TITLE: Dublin Literary Award for Young Malaysians 2009 essay-writing competition
PRIZE: Trip for two to Dublin to attend the gala ceremony of the International Impac Dublin Literary Award 2009 & 10 Consolation prize
DEADLINE: 31 March 09
WEBSITE/URL: NA

DESCRIPTION:
Dublin trip the best thing about essay contest

KUALA LUMPUR: What are the best things in life? If you can pen your thoughts on the matter, you may win a trip for two to Dublin, Ireland.

Held for the seventh consecutive year, the Impac Dublin Literary Award for Young Malaysians 2009 essay-writing competition is open to all Malaysian students aged between 14 and 18 as of March 31.

This year’s topic is “The Best Things In Life”, and the essay should be between 800 and 1,200 words. It can be either factual or fictional but must be in English.

The best overall essay will earn the writer and a parent a trip to Dublin to attend the gala ceremony of the International Impac Dublin Literary Award 2009.

Irish Ambassador to Malaysia Eugene Hutchinson said the competition was an effective way to encourage students’ interest in English and improve their skills in the language.

“Competence in English enhances not only the future career prospects of individuals, but also Malaysia’s position as a successful and modern economy,” he said when launching the competition at the National Library yesterday.

Impac services manager Carol Soh, speaking on behalf of Impac executive vice-president Christopher J. Houghton, said that the next two years would mark tough times for funding in literature and the arts due to the economic downturn.

“However, Impac will continue to support young writers as we believe in the value of developing the communication skills of our youth.”

The competition also offers nine merit awards and 10 consolation prizes, as well as a special prize for the winner’s school.

It 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, Tec-Surf Technologies and the Malaysian Irish Alumni Association.

Entries must be submitted by March 31. For enquiries, call 03-20959513, or email: write4idla@gmail.com.