Acclaimed writer, poet and curator Yeow Kai Chai is returning as festival director of the Singapore Writers Festival (SWF), taking the helm of its landmark 30th edition in 2027.

Arts House Group (AHG) announced Yeow’s appointment last Tuesday, marking the return of the former festival director who previously led four editions of SWF from 2015 to 2018, including its 20th anniversary celebration.

Founded in 1986, the Singapore Writers Festival has grown into one of Southeast Asia’s leading multilingual literary festivals. Organized by Arts House Group and commissioned by the National Arts Council (NAC), the annual event now presents more than 200 programs featuring writers, thinkers and artists from Singapore and around the world.

During his previous stint, Yeow championed multilingual programming and cross-disciplinary collaborations that expanded the festival beyond literature to include music, theater, dance, film and visual arts, while emphasizing accessibility and community engagement.

“We are delighted to welcome Kai Chai back as Festival Director. The 30th edition is more than a celebration of the Festival’s past. It is an opportunity to define its future,” said Sharon Tan, executive director of Arts House Group. “Kai Chai combines deep institutional knowledge with an instinct for artistic innovation, making him uniquely placed to lead the Festival in its milestone year.”

Current festival director Yong Shu Hoong, whose final edition will be held in 2026, expressed confidence in his successor.

“As I prepare for my final edition as Festival Director in 2026, I am heartened to see the Festival’s 30th edition entrusted to Kai Chai, whose longstanding connection with SWF and deep understanding of Singapore’s literary landscape make him well positioned to lead this milestone edition,” Yong said.

For Yeow, returning to the festival is both a homecoming and an opportunity to chart its future.

“Returning to SWF feels both familiar and exciting. In my roles as attendee, participant and organizer over the decades, I am glad to see how much the Festival has grown, and how it continues to spark unexpected conversations across languages, generations and art forms,” he said.

“As we mark its 30th edition, I hope to honor everything the Festival has achieved while creating space for new voices and new ways of experiencing literature.”

Alongside the announcement, the National Arts Council also unveiled a new Festival Leadership Development Program that will begin in 2027. The initiative aims to nurture future literary festival directors and strengthen the long-term sustainability of Singapore’s literary ecosystem.

More details about the Singapore Writers Festival 2027, including its theme, dates and programming, will be announced at a later date.