Taipei: The Taiwan Literature Award for Migrants has officially opened for submissions, welcoming stories from migrant workers, new immigrants, and their children. Organizers of the long-standing contest emphasize its role in fostering understanding and diminishing prejudice within Taiwanese society.
According to Focus Taiwan, award founder Chang Cheng highlighted the competition's journey since its inception, overcoming numerous challenges to become a prominent event among migrant worker communities in Taiwan. He underscored the power of literature, film, and cultural initiatives in bridging the gap between immigrants and the local population, ultimately aiming to reduce misunderstandings.
Tang Sheng-jung, chairman of GrX Studio, one of the award's organizers, reiterated the importance of inclusivity for Taiwan's growth. He expressed that the award serves as a platform for those eager to share their narratives about living in Taiwan, reinforcing the message that the land is welcoming to all those who contribute to its prosperity.
The annual award, touted as the only literary prize in Taiwan specifically for immigrants and migrant workers, is open for entries from participants worldwide until May 20. Submissions can include poetry, essays, fiction, or other genres, with a maximum length of 3,000 Chinese characters, following translation from languages such as Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai, Filipino, or Burmese.
Initial reviews of entries will be conducted by judges proficient in the original languages, followed by translation into Chinese for final assessment by experts in literature, film, and social issues. The competition offers a top prize of NT$150,000 (US$4,747), a judges' prize of NT$80,000, and three merit prizes of NT$20,000 each, totaling NT$390,000 in prize money.
Last year's top award was claimed by Nguy?n Th? Hi?n, a Vietnamese student in her early 20s. Her work, "The Rooftop Barber Shop," received acclaim for its intimate depiction of the daily lives of migrant workers in Taiwan.