What’s Happening at the Singapore Writers Festival This Week

From now to 16 November 2025, Singapore’s literary scene pulses with vitality and imagination as the 28th edition of the Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) takes centre stage. Held under the theme “Shape of Things to Come”, this year’s festival reflects on our past, interrogates our present, and dreams forward into a future defined by change, creativity, and connection. With more than 200 programmes and 300 local and international presenters, SWF 2025 is a celebration of ideas, stories, and voices.

Also read: Exciting Things to Do in Singapore This November 2025

At SWF 2025, you are immersed in ideas about technology, identity, region-wide storytelling, and the future of creativity. The festival’s forward-looking theme invites you to not only witness stories, but imagine them.

Here’s a selection of interesting programmes you can drop into, whether you’re a writer, a reader, a curious soul, or simply someone who enjoys a good conversation.

1. What if an asteroid hit the Earth?

One of the most intriguing programs is the “What If an Asteroid Hit the Earth?” workshop on Saturday, 15 November, from 10.00 am to 11.30 am at the Discovery Room situated in the Asian Civilisations Museum. Perfect for fans of science fiction and speculative writing, this session explores how imagination and creativity can shape how we think about the future.

​You’ll explore what happens when creativity collides with catastrophe and how writers can turn the unimaginable into compelling narratives. Part of the festival’s Sci-Fi Spotlight track, expect a morning of creative sparks, engaging exercises, and lively discussion about how fiction helps us make sense of our changing world.

2. Readings by emerging voices

Also on Saturday, 15 November at 4.30 pm, The Arts House will host “Emerging Voices: Readings by the 2025 SBC Mentees”, featuring poetry, fiction, and translation by new talents from the Singapore Book Council’s mentorship programme. It’s free to attend and ideal for discovering the next generation of Singaporean writers.

​The readings are diverse, crossing genres and languages, but what unites them is a shared sense of boldness and experimentation. Whether you’re a writer looking for inspiration or a reader keen to hear something fresh, this is the ideal session to spend a relaxed Saturday afternoon immersed in words.

3. Try Not to Cringe Challenge: First Drafts

On Sunday, 16 November, the focus shifts to the craft of writing itself. The “Try Not to Cringe Challenge: First Drafts” panel, organised between 4.00 pm–5.00 pm at the Asian Civilisations Museum, invites published authors to revisit and discuss their early drafts. It provides a rare peek into the scenes behind the creative process. If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your own work-in-progress, this one’s for you.

​Stand to expect candid anecdotes, laughter, and perhaps a little second-hand embarrassment as writers share their earliest attempts at prose or poetry. More importantly, the session offers honest insight into how creative projects evolve. It’s reassuring, relatable, and even inspiring, especially for anyone who has ever stared at a blank page wondering where to begin.

4. Catch the heated festival closing debate

Are robots our friends or foes? The topic for the round is aptly titled “This House Believes That Robots Are Our Friends” and will take place on Sunday evening, 16 November, from 6.30 pm–8.00 pm at the Asian Civilisations Museum as well. Expect wit, insight, and plenty of spirited discussion as writers, thinkers, and performers tackle how technology is reshaping our world.

​The debate has long been a signature SWF tradition: equal parts theatrical, philosophical, and entertaining. Whether you’re firmly in the pro-robot camp or sceptical about our AI-driven future, this closing event promises to leave you with plenty to think about as the festival draws to a close.

Tips for your visit

With the festival now in full swing, there is still plenty to see and do over the remaining days. It is wise to purchase tickets or a festival pass soon, as popular sessions often sell out. Check times and venues carefully, since programmes take place across multiple locations, including The Arts House and the Asian Civilisations Museum, and aim to arrive early for the best seats. If you’re a writer or aspiring one, don’t miss panels like “First Drafts” or the Emerging Voices readings, which offer unique opportunities to connect with creatives and spark your own ideas.

Also read: A Guide to Singapore’s Art Festivals: Singapore Art Week and Other Events For Art Lovers

Final thoughts

This week, the Singapore Writers Festival 2025 offers a rich feast of literary and creative input. Whether your interest lies in science fiction, regional voices, multilingual literature, or just being part of a vibrant cultural moment, there’s something here for everyone.