By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, Dec 11 — The Yusof Gajah Illustration Award, first introduced at the Selangor International Book Fair (SIBF) last year, continues to be received positively with 348 entries this year.
State executive for entrepreneur empowerment Najwan Halimi said another of SIBF’s features, which has been well-received, is the Selangor International Fellowship programme, with seven participating countries this year compared to four previously.
“I am pleased to learn that the Yusof Gajah Illustration Award has received an overwhelming response with 348 illustrations submitted by 116 participants.
“Of these submissions, 27 winners were selected, marking a tremendous achievement and a recognition of talent and creativity in the illustration field.
“Similarly, the fellowship programme saw seven countries participate, compared to four before. We believe the Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) will improve its implementation by expanding to more countries to enhance the translation of quality works,” he said.
Najwan was speaking during SIBF’s closing ceremony at the Shah Alam City Council Convention Centre yesterday, attended by PPAS Director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad.
At last year’s SIBF, PPAS introduced the Selangor International Fellowship programme and the Yusof Gajah Illustration Award.
The book festival was inaugurated last year, as a continuation of the Selangor Book Fair, held for 16 years since 2006.
Since its inception in 2006, the festival took place at Kompleks PKNS, and later moved to the MBSA Convention Center, recording almost five million visitors.
