We welcome 2010! It's the year of the white tiger and the Chinese regard tiger years as 'interesting'. This means it will be full of challenges and unexpected things are likely to happen. In other words, it will be anything but dull. So depending on how you look at it, it could be a year of opportunities, for with challenges and changes come opportunities but we must be prepared for those opportunities. How shall we prepare ourselves? Well, by tying lose ends in our lives, making sure our work is done to the best of our abilities and being alert and ready to do better. Easier said than done because it means we have to work hard. As the saying goes, 'Opportunity comes to those who work for it'.

Forgive me for being preachy but I am really admonishing myself. At the same time, I am excited for we already have a few great books that are ready to be published in the next few months; we will be preparing to take these books to international fairs; and we hope to do much more in Malaysia through the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Among others, we will be working with the Society to hold regular activities that will be useful to Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and we believe we will find talent here. LT

SCBWI Malaysia is a not-for-profit organization set up to develop local writers and illustrators and to bring together writers, illustrators, publishers, booksellers, educators and others for positive and mutually beneficial communications and interactions.

With the kind sponsorship of Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, SCBWI Malaysia is pleased to invite you to participate in a one-day conference as follows:

Date : Fri, 20 November 2009
Time : 10.30am-5.30pm
Venue: Lim Kok Wing University of Creative Technology (LUCT), Cyberjaya

Official launch by Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing

In conjunction with this conference, we will be having an illustrators’ exhibition, book sales and a series of talks and panel discussions.

Illustrators’ Exhibition 
The Illustrators’ Exhibition will be held prominently at the busy and spacious plaza at the entrance of  LUCT. Published illustrators may submit up to five pieces of artwork/print (please do not submit original artwork). Max artwork size is A3 (420x297mm). Either the Publisher or the illustrator may submit artwork for the exhibition. Prints will not be returned. Deadline for submission: 17 Nov 2009

Book Exhibition and Sales
Publishers and booksellers may also take this opportunity to showcase and sell their books on that day only. Books should be children, young adults or design books. Booths will be at the plaza of LUCT. Deadline: 12 Nov 2009

Talks and Panel Discussions
From 2.00pm onwards, there will be a series of interesting talks and panel discussions on the relevant topics including the use of illustrations in Malaysian children’s literature; addressing multiculturalism issues in children’s literature; preparing children’s picture books – the experience of an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator; and others. Entrance is free.

For more information contact: lindalingard@yahoo.com
www.scbwi.org