IBBY Singapore

International Board on Books for Young People in Singapore

IBBY Singapore is the Singapore chapter of the International Board on Books For Young People (IBBY).

Latest updates on Instagram (@ibby.singapore)

2026 IBBY Singapore National Honour List announcement: Oct 2025

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What is IBBY?

The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is a non-profit organization, founded in Zurich in 1953, which represents an international network of people from all over the world who are committed to bringing books and children together. Today, it is composed of 85 Sections all over the world. It represents both countries with well-developed book publishing and literacy programmes and countries with only a few dedicated professionals who are doing pioneer work in children's book publishing and promotion.

Mission

To promote international understanding through children's books
To give children everywhere the opportunity to have access to books with high literary and artistic standards
To encourage the publication and distribution of quality children's books, especially in developing countries
To provide support and training for those involved with children and children's literature
To stimulate research and scholarly works in the field of children's literature
To protect and uphold the Rights of the Child according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

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IBBY Singapore Logo

The main visual is an otter wearing glasses and reading a book. From a literary perspective, otters are known to be highly intelligent, resourceful and curious. Their playful nature connects perfectly with the joy of reading and the mission of promoting children's literature. Otters are also highly social, living in close-knit family groups - symbolising the importance of shared reading, community libraries and a family's role in fostering a love of books in children. From a national perspective, otters have become a well-known and unique icon of Singapore. Their highly visible presence in urban waterways across the island is a testament to Singapore's environmental efforts and adaptability.

Against the skyline of Singapore's business district is Gardens by the Bay, a national landmark project conceptualised by our National Parks Board. It has become a powerful symbol of our national identity, values and vision for the future - transforming our little island from a "Garden City" into a "City in a Garden". This horticultural destination embodies the true meaning of integrating nature with urban life - showing the possibility of a dense, modern metropolis being green, livable and sustainable. The iconic visuals of the Supertrees and climate-controlled conservatories, housing plants from around the world, depicts our innovation-driven approach to solving challenges.

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IBBY Singapore Founding Team

Ms Hanan Alsagoff (Homely Hammock)

Ms Hidayah Amin (Helang Books)

Ms Far'ain Jaafar (Author / Educator)

Ms Laura Peh (Cinnamon Art Publishing)

Ms Maria Rahim (The Safaa Safiyyah Publication)

Mr Ibrahim Tahir (Wardah Books)

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Forthcoming Events 2025

30 Oct: “The Art of Ability” Conference, Mohammed bin Rashid Library, Dubai, UAE

2 - 4 Nov: Sharjah International Publishers Conference

19 Nov: Misk Global Forum, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

11 - 14 Dec: Busan International Children's Book Fair

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Past Events

15 - 19 Oct: Singapore Pavilion, Frankfurter Buchmesse

6 - 27 Sep: IBBY Honour List 2026 Open Call

18 - 21 Sep 2025: Pesta Buku Melayu Singapura

6 Sep 2025: TSSP KidsBookFest, Singapore

IBBY Singapore Launch & Panel Session (Cultivating your Deen outside a Madrasah Environment)