PRIZE: A trip for two to Dublin, Ireland
DEADLINE: 31 Mar 2008
WEBSITE/URL: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/22/nation/20408691&sec=nation

DESCRIPTION:
KUALA LUMPUR: Put your dreams for a future world to words, and your essay could win you a trip for two to Dublin, Ireland.

The IMPAC Dublin Literary Award for Young Malaysians 2008 essay-writing competition is open to all Malaysian students aged between 14 and 18 as of March 31.

This year’s topic is “Tomorrow’s World”, and the essay should be between 800 and 1,200 words. Factual and fictional accounts are both accepted.

The best overall essay will earn the writer and parent a trip to Dublin to attend the gala ceremony of the world’s richest book prize, International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.

IMPAC executive vice-president Christopher J. Houghton said the competition was part of efforts to equip youth with language skills.

“We believe this prepares youths with the skills to compete in the working and business world that increasingly uses the English language,” he said at the launch yesterday.

Irish Ambassador to Malaysia Eugene Hutchinson encouraged students to enter the competition.

“Students are the generation of tomorrow, the most informed generation on this planet, so share your dreams with us,” he said.

The contest, held for the sixth consecutive year, is organised by the Irish Embassy, IMPAC, The Star and the National Library of Malaysia with support from the Education Ministry.

The sponsors are the Irish Universities and Medical Schools Consortium, the St Patrick’s Society of Selangor, Exchange Trade Centre International and the Malaysian Irish Alumni Association.

Entries must be submitted by March 31.

For enquiries, call 03-20959513, or e-mail write4idla@gmail.com