SINGAPORE: Popular will be adding more Malay books to its range by the middle of next year, the local bookstore chain announced at the launch of its annual book festival on Friday (Dec 2).
It currently stocks Malay titles in four of its outlets, namely One KM mall, Bedok Mall, Causeway Point and Jurong Point.
And in line with the National Reading Movement to promote reading in Mother Tongue languages, Popular will stock more Malay titles at three additional outlets by mid 2017.
Speaking at the launch of the 10th edition of Popular’s BookFest@Singapore, Minister of Communications & Information Yaacob Ibrahim said: “Through such efforts, we hope more will venture beyond their usual reads in English and cultivate an interest in their own mother tongue. Who knows, you may even pick up an interest in a third language and culture?”
The scale of this year’s BookFest has been increased to span 130,000 square feet, which earned it the title of the Largest Book and Stationery Event on the Singapore Book of Records.
The 2016 Popular BookFest features a brand new section called “Children’s Wonderland”. (Photo: Junn Loh)
Highlights of the event include three new sections – a tidbits area, a children play area and a household appliances sector.
There will also be a booth where visitors can learn about traditional Chinese art like calligraphy as well as engage in activities with artistes, authors and celebrity chefs.
About 600,000 people are expected at the BookFest which will run from Friday till Sunday (Dec 11) at the Suntec City Convention Centre.
