Singapore invited to contribute actively to regional literature scene

Singapore has been invited to contribute actively to the regional literature scene by drawing on its strong heritage in Malay literature and Malay language education structure. 

This follows the visit by Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli to Kuala Lumpur for the opening ceremonies for the Southeast Asia Literature Council (MASTERA) Seminar and Executive Meetings on 17 and 19 October. 

Singapore was welcomed as a full member of MASTERA. 

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said the meetings also showed how Singapore's bilingual policy has managed to preserve its cultural ballast while enabling its communities to participate effectively in a globalised world. 

Mr Masagos also met his Malaysian counterpart Deputy Home Minister Lee Chee Leong. 

They discussed ways to further bilateral cooperation in the areas of combating drug trafficking and counterterrorism. 

Mr Masagos also met Deputy Minister for Higher Education Saifuddin Abdullah and had a fruitful discussion on the importance of expanding educational exchanges, particularly at the tertiary level. 

Mr Masagos also visited Pahang, where he had an audience with Sultan Ahmad Shah on 18 October. 

They exchanged views on Singapore-Pahang ties and explored various opportunities for deeper economic engagement. 

Mr Masagos also met Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob and Mufti Abdul Rahman Osman later on the same day. 

Both sides discussed ways to explore bilateral exchanges.