We believe that stories have the power to bridge divides and build powerful connections. For Singapore’s migrant workers, these stories often remain untold—but with your support, we can change that.
Our Commitment to the Future
Migrant Writers of Singapore performing at Esplanade’s Red Dot August
Championing Artistic Excellence
Sing Lit Station established migrantwriters.sg to showcase migrant workers' writing, making their experiences accessible and validating them as writers. With continued support through our programmes, we envision a future where migrant writers win local and international literary awards, achieve higher rates of publication, and emerge as skilled editors and leaders within the literary community.
Developing Industry Capabilities
Many migrant workers aspire to organise their own arts events. We view our current role as a temporary bridge, equipping these organisers with the tools and skills to independently lead their initiatives. We aim to transition from intermediaries to enablers, cultivating a landscape where migrant workers not only gain recognition for their creative work but also thrive as arts organisers.
Transforming Perceptions
We aim to reframe the perception of migrant arts programmes—from charitable outreach to enriching, high-quality cultural experiences in their own right. By building and positioning migrant workers as experienced writers and organisers, we hope to transform these programmes into financially sustainable initiatives and empower migrant writers as respected contributors to Singapore’s literary scene.
Charting the Future
Our accomplishments (2023-34)
Supported over 50 migrant arts activities, from workshops to poetry readings and literature festivals
Benefited more than 750 migrant attendees
Helped to create over 200 new migrant works
Our Plans (2025-26)
Conduct 12 creative writing workshops & 12 poetry readings showcasing migrant work alongside Singaporean writers
Enable 10 migrant-led arts programmes, including Literary Walks and arts & crafts workshops
Offer facilitation & leadership training for migrant arts organisers, equipping them to lead and inspire
Curate an 8-day exhibition showcasing works by 30 migrant artists
With our partners at Migrant Writers of Singapore, we have helped to foster a vibrant community of migrant writers and volunteers, empowering many to pursue publication, lead workshops, and launch their own projects.
While many organisations focus on improving living or working conditions for migrant workers, Sing Lit Station is committed to supporting their often-overlooked aspirations as artists and writers. When we surveyed migrant workers at our events, 67% wanted to become arts organisers, 50% to perform, and 45% to publish.
We aim to nurture these dreams not just by developing their literary talents but their potential as facilitators and arts organisers. Together, we create spaces for migrant writers to share their own stories and inspire others.
Migrant Writers of Singapore volunteers and participants at the peer-led Literary Walk activity
Your Donations Create Impact
While 80% of our programme costs are covered by our grant partner, The Majurity Trust, we need your help to bridge the remaining 20%. Your support will sustain and grow these vital programmes, enabling migrant writers to develop their craft and take on leadership roles as facilitators and arts organisers. Together, we can continue building a more robust and inclusive literary eco-system.
Testimonials
“Migrant Writers of Singapore is a valuable collective that humanises migrant workers beyond their job titles. It lets us get to know them as a human from their lived experiences and worldview. Apart from being just a creative outlet, it empowers others to come forward to express their emotions and thoughts through the shared power of language.” - Sam
“It’s truly inspiring how you bridge the gap between Singaporeans and migrant workers especially since I’ve always find it a bit tough to bridge given the stigma surrounding it especially blue collared workers like domestic helpers and construction workers. It’s a good step towards an inclusive society.” - Melanie Ang
“I felt greater confidence within me to go out and have a conversation with people, to bring out the amazing stories they have, to share a space where everyone’s stories are recognised and valid, to wander with the skills learned and create wonders in this world we live.” - Janelyn Dupingay
“It is heartening to know of such an inclusive, safe and accessible platform for our migrant workers to pour their innermost thoughts into, while staying in their home away from home. This gifts us an opportunity to reflect on their selfless contributions, and offers us a glimpse into their lives.” - Wan Nurulashikin Binte Syed Hussein
“[Migrant Writers of Singapore] became a comforting and safe place for me. I enjoyed the Literary Walk most, where you can listen to many different stories, yet from those stories it somehow inspires you and gives you this assurance that you are not alone in this foreign land. It draws strength for you to keep moving forward in life and achieving your goal.” - Julie Ann Tabigne
“Thank you for giving value to each one of us. You understand our sadness and loneliness in a foreign land by bringing us together. We gained new friends. Thank you for the many activities that showcased our individual talents and skills that we wouldn't have been able to show in our workplace.” - Christine Venenoso
“This is a place where migrant workers hone their talents and share stories. Stories of how we grew up in different lands but share the same seas - and the same love for literary arts. Sing Lit transcends borders. It can’t be confined within a red passport. Collecting these stories here demonstrates its fluidity. As a Singaporean, I grapple with the identity of our literature. It’s hard to picture Sing Lit. But [migrantwriters.sg] gives it a voice.” - Melvin
*Figures are based on projected expenses for 2025.
Participants at a zine-making workshop by Worms
Highlights
Participants at Amanda Chong’s A Woman’s Voice creative writing workshop.
Migrant Writers of Singapore volunteer Indah Yosevina leading a panel discussion at Carnival of Poetry.
Facilitators and participants at a Literary Walk.
Migrant Writers of Singapore volunteers at their Book Distribution Day.
Participants at a public speaking and performance workshop by Joanne Ongkeko.
Migrant Writers of Singapore’s volunteer arts organisers.
Participants at a watercolour & writing workshop led by Migrant Writers of Singapore volunteer Ellen Lavilla
Readers and attendees at the monthly Carnival of Poetry, showcasing migrant and local work.
How Your Contribution Is Used
All donations made through this fundraiser are designated to support our migrant writing activities for 2024 - 2025. In the event that the project does not proceed as planned, Sing Lit Station reserves the right to reallocate the funds to other deserving initiatives under our umbrella. Rest assured, your contributions will continue to support our mission of nurturing writers, fostering literary excellence, and building a vibrant literary community in Singapore. By donating, you acknowledge and agree that your gift is ultimately in support of Sing Lit Station and its broader goals, ensuring that your generosity creates meaningful impact regardless of any unforeseen changes.