers such as Bintang Harian, Mingguan Malaysia, Berita Minggu, Utusan Zaman, Kinabalu Sunday Times, Utusan Sarawak, Borneo Bulletin, Dewan Sastera magazine published in Malaysia and Horison magazine, Indonesia Publication besides broadcast by Radio and Television. Brunei Darussalam.

He now holds a position as a Director of WAWU International and Managing Director of Globalance Technology 6 Infra' structures Brunei,

ulnrduudlsoirlsrnRuglu a:cla sroru

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16 I Excerpt of Winning Work BRqNEI

ORIGINAL LANGUAGE ENGLISH TRANSLATION

"HARGA KEMANUSIAAN" Value of Humanitg

Ada panggilan intercom dari gate A call from the intercom at the gate was mengatakan serombongan'pegawai' heard saying that a party of 'officers' hendak masuk. Waktu itu Tuan Haji wanted to come in. At that moment, Haji Cuntur baru saja selesai solat maghrib Guntur had just finished performing his di bilik ibadat. Tuan Haji Cuntur maghrib prayer in the prayer room. Haji menjenguk melalui tingkap sambil Guntur peered out of a window and told memberitahu pengawal peribad inya his security guard to wait for awhile. He supaya menunggu sebentar. Dia harus had to smarten up before going to the bersiap dengan pakaian kemas sebelum living room. pergi ke ruang tamu. Who were they? What was their inten- "Siapa mereka? Apa hajat mereka tion? Was it good? HajiGuntur was scep- datang? Apakah mereka bertujuan baik? tical. Haji Cuntur diserang waswas. If he forbid them to enter, they would say Kalau tidak dibenarkan masuk, takut he was arroganI and he would receive dikata sombong pula, dan Tuan Haji the consequences. Guntor akan menerima akibatnya. Accepting visitors politely is demanded Menerima tetamu dengan baik adalah in Islam. Visitors must be respected. That dituntut dalam Islam. Tetamu mesti was Haji Gunturis decision. dihormati. Demikian Tuan Haji Cuntur mengambil keputusan.

17 > 2006 Cambodia S.E.A. Write Awardee

VANNARIRAK PAL Vannarirak Pal began her career as a civil servant for the District Department of Culture. She started writing in 1968 and has an extensive background in various literature such as poems, song texts, novels, video and television scenarios, biographies and theatre plays. Mrs Pal is the Vice-president of the Khmer Writer Association and a member of the Administrative committee of the Federation for the Development of the Book Sector in Cambodia and a Founder of the Literature Association Cambodia, Sweden.

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18 ! Excerpt of Winning Work CAI4BODIA

ORIGINAL LANQ(lAGE

( usmnJd )

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ENGLISH TRAN ST.ATION mother By Pal Vannarirak

For nine months, you carried me in your womb. Nothing was too burdensome And you did your best to fight the nausea.

Food became tart and sour for you, You lost weight because you couldn't take it in. Whenever you ate, you brought it back up. I feel pity and sympathy for you.

Your body became pale all over, Your beautiful face changed and your eyes became dull. Though you were exhausted, You were still able to bear it all.

In the stillness of the night's early hours, I caused you much discomfort, Your whole body was sweaty and hot, But, my cherished mother, You couldn't wash as your family wouldn't allow it. l 19 > 2006 Indonesia S.E.A. Write Awardee

SITOR SITUMORANG Sitor Situmorang was born on 2 October 1924 in North Sumatra. He worked forthe lndonesian Press and mass media in the 1940's, and published his first work in the 1950's. He had studied cinematograPhy in UCLA in 1956-57, and had served as head of the Lembaga Kebudayaan Nasional (National Cultural Council) in l959-1965. He has published dozens of poetry collections.

Sitor Situmorang was selected based on his latest Poetry collection called Biksu Tak Berjubah (2004), which shows the culmination of his poetic style. The collection encapsulates the development of his literary creativity, from the 1950's to 2004, which has placed Sitor Situmorang as one of the best poets in Indonesia, and in the region.

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20 Excerpt of Winning Work INDONESIA

ORICINAL LANGOAGE ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Biksu tak Berjubah A Monk with no Robe

Taklukkan kota Paris To conquer Paris mimpiku dulu was once my dream, anganangan muda: a young man's fancy: menggegerkan langit! to storm the heavens! Tapi langit bisu saja. But heaven was silent. Paris pun jadi tua and even Paris grew old Di kesunyiannya ln its loneliness aku dewasa I matured , pasrah seperti biksu tua grew submissive berkemas like an old monk with no robe, masuk biara matiraga preparing to enter tanpa jubah - the monastary for meditation - dituntun tangan led by the hand meraba-raba Igrasp di gerbang cinta at the gate of love of alam semesta the universe nusantara. of the archipelago.

Nouember 1976 Nooember 1976 Sitor Situmorang Sifor Situmorang Translation: John Mc Lgnn

2t >2006 Laos S.E.A. Write Awardee

DOUANGDEUANE BOONYAVONG Douangdeuane Bounyavong is currently the Chief Editor of Dokked Publishing Company. She began her primary and secondary education in Vientiane and continued her studies in DongDok Teachers' Training College and received her BS and MS in Physics and Chemistry from The University of AMIENS and POITIERS in France. She has a vast experi- ence in academics and besides being the Chief Editor of Dokked Publishing, she was also the National Consultant for Teacher training Curriculum Development programme with the Ministry of Education.

She was judged and awarded as SEA Write Awardee 2006 on her piece of work ATHAN HANQ PHONG PHAI ( The Forests' Charm), which is a story about the life and struggles of a young teacher.

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22 Excerpt of Winning Work LAOS

ORICINAL LANGUAGE

'I .i o :. ... [tmu.rjx33 nm93!rrua.luq:uouL.)nu- n.'r!nncnuu.r!;q.roesJ!u. 6uticcma:q:!oiurnirJ:luuoes3iu Sfr!srrfi qrciruirr-r.ru-nr6.rri'r.Uu hl8:.r$csutnn c5on:us3iiccuun:n53fi uri"r Ju cf lfi agtrl$llrcn?utisgicEr a.ra.rcr,r,r3. frue,.,3iiufi 5ut{?riu:)r.,rananqrcJrur.rnc.r so Eccic cca:ir.:sro srucar:d:tuErncudriuri irl i.rruAgti0uJri tu...

ເພື່ອຄົ້ນຄວ້າ

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

... there are many kindsເພື່ອສຶກສາ of trees in a forest. That's the way forests are. Trees are grown by supporting one another to keep forests lush and green and healthy in nature. Each tree has its own usefulness, such as this Yang tree. The villagers have been using its oil to mix with dead rotten wood to make torches and fire kindles - instead of using a kerosene-lamp which, one has to go and buy expensive kerosene from town. This Yang tree has served the villagers for more than 50 years and it will probably continue to do so if it is still alive and standing... ເພື່ອທັມມະທານ

23 D 2006 Malaysia S.E.A. Write Awardee

JONG CHIAN LAI Jong Chian Lai was born on l0 October 1960 at Kampung Matang, Kuching, Sarawak. He received his early education from the Lower Primary School of Kampong Gita, Kuching ( 1967) and his secondary education from the Secondary School of Temerloh, Pahang until 1973 before he proceeded to Industrial Training Institute in and . He is currently attached wjth the Pepper Marketing Board, Kuching, Sarawak.

Jong Chian Lai is known as a writer of short stories and novels even though he writes poems, drama scripts and articles. He has produced personally 24 short stories and three anthologies of short stories from the year 1980 to 1999. In the genre of poetry, he has produced 35 poems from the year 1978 till 1982.

Jong Chian Lai has won numerous awards in his own such as the Hadiah Sastera Malaysia (Malaysian Literary Prize)competition for the years 1984185, 1986187 and 1988/ 89, ESSO-GAPENA Writing Competition and Hadiah Nobel DBPCS ( DBPCS Novel Prize)

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24 ! Excerpt of Winning Work MALAYSIA

ORIGINAL LANGUACE ENCLISH TRANSLATION

TUJUH BELAS CHAPTER 1 7

Penqhulu Sidek berasa semakin berkecai semangatnya Headman Sidek s hope to go against Tuan was seperti kaca terhcmpds ke batu urtuk menenldng Tuan dashed to pieces. Sn's officer had several times Beberapd kali peqdwai Iudn datanq ke rumdhnla. came to his house. He came notto persuade but to Keddrdnqdnnya bukan kcrana memujLrk. terdPi explain Sir's slanding on the matter That was why memperiilaskan pendirian T.ran \endir. Lalu Tu;n he wanted Headman Sidek. Mahmud and Tahir meminta Penqhulu Srdek. Mahmud ddn Tahir bekerja to work with him in the administration office. denqannya dr peiabdl pentadbuan. Tidak \eperli Makota Unli(e Makota who \Ids arrogdnt. cluel and ydnq bonqhak. kejdm dan menyalahgundkdn kud\dnya. Tisu.inq hrs power. And the Malay insurgence Ddn p"mberontakan oranq MelayJ terjadi kerana hdppened be(ause ol l4dkota s merciless a(tiors. kekejdmdn [1dkota. perbualan maksiat terhadap his evil acts towards the kampong's women and perempuan-per.mpuan di perkdmpunqan itu dan because of the forced labor at the antimony mines. pemaksaan burLrh di lombonq anlimoni. Bibil bibrt The remains ofthe insurgency went on to fight for iemberontakan ydnq tert,nggdl mdsih lerus their.ights. memperiuanqkan haknya. Tuan has dot rd oi Makota s crueltv. Makota. Tuan telah menghapuskan kekejaman Makota w;s ousted out bv Sir Makota telah dihalau oleh Tuan. Makota has misused his;ower; killjng, doing evil men) kudsanva' Makotd alahgunakan towards thp kdmp.rnq qirls and (hallenginq him anak dara di membunuh, melakukan mak5rdl terhadaP would be .onsidered rnsultinq the Sultan. perkampunqan itu; dan penentangan terhadapnya akan dianqqap menghina Sultan Headman Sroek j.rdqed h.mselfbefore other. que. Penqnulu SidFk menqadilidninya sebclum ol ned ine mdlle,. lhe llaray drgnrtaries hdd long anq lair mempersoalkan perkdrd rnr Pembesdr lleldyu dcceptFd 5.r. Wd5 thar Srr'(.unnrnq excure? Hedd- telah lama min.r,ma Tuan Apdhdh rlu helah Tuan? Tan SidFk l^ondered. \es, man was uillinq to Penqhulu Sidek tertanya-tanya. Ya, manusia akan enslave himself as long as he got his wish. Head- memperhamuakan dninya untuk ordng lain asalkan dia mao Sidek had thought deeply about it until his ddpal menqqenqqdm impiannya Penghulu Sidek sudah mind went blank. He had figured out the excuses memikirkan sed,alam-dalamnya sehinggakan fikirannya and tricks behind Sir's comradeship with the terdsa kosono. Dia sudah menqesan doldk_dalrk dan Mdlals. lt was impossible to ignore Tuan's com. muslihdl di se6alik semdigat setia-kawd'r luan itu dengan radeshrp. WhFr you rcally think about it. it s lo, hl\ oranq Meldyu. Addldh musldhil untuk menoldk sc-ndngat own qood, and the Aalays, in fact it's to appease setia kawanTuan. Kerana apabila difikirkan masak_masak, them. That was truly cunning of Sir iemudnya untuk kebaikdn dirrnya. orang Melayu malah mFnodmaikan mereka. llemanq Tudn pintdr orangnya. Headman Sidek knew what he had to say to the lhe Penghulu Sidek tahu apa yang harus dikatakan virlager\ doour therr struggle.h. taboo for kepada anak bLjdhnya tentanq perjuangan merekd. Unluk Mdlay. ro retreat . total\ iTpos\ible and diffi(ult have qol rpdd! d helo for beiundur, Danldnq Melavu undur, mu(tahrl sekaliddn bcral lo d(, ept. h fact tl'ey diterima. Malahher"ia telah mcnyedra^an pahldwan this battle. Whatwould his village people say? When you mrno to do something. go al' untuk perjudngan ini. Apd kald buahnya nanlil Alang alang hate set !ou. menyeluk p;kacdm Diar sampdr ke pangkal lenqdn 6ul. Headnan Sidek iried Io deny losinq rn tl'F would hide his thousand laughter if he Penqhulu Sidek cuba menyanqkal dhan mengalah ddldm battle. Sir conveyed his loyalto him. oeriianqan rnr Tuan akan menyembunyikan seribLr tdwd iika'did menydmpaikdn hdsrat untuk setid kepadanyd. "Mahmudl Hit the tabuhl" Headman Sidek imme- Mahmudl Palu labuhl- PenqhulL 5,dek segerd didtelv oot uo and $ent straiohl inlo the house. band(il dan masuk ke dala-n rumah Mahmud Iidak M.h;"; d'd;r asked and hirlhe labun while his mc;bantdh lalu mFmukul tabuh

25 > 2006 The Philippines S.E.A. Write Awardee

VICTOR EMMANOEL CARMELO D. NADERA, JR Victor Emmanuel Carmelo D. Nadera, Jr. is an award- winning poet, fictionist, play\iright, essayist and translator. A graduate of M.A. in Clinical Psychology, he pioneered Poetry Therapy in the country among cancer survivors and continued to give such therapy to children in need of special protection (street children, those in armed conflict, in disas- ter, and the sexually absued), drug dependents, persons with Aids, and comfort women. Aside from awards for his literary works, Nadera has been recognized by several academic and government institutions, for his projects and programs I geared towards the grownth of national language and Iitera- ture. The awardee is also a member of the Literary Arts Committee of the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts and the Technica Panel for Literature of the Commission on Higher Education. He is also considered the father of performance poetry in the Philippines.

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l 26 I Excerpt of Winning Work THE PHILIPPINES

ORICINAL LANGUAGE ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Kung nasa aking mga kamay lamang *Time ang panahon, Kailanman di ko ito sa limot ibabaon. lf time is in my hands, I shall never let it be forgotten. Kanina lamang sinasalamin ng karagatan Ang kalangitang walang iniwan sa A moment ago, the sea mirrors kisameng bughaw. The heavens which left nothing in Tila nakipagtalik sila sa dilaw ng araw the blue ceiling 0pang maghasik ng luntig supling As if they connected with the yellow sun sa kaligiran. to sow green offspring in the surround- ings. Kung nasa aking mga kamay lamang ang panahon, If time is in my hands, Kailanman di ko ito sa limot ibabaon. I shall never let it be forgotten.

Walang pagsidlan ang walang kahulilip I have nowhere to place my incompa- kong tuwa rablejoy that when rain suddenly poured Kaya nang biglang umulan, ako ay down, napaluha I was moved to tears. Kinagisnan kong pagtawa ay hindi The laughter I knew I could not do ko magawa lest the rainbow might become Dahilbaka bahaghari sa akin maghinala. suspicious of me.

Kung nasa aking mga kamay lamang If time is in my hands, ang panahon, I shall never ]et it be forgotten. Kailanman di ko ito sa limot ibabaon. I slumbered upon the kiss of the foreign Napaidlip ako sa halik ng daYong wind and the scent ofthe flower that em- habagat braces me. At halimuyak ng bulaklak na ako ang I was sailing seaward the banca of my yakap. dream when my own laughter roused Papalaot sana ang bangka ng aking me. PangaraP Hanggang ginising ako ng sarilli kong If time is in my hands, halakhak. I shall never let it be forgotten.

Kung nasa aking mga kamaY lamang ang panahon, Kailanman di ko ito sa limot ibabaon.

27 > 2OOG Thai S.E.A. Write Awardee

NGARMPON VEJJAJIVA Ngarmpun Vejjajiva was born in 1963 in London where her parents completed their medical studies. She returned to Thai- land at age of 3 and grew up in Bangkok. Having cerebral palsy from birth which limits her movements, she finds com- fort from books which open to her an imaginary world. Her skills in languages led her to graduate with first honours Bach- elor Arts (French Literature) from Thammasat University. She then furthered her studies atTranslators and lnterpreters School (French, English and ltalian) in Brussels. She started her ca- reer as translator in a magazine publisher in 1988 before set- ting up her own company publishing and editing a magazine for children until 1995. She is now running a copyright agency, Silkroad Publishers Agency. She also works as a freelance translator. Her translations include Seta by Alessandro Baricco, Lemoine et Ie philisopheby Jean-Frangois Revel 6 Mathieu Ricard, The lrum- pet of the Suanby E B. White. ln 1999, she was decorated Chevalier de I'Ordre des Arts et des Letters from the Ministry of Culture of France. The Happiness of Kati is her first novel published by Praew Books, an imprint of Amarin Printing and Publishing, and has to date been translated and published abroad in En- glish, Cerman and Japanese. The French and the Catalan editions will be published later this year. uhrdsulflsrirlsrnRlnu 0'rulrssru nuuld3:

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30 I Excerpt of Winning Work THAILAND

ORIGINAL LANG(lAGE ENGLISH TRANSLATION

mruaUUO a:n The Happiness of Kati ).tu d1 ei n truu to:IlrYt Rafl zu{1 nvi t+11:'tu The wind, mingled with the hot air rising -: a! ) :{,.!d from the sand. blew in her lace. Kati ran n1:yru lu14%1nJyr?,]lt?!u.taa !'l{ [1l tfi fl ,1 td'i' faster and faster. She was running to the zauyl'r ryr'r dfl ardyl1l8 [%a a vr0 a o a fl1{ylr[& ,.] horizon. Her feet felt the fine sand beneath Yl''t te to...au1{Ylrt rFrirYt''lto da,i an"r[t1L''] them in a way that Mother was no longer - - a - ; , i ,. able to do...in a way that Mother had once fl l-[ Z8l]t A\l rll & A\l m?& n'l51{ 0 A ''l0 YIU i.l Yl''l , i , - -a done. Kati's hands were clenched, and they 1rild.. aer,:frurirnarirld n;frflnfiofiu ro pumped up and down in rhythm. Her hands : - , J ,6.,r,r. t j uln r n5fl 'l{'r8''ltt1.luu[fl fl 711 l [4...Y'{']Yr were moving in a way that Mother's could rnedrln" no longer move. Kati raised her hand to wipe away her tears. That easy movement was something Mother could no longer do, n;fr rfiui:v nI:r u:x *:r r.iru ars nr uritr though Mother had once done so just as easily as Kati.

Iagnrrurlfirr om:r am a n EJrr a EiriaL The hotel entrance flashed by out of the side of Kati's eye, but she couldn't stop. ilA-- She raced on and prayed that the beach t'tu0ut$tattlaa r:fi n{u% uYr:'rPi fleYra{ -, .l , s ' .l would continue before her. an endless beach. It was only when her knees gave -n ,)L ! -- \- riulraifrd'unrlu:r a:6rr n:fi fa r'[ri a d r rl ri way and she fell onto the sand that Kati , i{' realised she was soaked in sweat. Her legs ''ln01+ rllU tF5 AU1{Yl11.[1J11i 0fl 1{Yl t$]tFl8fl were trembling. Kati cried without a ji - . !- shame, iFrlFufiu,iYt,in?a{n1i 1 l,la'tnifl [un0n l'] as though all her defences had been shat- t la * t , ! vin lfiflYttnu1n't''tYll.t''tn a0!vi n'l''t ul n1 tered, as she had never cried before. Some- one threw herself down beside her and virl:rl riuvioE n;fr r-rr:r;ri'rrirnr udrdr swept Kati up in a hug. It was a good while - :^" - - -n6- ^r,r - ^ nund{zuugt'l LEI h,l nvnzuzrn{ 'l ld0n before Oncle Kunn spoke. He said that her crying would flood z'ronrrurlannrir.lrfi a a{ornfi a,r rfi srdr the wind crabs' holes. Kati laughed throuqh her tears. Uncle Kunn n 1{n 1181J 1{1t',t [ 11v? 1 nAU',]{$r l}rYtU ndU: shifted and gestured for Kati to hop onto ?'tt"t nnua:fltfl{ [n his back. The view to either side looked different from up on high. Uncle Kunn laughed when he said that she'd probably fl^ fi n un"': r,n,rh'{rrn:;,fiaru-ruzunfiu 3J not been thinking of how they would get back home when she' d run so hard and ! \ td long.

[]1l-[[[A? The sky was dark now. Light shone from the verandah of "Sea-view villa". The tide was high so the beach had shrunk, and on the sand no trace remained of the wind crabs.

31 > 2006 Vietnam S.E.A. Write Awardee

LE VAN THAO

Le Van Thao was born on October 1, 1939 in Long An prov- ince. He had finished school in Long Xuyen province and moved to Saigon to study and finished the Scientific Univer- sity. In 1962, he left for Resistant Zone against America and worked for Association for Art and Literature of Liberated Front. He often went along with Unit of Regular Army of Southern East Division # 9 of Liberated Zone in Long an province. In 1968, he had taken part in the Mau Than Offensive fight in Saigon. He began writing in 1965 of last century, mainly notes, short stories on country topics, Gue- rilla war, life and fight of the Regular Army. Le Van Thao was judged on one piece of the work. Novel: "Cdn Ci6ng" / The Storm / and his creative life.

UnUUU tsn US:tnm38OUlU lao llru [n]

raa r{'rr{ Lyrl rfioiufi r &ra1nu .Fl. 2482 1 {"{ foaa{d-'u rurqun"rFnur::o''u r a qe - r.r 5ur.r FInu101n Lt{ [5ulr[l,tr{fi?afl3i.*F.m un:eira'l finurar+ar::6'raaru6nurfi scien- tific University luldiou 1u vi.6. 25o5 rzr'[r.lrz'r ir ru1utz sr Resistant zone d6ia n'ruavi5arrBnr,., ua;rir':rubiarrnutdaBn:ua;r::run::xuvi,tuueirInr:rlaotkioa aeni,rrzrrfiuyrr{ [r]nn ri':arvr: ::drnr:zo,tnami'unriuaonrieolm"fr g tattznrlnn r}ioa1u6',rvionorfra lun.rt. zs t r rzri:r1unr:rio{ Mau Than ofiensive lu'lzi'iar.r ; - & t i' o n Y j

Io: flinua:nr:ria{1r.tnaiflfi'r: :iqirn'rl tao 1'l'rr+ rvr ln"iu:rtiafll: oio r nultisr e t4a r Con Gidng (r,nq) ua:dinairtd::rizattzt _l 32 I Excerpt of Winning Work VIETNAM

ORIGINAL LANGUAGE

Hai chiC1. ghe b6t ddu tr6i di. quel, ngang ngia tr6p tuc cu6c va d6p, xd dung vno c6c buj bar, anh ap chit vdo ngr.tdi Thui nghe co thd hio hdn, bltt cd van c6n sdng. " Y6n y6n, gi6ng b8o th6i ma! ", anh het vao tai c6, qui quang n{u duoc mAt ch6 nao d6, tay kia dd ch4t Thu;i xu6'ng sin. M6t hlc r6i cdn gi6ng cung diu di, nghe ti6ng ls hdt cia bi mip. Thuy van Indm nhr:n trong tay anh. Bing nghe ,'grrii dau budt, hinh nhrJ c6 m;iu chiv, chda kip bia thd ndo col) gi6ng de lai ndi len, hai chidc ghe ti6-p iuc tr6t di. B6n rrgoAi trdi nhu da rang s6ng, long ghe ngip nuoc, kh6ng hr6Lr sao vin chua chim. Dot nhiOn cdn gi6ng drlt lqng, hai ehidc ghe hii vdo mot kh6m cey. nghe xio xac hai beh, rdi drlng l4i hin.

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

The two boats began drifting downstream, turning uP and down and con- tinuing to clash, pushing to brushbank, he saddled tightly to Thuy body and hearing her panting breaths, aware that she is still alive. "Be quiet, quiet, just a storm only!", he shouted on her ears' groping for taking some- thing, by the other hand he saddled her closely on the floor. After a moment the storm became calm down, sounding the cries by the Fat Woman. Thuy is still soft and ftask in his hand Bang felt Pain and seemed how blood runs in veins, then so why and how the storm again uprising' the two boats continued flowing. Outside the dawn is rising uP in the sky' inbound boat is full of water, without knowing why it is not sunk' Suddenly the storm stoPPed quietly, the two boats disapPeared to a clump of trees, sounding rustles at the two sides and completely full stoPPed.

l

33 ? What is S.E.A Write?

S.E.A. Write stands for Southeast Asian Writers Awards which is designed to honour leading poets and writers in the ASEAN region. The ten countries whjch comprise the ASEAN region are Brunei, Cambodia, lndonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, The philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Background

Since its establishment, The Oriental, Bangkok has always had an afiinity with famous writers from around the world. During its history, great authors have either staved jn or vjsited the hotel. This affinity with the literary world is best exemplified in the Authois' Residence which houses suites named after Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward and James Michener. Moreover, suites in the River Wing have also been named after various authors such as Craham Greene, John le Carr6 and Barbara Cartland, to name a few.

As a tribute to this literary tradition, the S.E.A. Write Awards was originated in early 1979 to encourage writers in the ASEAN countries and to bring recognition to the creative literary talents of the region. The idea emerged from discussions amongst the management of The Oriental, Bangkok, ThaiAirways International Public Co., Ltd., and the halthai Group of Companies. H.H. Prince Prem Purachatra was elected as the Chairperson ofthe Organising Committee. In addition, the Organising Committee also received support from the pEN lnternational Thailand-Centre as well as from the Writers' Association ofThailand. Later on the Jim Thompson Foundation, Bangkok Bank Public Co., Ltd. and Thai Beverage pLC., all joined the Organising Committee.

Objectives

. To recognise the creativity of writers from countries of the ASEAN region.

. To create a wider awareness and understanding of literary wealth amongst the ten ASEAN countries.

To honour and promote the literary talents of the ASEAN creative writers.

To bring together the many talents of ASEAN writers.

_l 34 Committees

The uniqueness of this award is that the awardees are selected by their own peers in each of the ten ASEAN countries. In Thailand, the Selection Committee members arc nominated by the PEN lnternational Thailand-Centre which is under Royal Patronage as well as by the Writers' Association of Thailand. There are 2 committees involved with the S E A. Write Awards as follows:

The Selection Committee is made up of seven members comPrising thrce rePresentatives from the PEN lnternational Thailand-Centre, three representatives from the Writers' Associa- tion ofThailand, and one designated literary figure. The committee members then vote amongst themselves who will be the Chairperson. The Selection Committee has the responsibility of accepting entries and then short-listing them to seven literary works which subsequently will be proposed to the Board of Juries for final judging.

The Board of Juries is also made up of seven members comprising the Chairperson of PEN International Thailand-Centre or a representative, the ChairPerson of the Wtiters' Association of Thailand or a representative, one prominent literature sPecialist, three literary figures and ເພື່ອຄົ້ນຄວ້າthe Chairperson of the Selection Committee (by position). The members of the Board of Juries may not sit on the Selection Committee excePt for the Chairperson of the Selection Committee who can sit on both committees. Furthermore, committee members may not receive any benefits connected with the work selected as the winnel The Board of Juries is responsible for selecting as the winner one of the seven works PmPosed by the Selection Committee. The deadline for acceptance of entriesເພື່ອສຶກສາ for consideration of the award is the end of April of each year and the winner will be announced in August of the same yeal Organisations, instituiions which deal with literary works, publishers, literature exPerts, writers, critics and readers can submit works for the S.E.A. Wtite Awards.

Organisers The very first Chairman of the S.E.A Write Organising Committee, from 1979 until 1981' was the late H.H. Prince Prem Purachatra, one of Thailand's Prominent literary figures On His Highness's demise in 1981, his consort Princess Ngamchit Purachatra assumed the chair- mJnship. tn 1982 Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhomເພື່ອທັມມະທານ graciously consented to become the Honorary Chairperson of the Organising Committee After Princess Ngamchit passed away in 1983, Her Highness Princess Vimalachat'a, sister of H H Prince Prem iurachatra, iook up the chairmanship. H.H. Princess Vimalchatra resigned from the chair- manship in early 1992 due to health reasons. ShewassucceededbyHSHProfessorPrince Subhadiadis Diskul, one of Thailand's most famous scholars, until 1997'

35 The late M.L. Birabhongse Kasemsri, His Majesty's Principal private Secretary, was Chairman from 1998 to 1999. Upon M.L. Birabhongse's demise in 1999, M. R. Sukhumbhand padbatra. took the helm and has been S.E.A. W.ite Organising Committee Chairman since then.

The cur.ent Organising Committee is currently chaired by M.R. Sukhumbhand paribatra. Committee members include Presidents the PEN Club of Thailand, and the Miters, Associa- tion of Thailand; representatives from nine ASEAN Embassies and sponsors. 2006 sponsors comp.ise: Thai Airways International Public Co., Ltd., Bangkok Bank public Co., Ltd, BMW (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Bank of Thailand, Export,lmport Bank of Thailand, Thai Beverages PLC, The Rex Morgan Foundation, Heritage lnternational Limited, Chumbhot-panlip Foundation, BQ Asia Pacific Pte Limited, Toshiba Thailand Co., Ltd., World Travel Service. lnternational Peace Foundation and The Oriental, Bangkok.

Selection criteria

The criteria are as follows:

. The entry must be an originalwork.

. Works must have some relevance to the nation or region in which the authors live.

. Works should be fiction in any of its forms and should be non-political. Fiction or creative writing includes novels, short stories, fables, folk tales, mlths, non-fiction, legends and poems.

r Works eligible for selection are volumes published within three (3) years of the selection year.

. Works which have already received national awards remain eligible for submission.

. Works may be in any language used within the boundaries of the awardee,s country.

. The author must have some contribution to the cultural and literary development of his or her country through his or her writings.

. The awardees are to be selected regardless of race, sex or religion and living at the time of submission.

. Works not complying with the above criterja can be rejected by the Selection and Judging Committees. t l 36 Prizes

. Plaque to commemorate the distinction

. Guided tours of local attractions

- The S.E.A. Write Awards winner from Thailand will receive a one-week all expenses paid vacation in any one of the ASEAN countries. This prize is valid for one year

- The S.E.A. Write Awards winners from the nine other countries will all receive a one-week all expenses paid vacation to Thailand to attend the awards presentation ceremony.

. Cash award

37 D Members of the Thai Royal Family who have presided over the awards Presentation Ceremony

Friday 26 October 19'79 HM Queen Sirikit Friday 24 October 1980 HM Queen Sirikit Monday l2 October 1981 HRH Princess Maha Chakri Siridhorn on behalf of HM Oueen Sirikit Monday 29 October 1982 HRH Princess Maha Chakri Siridhorn Sunday 30 October 1983 HM Sueen Sirikit Wednesday l0 October 1984 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralonqkorn Tuesday 8 October 1985 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Thursday I October 1986 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Thursday 8 October 1987 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Monday l0 October 1988 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Tuesday 3 October 1989 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Tuesday 25 September 1990 HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Monday 23 September 1991 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Thursday I October 1992 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Tuesday t2 October 1993 HRH Crown Prlnce Maha Vajiralongkorn Tuesday 27 September 1994 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Tuesday 26 September 1995 HRH Crown Prince lvlaha Vajiralongkorn Thursday 26 September 1996 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongko.o

Friday 26 September 199'7 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn

Friday 25 September r 998 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn

Thursday 23 September r 999 Privy Councillor Tanin Kraivixien, represented HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Thursday 2l September 2000 HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha on behalf of HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Tuesday 9 October 2001 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vaiiralongkorn Tuesday 8 October 2002 HSH Prince Bhisatej Rajani Wednesday 15 October 2003 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on behalf HM Queen Sirikit Tuesday 12 October 2004 HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Wednesday 12 October 2005 HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha on behalf of HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn

38 ? Guest Speakers du ng the Awards Presentation Ceremony each year

1979 None 1980 Mr James A. Michener 1981 Dr Han Suyin 1982 Mr Gore Vidal 1983 M.R. Kukrit Pramoj 1984 Mr William Golding 1985 Mr Paul Theroux 1986 Mr Morris West 1987 Sir Peter Ustinov 1988 Mr Wilbur Smith 1989 None 1990 Mr Sheridan Morley 1991 Dr Norman Sherry 1992 None 1993 Lord Jeffrey Archer 1994 Mrs Margaret Drabble Holroyd 1995 Dame Iris Murdoch 1996 Miss Jung Chang 1997 Mr Frederick Forsyth 1998 Mr Norman Mailer 1999 Lord David Puttnam 2000 Sir Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul 2001 Mr Pico Iyer 2002 Mr. Mario Vargas Llosa 2003 The Honourable Victoria Glendinning CBE FRSL 2004 Meira Chand 2005 Rita Dove

39 > 1979-2005 Winners

1979 Winners Indonesia Sutardji Calzoum Bachri Malaysia A. Samad Said Ihe Philippines Jolico Cuadra Singapore Edwin Nadason Thumboo Thailand Kampoon Boonthawee

1980 Winners lndonesia Putu Wijaya I Malaysia Baharuddin Zainal (Baha Zain) The Philippines Nick Joaquin Singapore Masuri bin Sulikun Thailand Naowarat Pongpaiboon

1981 Winners lndonesia Coenawah Mohamad liralaysia Abdullah Hussein The Philippines C.egorio Brillantes Singapore Wong Meng Voon Thailand Ussiri Dhammachote

1982 Winners Indonesia Marianne Katoppo malaysia Ihe Philippines Adrian Cristobal Singapore Ma Ilangkannan (M Balakrishnan) Thailand Chart Kobchitti

1983 Winners Indonesia YB. Mangunwijaya malaysia The Philippines Ediberto K. Tiempo Singapore A.thur Yap Thailand Komtuan Khantanu (Prasatporn Poosusilapadhorn)

1984 Winners Indonesia Budi Darma Malaysia A. Latiff Mohidin The Philippines Virginia R. Moreno Singapore Dr. Wong Yoon Wah Thailand Wanich Jarungidanan

1985 Winners Indonesia Abdul Hadi Wiji Muthari Malaysia (Muhammad Dahalan bin Abdul Biang) Ihe Philippines Ricaredo Demetillo Singapore Noor S.l. (lsmail bin Haji Omar) Thailand Krisna Asokesin (Sukanya Cholsuk)

1986 Winners Brunei muslim Burmat (Haji Muslim bin Haji Burut) lndonesia Sapardi Djoko Damono Malaysia Kemala () The Philippines Jose Maria Sison Singapore Paranan (C. Veloo) Thailand Angkarn Kalayaanapong

40 1987 Winners Brunei Yahya M.S. (HajiYahya bin Haji lbrahim) Indonesia Dr. Umar Kayam Malaysia The Philippines Bienveoido N. Santos Singapore Dr. Lee Tzu Pheng Thailand Paitoon Thanya (Thanya Sangkapanthanon)

1988 Winners Brunei Leman Ahmad (Haji Leman bin Ahmad) Indonesia Danarto Malaysia Azizi Haji Abdullah The Philippines Rio Alma (Vngilio S. Almario) Singapore Leou Pei Ann (Chua Boon Hean) Thailand Nikom Rayawa

1989 winners Brunei Adi Kelana (Haji lbrahim bin Haji Muhamad Said) Indonesia Gerson Poyk Malaysia Siti Zainon Ismail The Philippines Lina Espina lAoore Singapore Suratman Markasan Thailand Chiranan Pitpreecha

1990 Winners Brunei Awang Mohd Salleh bin Abd. Latif lndonesia Arifin C. Noer lvlalaysia S. Othman Kelantan The Philippines Carmen Cuerrero'Nakpil Singapore Rama Kannabiran Thailand Anchan (Anchalee Vivatanachai)

1991 Winners Brunei H.E.Mr. Haji Mohammad Zain bin Haji Serudin lndonesia Subagio Sastrowardoyo Malaysia Jihaty Abadi (Yahya Hussin) The Philippines Dr. lsagani R. Cruz Singapore Dr Copal Baratham Thailand Mala Kamchan (Charoen Malaroj)

1992 Winners Brunei Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Mohd. Yusof lndonesia Ali Akbar Navis Malaysia lsmailAbbas The Philippines Alfred A. Yuson Singapore Cheong Weng Yat Thailand Saksiri (Kittisak) Meesomsueb

1993 Winners Brunei Pengiran Haji Mohd. Yusuf bin Pengiran Abd. Rahim lndonesia Ramadhan K.H. Malaysia Kamaruzzaman Abdul Kadir The Philippines Linda Ty-Casper Singapore Muhammad Ariff Ahmad Thailand Sila Komchai (Winai Boonchuay)

1994 Winners Brunei Awang Haji Morshidi bin Haji Marsal (Mussidi) lndonesia Taufiq lsmail l,lalaysia Prof. Dr. A. Wahab Ali The Philippine Prof. Dr. B.S. Medina. Jr. Singapore Naa Govindasamy Thailand Chart Kobchitti

41 1995 Winners Brunei PH. Muhammad Abdul Aziz (Pengiran Haji Aji bin Pengiran Haji Mohd. Tahir) Indonesia Ahmad Tohari Malaysia Suhaimi Haji Muhammad The Philippines Teodoro T Antonio Singapore Dan Ying (Le\\, Poo Chan) Thailand Paiwarin Khao-Ngam

1996 winners Brunei Pengiran Haji Sabtu bin Pengiran Haji Mohamad Salleh (A.S. lsma) Indonesia Rendra Malaysia Zaharah Nawawi The Philippines Mike L. Bigornia Singapore Minfong Ho Thailand Kanogpong Songsompuntu Vietnam To Huu

1997 Winners Brunei Awang Mohammad bin Haji Timbang Indonesia Seno Cumira Ajidarma malaysia Prof. Dr Muhammad Haji Salleh The Philippines Dr.Alejandro Roces Singapore Elangovan Thailand Win Lyovarin

1998 Winners Brunei Badaruddin H.O. Haji Badaruddin bin Haji Othman) Indonesia N.Riantia.no Laos Dr.Thongkham Onemanisone malaysia Assoc.Prof . Dr.Othman Puteh Myanmar Sinbyu-Kyun Aung Thein The Philippines Marne L. Kilates Singapore Abdul Chani Hamid Thailand Raekham Pradouykham (Suphan Thongklouy) Vietnam Ma Van Khang

1999 Winners Brunei Norsiah M.S. Awang Md. Shahri bin Haji Hussin Cambodia Pich Tum Kravel lndonesia Dr. Kuntowijoyo IvlA. Laos Chanthi Deuanesavanh Malaysia Khadijah Hashim myanmar U Kyaw Aung The Philippines Dean Ophelia Dimalanta Singapore Dr Catherine Lim Thailand Win Lyovarin Vietnam Huu Thinh

2000 Winners Brunei Haii Abdul Aziz bin Juned (Adi Rumi) Cambodia Kong Bun Chhoeun lndonesia Wisran Hadi Laos Souvanthone Bouphanouvong lvlalaysia Lim Swee Tin Myanmar Daw Yin Yin (Saw Mon Nyin) The Philippines Antonio Enriquez Singapore Teoh Hee La Thailand Wimon Sainimnuan Vietnam Nguyen Khai

42 200! Winners Brunei Awang Haji lbrahin bin Haji Muhammad (RahimM.S.) Cambodia Mao Ayuth Indonesia Saini K.1,1. (Saini Kosim Karnamisastra) Laos Somsy Dexakhamphou Malaysia Myanmar U Htin Gyi (Tekkatho Htin Cyi) Ihe Philippines Felice Prudente Sta. Maria Singapore K.T. M. lqbal (Mohamed lqbal) Thailand Chokchai Bundit (Chokchai Bunditsilasak) Vietnam Nguyen Duc Mau

2002 Winners Brunei Rosli Abidin Yahya Cambodia Seng Sam An Indonesia Darmanto Jatman Laos Viseth Svengsuksa Malaysia Dr An,.!,ar bin Ridhwan The Philippines Roberto T. Aionuevo Singapore lvlohamed Latiff bin Mohamed Ihailand Prabda Yoon Vietnam Nguyen Kien

2003 Winners Brunei Assoc.Prof.Dr Haji Hashim bin HajiAbdul Hamid Cambodia Kim Pinun Indonesia NH Dini Laos Theap Vongpakay Malaysia Dr. Zakaria Ali Ihe Philippines Dr. Domingo G. Landicho Singapore Philip Jeyaretnam Thailand Duanwad Pimwana Vietnam Bang Viet

2004 Winners Brunei Haji Jawawi bin Haji Ahmad Cambodia H.E. Chey Chap Indonesia Gus tf Sakai (Gustrafizal bin Bustamam) Laos Thongbay Phothisane Malaysia Zurinah Hassan The Philippines Dr. Cesar Ruiz Aquino Singapore Dr Soon Ai Ling Thailand Rewat Phanpipat Vietnam Do Chu

2005 Winners Brunei lvlr. Rahimi A. B. Cambodia l'1r. Miech Ponn lndonesia Mr Acep Zamzam Noor Laos Mr Bounseune Sengmany Malaysia Mr Abdul Chafar lbrahim The Philippines Ms. Malou Jacob Singapore Mr P Krishnan Thailand Mr. Binlah Sonkalagiri Vietnam Mr Phu Tram

I

43 > ZOOG S.E.A Write Awards Sponsors

Founding Sponsors

Bangkok Bank Public Co., Ltd Thai Airways International Public Co., Ltd Oriental @ BMW @ Bank of Thailand EXIM Bank Heritage lnternational Limited Thai Beverage PLC. The Rex Morgan Foundation

a@ts1i, Chumbhot-Pantip Foundation

-(*,- :re,l: 1i,i'

BG Asia Pacific Pte Limited Toshiba Thailand Co., Ltd

:d@: f-') Special thanks to World Travel Service Ltd and International Peace Foundation

L

44 Soeech ofSowtl R ab Brunei Awordee

Your Royal Highness Crcwn Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm Your Excellencies The Honourable Members ofthe S.E.A.Write Awards OrganisinS Committee I adies and Cenlleman

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation 1o the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Tbailand who has instiluted The S.E.A. Write Award, the Chairman and members of the S.E.A. Write Award Organizing Committee, the Government of Brunei Darussalam and to everyone who have given me this special opponunity to altend this auspicious occasion to receive the S.E.A

I am deeply moved and honored to receive this prestigious awad for my literary endeavour. lmagine, 40 years ago, I started with an old typewriter, toiling through the night under the candlelightjust to serve and remind people with my works. Now we have enjoyed the fruil of oui latror. Writers now have modem technologies and support of the govenunent to enhanc€ their creativity so that they could cont bute as well to the development, stability and prosp€rity of the nation and people spiritually and physically. Indeed we realized that we should worked logether to develop human character and values in order to realize universal peace and harmony.

ເພື່ອຄົ້ນຄວ້າOnce again, my hearlfelt lhanks to all for this grand award. Sawaddi Krap.

Thank you.

ShawalRajab. ເພື່ອສຶກສາ

ເພື່ອທັມມະທານ Speech ofVonnffirok Pal Cornhodia Ah'otdee Higtness Your Royal Highness Cro*'n Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and ller Royal Princess Srimsm Your Excellencies rft. il-"rori"tl. v".ters ofthe S-E,A write Awards Organising Committee Ladies and Genlleman

to convey- m).profound thanks As one ofCambodian authors, I have a grea! pleasule for giving m€ a *arm io *," Sortft pott e.lu euihors Awarding Committee for 2006 to express my .J*." nono. ro .ake a speech at this moment l would also like -a evenl This alspicious t r"irr*"."ii""i" ,t. Comminee organizinB this wonderful alt of us' authors' in South East Asian ."i.iii"r;a.i t*.*aous meanings lo . . . ; ieflection oiabilities, great honor' and encouragement' which r'/orks ";;r';.'i;;;.are the slimuli to the improvement ofthe aulhors'

to lhe aulhors lo expand contacl In lhe meantime, this evenl prorides the oppoflunily a lnenoly so that we caD share our respeclive expeDences and network in the region 'In 1{ay in order to betEr our potentials.

tngineers ofhuman This great eYeflt truly €xpresses the following: "authors are the \ henever ,oi.i,lol irta trt. poinr. ofautho's' pens can tum the world upside down they point 10 any Pan ofit.'' by globalization' we as Although all counuies around the globe have been influenced tradilions in. arrthorslhave alwats adhered lo our respective cuhures customs and :;.; ;;.;;;;i; ;iionat .pi.ir. and m'intain th€ir orisinal characredslics so that be tumed upside down it ': by the world similarly, the world-can poinling to uy"r'*t"J."..*"ir.a ift. polno ofit" uu,hors pens u'herever they are

Beforelconclude'allowmeonceagaintorc.expressmythanksandappleciationto lheir endeavor to Awarding committee in 2006 for . il;;;il;;;;.i" them iri,i.i. ."J", **t "'thorsproviding the opponunity to the aulhors of this region for to improve the quality of their works

be established and Mav rhe friendliness. solidarity. understandings and mulual shares thal the points ofour pens can oe u5eo Io t .pi u.one of ua h.re present today so world' ."1_.,tt. in-t.t.a,"tt oftrmanity as well as the whole

Thank you! Sneeclt of Silor Situmorons Indonesio Awardee

Your Royal Highness Crowa Prince Maha Vajiralongkom and Her Royal l{ig}rness Princess Srimsm Your Excellencies The Honourable Mernbers ofthe S.E.A.Write Awards Organising Committee Ladies and Gentleman

From the SEA-countries who are pr€senl here this evening on the occasion of the Awards Presentation Ceremony ofthe SEA-Wri1e Award for 2006-09-30, organised by the SEA W te Awards Commillee, allow me a few minutes as one of the Awardees to express my thanks lor the admirable initiative of the Committee for what I see as a histodcal continualion of the hislorical regional development of cultural exchange among th€ various SEA nalions, thereby shaing not only a common pasl based on a common centuries old h€ritage, but also a wider and higher goal of inter-national cultural orientation and of global sharing of literary achievements,

At last I wolld like to express my thanks and my high regard for th€ grcat honour of getting the SEA-Award ,thereby hoping that I will bs given the chance to be able to continue to contribute to literature in general and to lndoneisan literature irl particular.

Thanks a lot. Soeech of Do us nedeaate Bo unlot'one Loos Awtrdee Royal Highness Your Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkom and Her Pincess Srirasm Your Excellencies Commill€e The Honoumble Members ofthe S.E.A.Write A\,!ards Organising Ladies and Ge lcman

intemalional lyrical literary I am very honoured and proud to be standing here amidst scenl in this part of the world.

ln fac! I wrole short Mv \*ritins career be8.an when I was in high schoot in Vientiane abroad .,,j;". *ir*.t i" Ile 1960's. Afier I won a scholarhip to funher mysludy by my late father Maha Sila i i"a ir*r,ir" f.om my family, sPearheadcd . . -.* ofpublishing Vii"-ronn. r" .iu.* und broihers. who established a family enlerprise was ttories. and in btlween lq72-75 our monlhly ma8azine ""'""ttt"ior, "f.ft"n the firsl coPy of lhe magazine l i"..1-*.'J*U-.a n"w I felt the day I received . ii ;"*. ,ntil | finished;eadins every word in ir and I \as so excired it over to tr if,",";;i;;;;;;i i."rri r", .r*o A few days afler rhis I $rote an aflicle and senl sharp€n my prili.-lr.J. f thus had a penonal stag€ in which I could praclice and writing skills.

was changed.from old to When Laos was liberated inl975, our country's gov€mmenl ."" i""i^. L"" p."ple's Democmlic Republic(Lao PDR) Ourmaga'ine had ". a new s1a8e ol ll(erary r ort( \ as come l; a $op. And so did m) personal slage But published by lhe i" l siz ,"d* ,he name of Vannasin Magazine lt was "*i"ov;nistrv of lnformation and Culture.

gain experience and until Vunnu.in b."u-. u ,ruge for many ofus wrileIs, to Factice today.

in lo a family ofpassionate l'd like lo sav lhal I am very fonunare lo ha\e been bom i.ft*.. *r,en iwas still in primary and high school' our educalion, ,*i"" lhe .r-.i"_ *as""i tusi.ully.olonial where French was official language and was useo as H"ir"* irlii s..onauty tttroott t-ao language was taught as a second il;;l.geid;;;iy"irrri-"iii," ;"k available iniao was the Lao primary school text book'

ButlwasendowedwithrichLaoliteiaturestories\"'hichmyfatherhad1trdtten'editedwas a iJ .rufi"f,"a. ar"n f..m $is background, my eldest sisterl'vho wasa teach€r' .r..ir*,"'*ua.tii so muc[she used to spend her meager salary to renl schoolvears I..r. i-" irt. k"rthop"ovels. l developed reading habit from my hiSh onward.

sources' I became cuious if I should From having read from a great many variety of up bv a good I. *"rL so t aid wittr tire success ofmv first slory ' backed i* i. *ri" \\'rilc' i,," I hccrmc rnr:rersirltll rrolrYllc(i lo ;-ri",",,ri-r'n,: "rr"r. Aslsainedmoreconfidenceandhadmalygoodideasthalllhoughtuereimponant l ir'",, rr'ut mv writins ideolosv came about il,:,";,.Ju;il;; ul",t "uit'ow wanted to pass it on to future generalion to effich our literary field without ever lerling it wilted.

My feeling ofconfidence u?s fu(her strcnglhened u,hen my first shorl story and poem, writlen inl966, - 40 years ago, were accepted 1o be included in high school litemture curriculum, and especially the slory that won the prize today was w tten from a moving experience that I had during my work on the lives oflao women in the country side during 1988-89.

Having been in close contact with these women, and b€ing a woman myself, made me want to advocate for the equality ofgender and for disadvantaged people in general. So my *dting was always about women's many s1ren8th, their resilience and their pride. lt had become one ofmy ideologies which were deep rooted in my heart for a long time.. But in the winning story, th€ hero is a man and the woman is his assistant. I wanted to show that unity in pannership is also a slrength, friendship and honesty are factors that render suppo( to the effon to achieve our goals in life.

I am also very fofiunate indeed to have been manied to a kind man who undeNtards and rcspects women and who was a *Tiler himself. He lllole about women, the male counterpart, in a tone ofvoice ofequality, justice and sympathy. Although he has Ieft this world, his literary legacy is still with us for youngcr generation to enjoy and leam from.

I would like to give thanks to my late parents for giving us, children, equal opportunity and encouragement lo study, who hstowed upon us a special gift, which is coftpared 10 the water from an artisian well. I thank my two daughteE who always supported me by my side so that I am motivated to keep on \aT iting. Many thank to my sisters and brothers for supponing me and my family. To my friends both t ao and foieigner who always keep sending me good books to read. To the S.E.A writers' Award for recognizing and appreciating my work- wilh this prize l. To my country where I was bom and raised...And ofcourse,last but not leasl, I thanl my readers without whom \r,riting would not be much fun at all.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH Speech oflons Chian Lti Molavsio Awotdee and Her Royal HiShness Your Royal Highness Crown Pince Maha Vajiralongkorn Princess Srirasm Your Excellencies -ii. H"".r."ti. u..uers ofthe S.E A write Awards organising Committee Ladies and Gentlemal receive this recognition A I am arateful to Cod because the time has come for me to l,i* i."a."""r* t ai mv f"tto" wrilers from thc vadous cultures' liom the fields jl"eriiri.i .o.iotogv, psychologv and history' in this magnificent hall."i'iriit"p.r.gv,

as- slltcelely I ;terarv exDression. in whalever form and style. tries to lranslale I i"..isr'" lfiu.unitv' to mankind himself for in lhis era of Elobalisal'on rls of all fii.""rai"* i. *'.t,i"g more vaBue and distant This is the responsibility ;i;';;# iJ"i. ."'manifesteJin various forms to persuade people to go back to their origins as cr€ations ofGod, the One and only' of-the core of political God bcstowed upon us the lalenl-/gift of a writer' lrrcsPective citizenshif' the utiters continue to fishr for world peace l am ;J;;;;ii;t";' once l"* that fie "pen's destructive might" is like the tsunami' ""- "'"i,-t.ii" i.";" wlr b€ buirt in the man himserr in this era or ::'i;J'{';;;;;;;;i; to w. i'gl,r toi peace' love' underslanding' mutual respect' tolerance irigger"i"iiii.Ltr",. the Iight ofhope in crcattng our olun Seneralion'

in literature to breathe a new life into Let us disseminate our €very word ofdiscussion concrele are our ideas in litemture to if'r" ;n.* r,raunity l"on" We have proven how vengearce. that become "d".;ii;f ;;i;, ""." of and fiery .have ilfi;. "nimo'itv" and rlery if," U"ri"" between mankind. Every devil of evil' sea ol anlmoslly vengeance comes with lhe breath ofman

insti8ate the 'new humaniry icon' We ln rhis grand hall. we are here but lo creale and talent if we faillo malerialise *lii t.ina.t,"a ,o coa who has Siven us lhis universat chosen group of ;;; ;p;;;". we can do it beJause we arc the "big power"' the God.

new humanity icon" with the-mould writers are the "big power" that created the" The ait ofp€ac€ lif--""- ai,x"* rr," irearh of slobal peace through poetry. Perform the peace who I;ffi.ti il#:ill;;;;";. i'uc" iruougt' tt'" novel we are tbe fighters for mind' i^i.tp?., rtrt *ittt the same eyes' hean and ""i,y lo lhe-host country' would like to express my sincere gratitude especially I snd $e'Thailand_ rrrrers ,;; ;."p";*" for their concened efforl ro prcmote lireralure ;;;";ll country Malaysia and lhe ir,r"r"f, it l, s.f .e wlle presliPious award and mv i'etoved 'irncl jor Jlo lrilln! nlc'

Thank You. Speech of Viclor Enmanuel Cqmelo D. Nodero Philipoines Awardee

Your Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkom and Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm Your Excellencies The Honourable Memb€rs ofthe S.E-A.write Awards Organising Commiltee Ladies and Centleman

We are more American than Asian (An Excerpt)

There is more to th€ Philippines-Thailand ties than the Treaty of Friendship, the Association of South East Asian Nations, fie ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the mullilateral for a on human rights, democmcy, civil empowement, combating transnalional crime. and sustainable development.

There is morc to it than Thailand ranking as the Philippines' tl$ largest tmding paflner last year. placing eleventh as an export market and ninth as an import source, the major expons and impo(s of both countdes that are similar: semi- conductors, metal aulomotive parts, €lectronic component. and agrjcultural products.

There is morc to it than the Treaty of f.i€ndship, the Air Se ices Agreement, and Confidential Memorandum of Understanding (CMU), the Agreement in the Abolition ofVisa Requirements and Waiver ofVisa Fees in cenaiD cases, the Cultural Cooperation A8reement, the Agreement for Agricultural Cooperation, the Agreement on Scientific and Technical Coopemtion, the Extradition Treaty, the Tourism Coopemtion Agreement, the Agreement in Eslablishment of Joint Commissions on Bilateral Cooperalion, the Agreemeni Recognizing the Inlemational Rice Reseaich Institute, the ASreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments, the MOU on Telecommunications, the MOU on Scienlific and Technical Cooperation, the Manila-Bangkok Sister City Agreement, the MOU on Defense Cooperation, the Counteflrade Coop€ration, the Exchange Agreement between the Ministry of Education of Thailand and DECS ofRP, the Supplemental Agreemenl to the Existing Bilateral Tourism Cooperation, the Coopemlion Agrcemenl on the Prevention and Fight Against Criminal Activities,.the MOU on Joint Spill Respons€, the Trade Agreement, th€ MOU for Cooperation on Agricultural Research and Development, and Treaty ofthe Transfer of Sentences Persons.

Even if they would agrc€ to sign Pending Bilateral Agreements like the Agrcement on Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters and the Agreement on the Avoidance of Doubl€ Taxation and Prevention ofFiscal Evasion with Resp€ct to Taxes on lncome, There is more to it than sharing a whorist it-is-better-to-pay-to-get-aJay Creed. whv? Because all the said pacts are nothing but facts' Telling us that we different. I arD hele to show that we are the saine' That we are brolhers. Sepataled a1 birlh.

Speech of Isa Komori Sinpanore Awordee Your Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm Your Excellencies The Honourable Members oflhe S.E.A.W te ANards Organising Committee Ladies and Gentleman

These days. our world is facing uncertainties Human b€ings-b€have pursuing selfish agendas and use lorce 10 achieve thei' gains' ""ri'noniourty;p..""pii", i.'-iriprl"t;d, harassed and ridden by self interests Brulal acts ovenide the voice ofrcason Museums Property is deslroyed and looted. Historical-edifice-is tom dowtr' or even perished' una ot"".r'ot'*o.st ip are trespasseil. Thousands of liv€s suffer raped by re\enge. Disnirv_ 'Victims is imorisoned and become disillusioned and reacled inalionally ln desperalion' the becomes the aggressor human body becomes a weapon ofretaliation The suppressed -__in a viscous cycle ofevil, fear and sadness' Laushier accompanies lhe series of deshuction The human heaft t'ecomes passjudgments numb and ient. we he;r bul do nor listen because \{e ar€ too hasty 1o ------W".atand-execute. arc blasted by fighter pilols, severed by swods and poisoned by civilisations and .aaiution wora. have lost iheir- resilience and power to build humanity. Words have become slaves and parials ''___--_-_tii" lhe no longer have the time to ponder through meanings. We have lost or be da?led by the ,"u.on to uni ,reigh words. We have lost the ability to cry *..a", "ruJr. lii" uJcomes thin and dry because words are mere emb€llishrnents' ''-'-- play the role of the f,"i*.ia". tfti. confusion and shallo\r'ness, wdters -restoring of words. Tte $riler is lhe protagonist *ho can liberate words "r'"".;;J;;i. who can redeem humanlty ln \ oros' hnln""" i.r.soonsibl.'il"i;;; a.tt The trriter is lhe sa\iour i".k ;ust be undeflaken wilh open eles and he€n Hislory. and crilical .*n"ri.n'* ..nroi, as loundations bul must b€ balanced with a realislic and be accompanied by e)' ploral ion ,i.iion o t ,t . t trt". uuturjly must - '*.- "Wil accepl the th" realisation of this heavy and important role l humbly sFA $/rite.Awald 2006.

Thank You. Soeech of Nsarmoun Veiioiiyo Thni Awordee

May it please Your Royal Higlmcss Crown prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Iler Royal HiShness Princess Srimsm I am Ngarmpun Vejjajira. may I now prescnt my sp€ech

process The of \ariling is always a m),slery to me. I am not talking aboul writing a novel, a short slory or a poem. I am lalking about just an act of keeping a joumlal, rccording a day's activity, trying 10 pul down a description ofa dream from t;e night before. Belween the thoughl or rccollection and the expression lies an eoormous space. All write$ take lheir solitary joumey into this space, using sometimes the clues left behind by other travelers. or perhaps discovering entirely new landscapes. And during this strange joumey of the psyche, during the process of giving birth to ttre story it seems to mc that something quile magical happens. As the story unfolds, the characters that at lhe beginning are a crealion ofa \rriter olien start to take on a life of their own. They dance, they talk, they grieve and through these acts readers share and witness their lives and emotions which i, the end actually originate from the pure imagination oflhe uriter. That is a magic ofwriting. That is a magic wand in a hand ofa writer who creales a world from space and landscapes thal I mentioned earlier.

I am no magician. I happ€n to find happiness in crealing an imaginary world and exprcss it in writing. I have no higher ambition than entertaining readers for an hour or two, making them laugh. and shedding some tears. I express my vision ofthe world through words and with words. I offer a world to my readers; a wo d of peace, of tendemess, of goodness and happiness. Let us hope that our real world resembles my world; a world olhappiness. Soeech of Le Vqn Thao Vielnofi Awordee

Vajiralongkorn and Hel Royal Highress Your Royal llighness Crown Prince Maha Princess Snmsm Your Excellencies committee liJ ti.,l'.","ti.'"..ters or thc s L A wrile Au'atds organising Ladies and Genlleman

I h"q h"l"-llI::*" over ren years aeo, lP nJ:l'il3'rl":,::':rHtrt1,,1',$ hosDitalilv, visil to Songkhla p€nrnsula as a background for a novel a countryside areas tnat I have taken Camau Deninsula 'Storml tris noble-aw?rd' ;il'tThe that ha'ing the honour 10 receive ;;;t;;'lt;; being as like as lwo p€as' as *"'rul;..ir lo see lhe lwo.countrv side areas i'** forest spreading uni errupteddlyl well as mnges of mangrove lores and salted trees maie people of feel near and slilts. village roads ot tnuottliit'it houses on about peoPle and life torne t"rt *o *o'td be able to r 'rite dear. as if 10 have once 'r ofthat Dlace. is one means of Ans lo imponanl son of lhe cuhural li[e' literature ;# il; the whole lorrs .;phisticatedtv human soul able ro sen€ralize i:::ff d;,;';;; slage the readrng history' tiut now litemlure is in difllcult iril'"ia t"ri"'o.ti"a information Berler'bv ilrirr.d"f by manv other means of audio- visual I,11,,i'i* l"""i "il;Eist alwavs berns Asia writers need to form a strons.line-up" ;l:il;;; views' ; i f.eq'"ntly meet one another to exchange Pnnlrng li,i"tr'Ia". *tri"^ The south East ioi intIoau"lng *ia'tv to membership counrry' ;;d",e;;; ;i;," w€ mav ff; i;vut u;gt'n"tt it *onttv of preciousness imovation but still do^J;';iril fuflher more damases' o\er thirlv uar' aRer a lot ordeep srieves' ii:H;;.;;';;,ah an vear is V novel' for many years after the war rhe main character in Con Ciong' The StorT lilii#ii"li-Jiiiilr;g l'^ floating on the rivers' dream or lofiv ;;;;;'"s'r ror'lire"'igin' humanlr;'tiii';"n and sacrifice' ahruism and inclinarion ;::i ffiittui ;;;. I have-eflrusted th.';# tike ro share witi vou about.rhinss thar [#; -i;;utd 6ul lhe value of peace and prosperity. eamesllv in m) book. il is not an oto storf iii national identitv are alwavs uPdared #::H.;'# i".ponsiuilitv' t"tpino for p'ot"t*" of intee'ation' making funher abunda'ce Drob)€ms. very necessary to rh" that rt'" riatures for each coumry' I believe t"urin! 1l :."##;il;;*;ll 'eput"te based on I I sepalale cultures of East Asia wltt" f'u'e u the South "ommo'n "utrure countries

10 Created to honour ASEAN writers-past, present and future