On 15 January 2026, industry stakeholders gathered at the National Library, Programme Room 1, for an insightful afternoon dialogue titled “Supporting a Local Books Ecosystem: Lessons from Around the World.” The session brought together publishers, writers, policymakers, and literary professionals to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping Singapore’s publishing landscape, while drawing on international perspectives and best practices.

With Singapore’s local publishing sector being both dynamic and highly competitive, the programme addressed critical questions facing the industry today. The discussion emphasised the importance of understanding global trends, strengthening local capabilities, and fostering collaboration across the value chain to ensure long-term sustainability.

Key Themes and Discussions

The session opened with an overview of Singapore’s book ecosystem, examining its economic structure and the unique pressures faced by local publishers. Speakers highlighted the need for deeper market awareness, stronger domestic demand, and clearer pathways for Singapore content to reach regional and international audiences.

Another key focus was global copyright developments and the impact of artificial intelligence. Drawing from international experiences, the speakers explored how copyright frameworks are evolving, the growing importance of rights awareness, and the implications of AI for content creation, licensing, and enforcement. These discussions underscored the urgency for publishers to stay informed and proactive in navigating technological change.

Participants also benefited from insights into the Asia-Pacific publishing industry, supported by research and data from regional studies. This broader perspective allowed attendees to contextualise Singapore’s position within a fast-growing yet highly diverse publishing environment, offering lessons on scalability, cross-border collaboration, and innovation.

Learning from Regional Experiences

A highlight of the programme was the sharing of Malaysia’s experience with book vouchers, illustrating how targeted cultural policies can stimulate reading, support local publishers, and engage communities more effectively. The case study sparked meaningful discussion on how similar initiatives could be adapted or localised to strengthen reading culture and industry resilience in Singapore.

The session also reinforced the importance of licensing as a pillar of a healthy book ecosystem. Speakers discussed collective licensing models, rights management, and how coordinated approaches can benefit creators, publishers, and users alike. These insights were particularly relevant as publishers increasingly look beyond traditional print models to diversify revenue streams.

Distinguished Speakers

The programme featured an experienced panel of industry leaders and practitioners:

• Peter Schoppert, Singapore Book Publishers Association (SBPA)
• Antti Huss-Ekerhult, International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO)
• Adibah Binti Omar, Kota Buku
• Andrew Fong, Copyright Licensing and Administration Society of Singapore (CLASS)

Their diverse perspectives enriched the discussion, offering both strategic and practical takeaways for participants.

Strengthening Collaboration

The event was co-organised by CLASS and the Singapore Book Council, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing the literary and publishing ecosystem. Through open dialogue and knowledge-sharing, the session reinforced the value of partnerships between industry bodies, cultural organisations, and publishers.

Looking Ahead

“Supporting a Local Books Ecosystem: Lessons from Around the World” served as a timely reminder that a resilient publishing industry requires continuous learning, policy engagement, and collective effort. By drawing on global insights while addressing local realities, Singapore’s publishing community can better position itself for sustainable growth in an increasingly interconnected world.