Singapore — Singaporean writer Sarah Ang has been awarded the New Voices Award 2025 by the Wilbur & Niso Smith Foundation for her manuscript Whale Song. The recognition places Southeast Asia firmly on the global literary map, underscoring the importance of cross-cultural storytelling in today’s interconnected world.
Whale Song tells the story of a Singaporean strategy consultant who, after leaving a toxic relationship, joins a whale research expedition in New Zealand. The narrative blends themes of environmental awareness, personal healing, and cultural identity, making it a work that resonates with readers across borders.
As part of the award, Sarah will receive a year-long mentorship from an international literary mentor to help develop her manuscript into a full novel. This initiative reflects how global literary awards are not only about recognition but also about building collaborative ecosystems that nurture emerging voices.
Her success also reflects the synergy between Southeast Asia and the international literary community. With its rich cultural heritage and increasingly global outlook, the region is producing writers whose stories transcend local boundaries while offering unique perspectives to the world stage.
Observers note that Sarah’s achievement is more than a personal milestone—it symbolizes how Southeast Asian literature is gaining recognition as a vital contributor to global narratives. Through international partnerships and platforms, writers from the region are increasingly able to share their voices with a wider audience.
Looking ahead, Sarah Ang’s victory is expected to inspire a new generation of Southeast Asian writers to pursue their craft, collaborate across cultures, and bring the region’s diverse perspectives into the global literary conversation.
