SEA Write Award

S.E.A. Write Award logo

The S.E.A. Write Award, or Southeast Asian Writers Award, is an award that is presented annually since 1979 to poets and writers of Southeast Asia.

The awards are given to the writers from each of the countries comprised in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, though not all countries in ASEAN are represented every year. The award is sometimes given for a specific work by an author, or it could be awarded for lifetime achievement. The types of works that are honored vary, and have included poetry, short stories, novels, plays, folklore, and scholarly and religious works.

The ceremonies are held in Bangkok, with a member of the Thai royal family presiding. The award was conceived by the management of The Oriental hotel in Bangkok, which then sought further backing from Thai Airways International and other companies. The ceremonies have featured some notable guest speakers, including Iris Murdoch, Peter Ustinov, Jeffrey Archer, James A. Michener, Gore Vidal, William Golding, Rita Dove and Paul Theroux. The 2006 keynote speaker, Nobel Prize laureate Wole Soyinka canceled his keynote speech in protest against the Thai military's coup against the government,[1] and was replaced at the last moment by S. P. Somtow.

The 2011 ceremony was postponed until February 2012 because of the 2011 Thailand floods. Edwin Thumboo was the keynote speaker.[2] The 2016–18 ceremonies were postponed due to the passing of the Thai king in 2016. The three Singaporean winners received their awards in November 2019.[3]

List of S.E.A. Write Award winners

1979–1989

Until 1984, ASEAN comprised Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei was admitted in 1984 and its first S.E.A. Write honoree was named in 1986.

Year Brunei[4] Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Singapore[5] Thailand
1979 - Sutardji Calzoum Bachri A. Samad Said Jolico Cuadra Edwin Thumboo Kampoon Boonthawee
1980 - Putu Wijaya Baharuddin Zainal (Baha Zain) Nick Joaquin Masuri bin Salikun[6] Naowarat Pongpaiboon
1981 - Goenawan Mohamad Abdullah Hussain Gregorio C. Brillantes Wong Meng Voon 黄孟文 Ussiri Dhammachote
1982 - Marianne Katoppo Usman Awang Adrian Cristobal M. Balakrishnan (Ma Ilangkannan) Chart Korbjitti
1983 - Y. B. Mangunwijaya Adibah Amin Edilberto K. Tiempo Arthur Yap Komtuan Khantanu (Prasatporn Poosusilapadhorn)
1984 - Budi Darma A. Latiff Mohidin Virginia R. Moreno Wong Yoon Wah Wanich Jarungidanan
1985 - Abdul Hadi Wiji Muthari Arena Wati (Muhammad Dahalan bin Abdul Biang) Ricaredo Demetillo Noor S.I. (Ismail bin Haji Omar) Krisna Asokesin (Sukanya Cholsuk)
1986 Muslim Burmat (Haji Muslim bin Haji Burut) Sapardi Djoko Damono Kemala (Ahmad Kamal Abdullah) Jose Maria Sison Paranan (C. Veloo) Angkarn Kalayanapong
1987 Yahya bin Haji Ibrahim Umar Kayam Noordin Hassan Bienvenido N. Santos Lee Tzu Pheng Paitoon Thanya (Thanya Sangkapanthanon)
1988 Leman Ahmad (Haji Leman bin Ahmad) Danarto Azizi Haji Abdullah Rio Alma (Virgilio S. Almario) Leou Pei Ann (Chua Boon Hean) Nikom Rayawa
1989 Adi Kelana (Haji bin Haji Muhamad Said) Gerson Poyk Siti Zainon Ismail Lina Espina Moore Suratman Markasan Chiranan Pitpreecha

1990–1994

Year Brunei[4] Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Singapore[5] Thailand
1990 Awang Mohd Salleh bin Abd. Latif Arifin C. Noer S. Othman Kelantan Carmen Guerrero Nakpil Rama Kannabiran Anchalee Vivatanachai
1991 Mohammad Zain Subagio Sastrowardoyo Jihaty Abadi (Yahya Hussin) Isagani R. Cruz Gopal Baratham Mala Kamchan (Charoen Malaroj)
1992 Awang Haji Abdul Rahman Ali Akbar Navis Ismail Abbas Alfred Yuson Cheong Weng Yat Saksiri Meesomsueb (Kittisak)
1993 Pengiran Haji Mohd. Yusuf (Yura Halim) Ramadhan K.H. Kamaruzzaman Abdul Kadir Linda Ty-Casper Muhammad Ariff Ahmad Sila Komchai (Winai Boonchuay)
1994 Yang Mulia Awang Haji Morshidi bin Haji Marsal (Mussidi) Taufiq Ismail A. Wahab Ali Buenaventura S. Medina Jr. Naa Govindasamy Chart Korbjitti

1995–1999

Vietnam joined ASEAN in 1995 and named its first S.E.A. Write honoree in 1996. Laos and Myanmar were admitted in 1997 and named their first honorees in 1998. Cambodia joined ASEAN in 1999, and named its first S.E.A. Write honoree that same year.

Year Brunei[4] Cambodia Indonesia Laos Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore[5] Thailand Vietnam
1995 P.H. Muhammad Abdul Aziz - Ahmad Tohari - Suhaimi Haji Muhammad - Teodoro T Antonio Dan Ying (Lew Poo Chan) Paiwarin Khao-Ngam -
1996 Pengiran Haji Sabtu bin Pengiran Haji Mohamad Salleh - W.S. Rendra - Zaharah Nawawi - Mike L. Bigornia Minfong Ho Kanokphong Songsomphan To Huu
1997 Awang Mohammad bin Haji Timbang - Seno Gumira Ajidarma - Muhammad Haji Salleh - Alejandro Roces Elangovan Win Lyovarin -
1998 Badaruddin H.O. - N. Riantiarno Thongkham Onemanisone Othman Puteh Sinbyu-Kyun Aung Thein Marne L. Kilates Abdul Ghani Hamid Raekham Pradouykham (Suphan Thongklouy) Ma Van Khang
1999 Norsiah M.S. Pich Tum Kravel Kuntowijoyo MA. Chanthi Deuanesavanh Khadijah Hashim Kyaw Aung Ophelia Alcantara Dimalanta Catherine Lim Win Lyovarin Huu Thinh

2000s

Year Brunei[4] Cambodia Indonesia Laos Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore[5] Thailand Vietnam
2000 Pehin Dato Abdul Aziz bin Juned Kong Bun Chhoeun Wisran Hadi Souvanthone Bouphanouvong Lim Swee Tin Daw Yin Yin (Saw Mon Nyin) Antonio Enriquez Teoh Hee La 张曦娜 Wimon Sainimnuan Nguyen Khai
2001 Rahim M.S. (Awang Haji Ibrahin bin Haji Muhammad) Mao Ayuth Saini K.M. (Saini Kosim) Somsy Dexakhamphou Zakaria Ariffin Htin Gyi (Tekkatho Htin Gyi) Felice Prudente Sta. Maria K. T. M. Iqbal(Mohamed Iqbal) Chokchai Bundit (Chokchai Bunditsilasak) Nguyen Duc Mau
2002 Rosli Abidin Yahya Seng Sam An Darmanto Jatman Viseth Svengsuksa|Viseth Svengsuksa Anwar Ridhwan - Roberto T. Añonuevo Mohamed Latiff bin Mohamed Prabda Yoon Nguyen Kien
2003 Hashim bin Haji Abdul Hamid Kim Pinun Nh. Dini Theap Vongpakay Zakaria Ali - Domingo G. Landicho Philip Jeyaretnam Duanwad Pimwana Bang Viet
2004 Jawawi bin Haji Ahmad Chey Chap Gus tf Sakai Thongbay Phothisane Zurinah Hassan - César Ruiz Aquino Soon Ai Ling 孙爱玲 Rewat Phanpipat Do Chu
2005 Rahimi A.B. Miech Ponn Acep Zamzam Noor Bounseune Sengmany Abdul Ghafar Ibrahim - Malou Jacob P. Krishnan Binlah Sonkalagiri (Wuthichat Choomsanit) Phu Tram
2006 Sawal Rajab Pal Vannarirak[7] Sitor Situmorang Douangdeuane Bounyavong Jong Chian Lai - Victor Emmanuel Carmelo D. Nadera, Jr. Isa Kamari Ngarmpun Vejjajiva Le Van Thao
2007 Haji Moksin bin Haji Abdul Kadir Ourn Suphany Suparto Brata Ratanavong Houmphanh Prof. Rahman Shaari - Michael M. Coroza Rex Shelley Montri Sriyong Tran Van Tuan
2008[8] Zairis M.S. Sin Touch Hamsad Rangkuti Othong Khaminsou Hatta Azad Khan - Elmer Alindogan Ordonez Stella Kon[9] Vachara Sajasarasin (Vachara Phetchphromsorn) Nguyen Ngoc Tu
2009 Hajah Norsiah binti Haji Abdul Gapar - Floribertus Rahardi Khamseng Synonthong Azmah Nordin - Abdon Jr Balde Chia Hwee Pheng Uthis Haemamool Cao Duy Son

2010s

Year Brunei[4] Cambodia Indonesia Laos Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore[5] Thailand Vietnam
2010[10] Wijaya (Awang Mohd Jamil) - Afrizal Malna Dara Kanlaya Zaen Kasturi - Marjorie Evasco Johar Bin Buang Zakariya Amataya Nguyen Nhat Anh
2011[2] Mohd Zefri Ariff bin Mohd Zain Ariff - D Zawawi Imron Bounthanong Xomxayphol S.M. Zakir - Romulo P. Baquiran Jr. Robert Yeo Cheng Chuan Jadet Kamjorndej[11] Nguyen Chi Trung
2012[12] Pengiran Haji Mahmud bin Pengiran Damit (Mahmudamit) - Oka Rusmini Duangxay Luangphasy Ismail Kassan - Charlson Ong Ong Suchen Christine Lim Wipas Srithong Trung Trung Dinh
2013[13] Haji Masri Haji Idris Sok Chanphal Linda Christanty Soukhee Norasilp Mohamed Ghozali Abdul Rashid Maung Sein Win Rebecca T Anonuevo-Cunada Yeng Pway Ngon Angkarn Chanthathip Thai Ba Loi
2014 Haji Mohd Yusuf bin Haji Mohd Daud Var Sam Ath Joko Pinurbo Somsouk Souksavath Md. Ismail Zamzam Daw Khin Than Jun Cruz Reyes Haresh Parmanand Sharma Saneh Sangsuk (Dan-arun Saengthong)[14] Thanh Thảo

(Ho Thanh Cong)

2015 Haji Abdul Aziz bin Tuah Kho Tararith Remy Sylado Phonesavanh Phanthavichith Jasni Matlani Ledwinthar Saw Chit Jerry B. Gracio Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali Veeraporn Nitiprapha, Saiduean Ta Bod Nai Khaowongkot ("Blind Earthworms in a Labyrinth")[15] Tran Mai Hanh
2016[16] Haji Jamaluddin bin Aspar Proeng Pranit Soubanh Luangrath Rejab bin Ismail Aung Cheimt Bienveindo Lumbera Ovidia Yu Phalang Phiangphirun (Kirksit Palamart), Nakhorn Kon Nork ("The City of Outsiders")[17] Nguyen The Quang
2017[16] Haji Mahadi Bin Haji Matarsat (Mahadi R.S.) Lek Chumnor Somchay Chanthavong Zainal Abidin Suhaili Chit Oo Nyo Kristian Sendon Cordero Chia Joo Ming Jidanun Lueangpiansamut, Singto Nork Khok ("The Unorthodox Lion")[18] Tran Hung
2018[16] Tarif bin Haji Abdul Hamid Pol Pisey Phiulavanh Luangvanna Mawar Safei Ma Thida Ricardo Monreal de Ungria Goh Mey Teck Veeraporn Nitiprapha, Phutthasakkarat Asadong Kub Song Jam Khong Song Jam Khong Maew Kularb Dam ("Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat")[19] Le Minh Khue
2019 Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Tamat (Salmi Mesra) Eka Kurniawan

Shamsudin Othman

Maung Thway Thit Simon Tay Angkarn Chanthathip, Rawang Tang Klub Ban ("On The Way Back Home")[20] Tran Quang Dao

2020s

Year Brunei[4] Cambodia Indonesia Laos Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore[5] Thailand Vietnam
2020 Haji Bujang bin Haji Matnor (Bujang M.N.) Pech Sangwawan Leila Chudori Pyait Hlaing Oo (Pandora) Nadiputra Jadet Kamjorndej, Kuen Pee Suea Lae Ruang Lao Khong Sat Uen Uen ("That Night of the Year of the Tiger and Other Animal Stories")[21] Vo Khac Nghiem
2021 Dr. Haji Morsidi bin Haji Muhamad (Morsidi M.H) Yanusa Nugroho Nat Mout Ah Ni Cho Siriworn Kaewkan, Defun ("The Story of Defun")[22] Vinh Quyen
2022 Pengiran Haji Shamsu bin Pengiran Haji Kadar Palita Phonpradapphet, Jon Kwa Lok Ja Ob Kod Rao Wai ("Until We Lie The World's Embrace")[23]
2023 Narisapongse Rakwattananont, Duai Rak Lae Phuphang ("Family Comes First")[24]
2024 Prasertsak Padmarid, Kee Bad[25]

References

  1. ^ "Why artistic freedom matters". The Nation. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 16 November 2006.
  2. ^ a b "Eight ways with words". The Nation. Archived from the original on 21 February 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  3. ^ "THREE SINGAPORE WRITERS TO RECEIVE S.E.A. WRITE AWARD ON 25 NOV" (PDF). Singapore Book Council. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Utama - Pengiktirafan - Anugerah Penulis Asia Tenggara (S.E.A Write Award)". www.dbp.gov.bn. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f The Book Council. Retrieved 29 September 2014 from http://bookcouncil.sg/awards/detail/s.e.a-write-award Archived 19 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ "Masuri Salikun (Masuri S. N.)". esplanade.com. TributeSG. 2019. Archived from the original on 25 March 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  7. ^ "Cine Adobo". yama.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  8. ^ "Hatta wins Southeast Asian Writers Award". New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 1 October 2008. Retrieved 15 October 2008.
  9. ^ "Stella Kon". Singapore Women's Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  10. ^ "The outstanding eight". Bangkok Post. 25 October 2010. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
  11. ^ "Modern and classic Thai short stories in English". Archived from the original on 23 March 2014. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  12. ^ "A fitting ripost". Bangkok Post. 3 October 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  13. ^ "Asean's top writers". The Nation. 14 October 2013. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  14. ^ Past Awardees Archived 5 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine, www.seawrite.com
  15. ^ "SEA Write award goes to new novelist Veeraporn". Bangkok Post. 22 October 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  16. ^ a b c "The S.E.A. Write Award Ceremony". Asian Geographic. 13 December 2019.
  17. ^ "กวีนิพนธ์ "นครคนนอก" ของ พลัง เพียงพิรุฬห์ คว้าซีไรต์ 2559". Post Today (in Thai). 23 December 2016. Archived from the original on 17 January 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  18. ^ "'สิงโตนอกคอก' ของ จิดานันท์ เหลืองเพียรสมุท คว้ารางวัลซีไรต์ปี 2017". Thairath (in Thai). 6 December 2017. Archived from the original on 17 January 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  19. ^ "รางวัลซีไรต์ 2561 ชื่นชม! "วีรพร นิติประภา" คว้าเป็นครั้งที่ 2 สำเร็จ". SpringNews (in Thai). 5 October 2018. Archived from the original on 8 March 2019. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
  20. ^ "ระหว่างทางกลับบ้าน โดย อังคาร จันทาทิพย์ คว้าซีไรต์ 62 ดับเบิลกวีซีไรต์คนแรกของไทย". Sarakadee Lite (in Thai). 9 June 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  21. ^ "จเด็จ กำจรเดช คว้ารางวัลซีไรต์ จากผลงาน "คืนปีเสือและเรื่องเล่าของสัตว์อื่นๆ"". Prachachat (in Thai). 16 October 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  22. ^ ""เดฟั่น" ของ ศิริวร แก้วกาญจน์ คว้าซีไรต์ 2564". Thai PBS (in Thai). 10 January 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  23. ^ ""ปาลิตา ผลประดับเพ็ชร์" คว้าซีไรต์ 2565 จากเรื่อง "จนกว่าโลกจะโอบกอดเราเอาไว้"". Thai PBS (in Thai). 2 December 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  24. ^ "'ด้วยรักและผุพัง' ผลงานของ นริศพงศ์ รักวัฒนานนท์ จากแซลมอน คว้าซีไรต์ประจำปี 2566". The Standard (in Thai). 1 November 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  25. ^ ""กี่บาด" คว้ารางวัลซีไรต์ปี 2567 ประเภทนวนิยาย ผลงาน ประเสริฐศักดิ์ ปัดมะริด". Khao Sod (in Thai). 29 October 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.