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Straits Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Poet Joshua Ip's Ownself Say Ownself wins Book of the Year at Singapore Book Awards
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Poet and editor Joshua Ip's collection is the first poetry book to win Book of the Year at the Singapore Book Awards SINGAPORE – Poet Joshua Ip's Ownself Say Ownself is the first poetry collection to win Book of the Year at the Singapore Book Awards, in a ceremony held at The Pod at the National Library Building on July 24. The collection of his poems, translations and performance pieces was published by Landmark Books in 2024. Ip told The Straits Times after learning of his win: 'Poetry doesn't make money. Translations don't sell. Spoken word poems published in book form will never work. I'm glad to see that, despite the prevailing wisdom, 'foolish' publishers like Goh Eck Kheng of Landmark Books still persevere in making the literary a little bit less 'airy fairy' and a bit more 'lit' – and are occasionally rewarded for it.' The book, which also won the Markono Best Literary Award, bested the winning books in 13 other categories to snag the top prize. The 11th edition of the annual industry awards, organised by the Singapore Book Publishers Association (SBPA), recognises the best of books published in Singapore. Mr Kenny Chan, former senior director at Books Kinokuniya and one of the judges for Book of the Year, said the judging process was 'much tougher'. He called Ip's title a 'monumental book' which tipped over the other contenders for its 'length and breadth', covering original poems, translations, musical excerpts and a crowd-sourced Dante-inspired poem. About 150 titles were submitted across the 14 award categories, said the organisers. Judges comprised 18 industry figures including booksellers, librarians, content creators, educators and authors. The late lawyer Adrian Tan's If I Were King Of Singapore , a posthumous collection of his online socio-political writings, was given a special mention by the judges for Book of the Year. Tan's book, published in 2024 by Landmark Books, won in the Best Non-Fiction Title category. The inaugural winner of the newly created Best Graphic Novel category is Amber & Blue And The Hunt For DNA by Claudia Flandoli, published by World Scientific Publishing in 2024. Landmark Books was the biggest winner of the night with four awards, followed by Epigram Books with three. The 2025 edition also marked the first time four awards were named after the sponsors, namely the Markono Best Literary Work Award, the KHL Best Custom Publishing Award, the Class Best Textbook Award and the Juliet David Best Food Book Award. In 2024, playwright and author Myle Yan Tay took home the two top prizes for his debut novel Catskull (2023) . The full list of winners Book of the Year and Markono Best Literary Work Award: Ownself Say Ownself by Joshua Ip (Landmark Books) Best Graphic Novel: Amber & Blue And The Hunt For DNA by Claudia Flandoli (World Scientific Education) Best Non-Fiction Title: If I Were King Of Singapore by Adrian Tan (Landmark Books) Best Illustrated Non-Fiction Title: BMT Sketchbook by Asher Ong (Landmark Books) Best Professional Title: Behind The Banyan: Ho Kwon Ping On Building A Global Brand by Aaron Low (World Scientific Publishing) The Juliet David Best Food Book Award: Lala-Land: Singapore's Seafood Heritage by Anthony D. Medrano (Epigram Books) Best Young Person's Fiction Title: The Travelling Library Chronicles Of Maizey Lee: The Road To Bangkok by Erni Salleh (Epigram Books) Best Young Person's Non-Fiction Title: The Rainforest Adventures Of Biogirl MJ: Exploring Our Tropical Rainforests To Solve A Magical Mystery by Kong Man Jing and Raye Ng (World Scientific Education) Best Picture Book: Jemma Dreams Of Sushi by Ruo-Ting Goh and Mark Chen (Epigram Books) The Class Best Textbook Award: Digital Literacy And Computing Grades 1 To 6 by Mohammad Kamil, Islani Ishak, Charlie Chew, Tay Wan Jing, Chua Teck Chai (Marshall Cavendish Education) Best Educational Supplement: Singapore Maths Calendar 2025 (Child Educational Co) Best Cover Design: Sister Snake by Amanda Lee Koe (Ethos Books) The KHL Best Custom Publishing Award: Timmy & Bill Meet The Explorers Of Sentosa (Sentosa Development Corporation) Best Marketing Campaign: Hue City by Claire Betita de Guzman (Penguin Random House SEA)
Scoop
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Counterterrorism Watchdog Needed
Press Release – University of Auckland An independent watchdog would shine a light into the shadowy world of security and counterterrorism, says Associate Professor John Ip in a research paper. Since the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, New Zealand has introduced several counterterrorism laws, significantly expanding state power. Now, a legal expert says it's time to follow the UK, Australia and Ireland in appointing an independent watchdog to keep that power in check. In his paper, 'The case for an independent reviewer of counterterrorism legislation in New Zealand,' University of Auckland Law Associate Professor, John Ip, says although necessary, counterterrorism legislation often lacks provision for ongoing oversight. Counterterrorism legislation, says Ip, is characterised by a government's need to react to an incident decisively and quickly, leaving little time for public input, legislative deliberation or scrutiny. Once on the books, counterterrorism legislation is rarely repealed and difficult to ratchet back. 'This makes scrutiny and oversight essential, especially given the potential impact on individual rights and freedoms.' Since 2019, New Zealand has introduced counterterrorism legislation including the Terrorism Suppression (Control Orders) Act, the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Act, and the Counter-Terrorism Acts (Designations and Control Orders) Amendment Act. But Ip says this relative flurry of legislation hasn't been matched by any permanent oversight mechanism. 'It's important that any unintended consequences, gaps and shortcomings are brought to light and that the public have confidence that the powers conferred by counterterrorism legislation are being used appropriately.' Ip argues that creating an independent review entity would enhance public understanding, facilitate evidence-based policymaking and augment existing legal and political avenues of scrutiny and oversight. 'Countries around the world quickly react to acts of terrorism, and in this, we see expansion, or at the very least, some consolidation of the power of the state. We see the creation of a stronger national security state. And as this is happening, we should strengthen the oversight and control of those same institutions.' However, the options for oversight currently available, says Ip, have limitations. 'As is typical of national security matters, secrecy shrouds the operation of counterterrorism law. Secrecy around national security creates a problem – those who might provide oversight often don't have access to the whole picture. 'In the courts, legal challenges depend on individuals bringing cases, but secrecy can mean a wrong can't be established because of a lack of publicly available evidence. When they do hear cases, without a comprehensive picture, judges are also likely to be more deferential.' Temporary review bodies such as public inquiries also have limits, says Ip. For example, the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into the 15 March attacks meant that the Commission was not allowed to look into the police's initial response. 'These kinds of inquiries and bodies also stop existing once they deliver their final report. If the government chooses not to act on the recommendations, there's little option in following up or pushing for change later on. 'These limitations, including that more specialised review bodies tend to be either ad hoc or otherwise circumscribed in scope, suggest the need for something different.' In his paper, Ip examines overseas models, including the UK's Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation (IRTL). The IRTL is legally qualified, independent of government, and has access to the same classified information as ministers, enabling impartial, informed oversight. Unlike courts, which look into specific cases, the IRTL has a broad mandate to review counterterrorism legislation as a whole. While the UK model is interesting, Ip says New Zealand might more closely follow the formal statutory approach exemplified by Australia's Independent National Security Legislation Monitor, and to a lesser extent Ireland's Independent Examiner of Security Legislation (IESL). Both are created by legislation with clearly defined powers and responsibilities. 'A permanent independent office, with comprehensive access to information, could review the operation of counterterrorism legislation here and publish reports with findings and recommendations,' says Ip. 'Independent review bodies play a crucial role in shining a light into the shadowy corners of the world of security and counterterrorism.'
Scoop
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Counterterrorism Watchdog Needed
An independent watchdog would shine a light into the shadowy world of security and counterterrorism, says Associate Professor John Ip in a research paper. Since the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, New Zealand has introduced several counterterrorism laws, significantly expanding state power. Now, a legal expert says it's time to follow the UK, Australia and Ireland in appointing an independent watchdog to keep that power in check. In his paper, 'The case for an independent reviewer of counterterrorism legislation in New Zealand,' University of Auckland Law Associate Professor, John Ip, says although necessary, counterterrorism legislation often lacks provision for ongoing oversight. Counterterrorism legislation, says Ip, is characterised by a government's need to react to an incident decisively and quickly, leaving little time for public input, legislative deliberation or scrutiny. Once on the books, counterterrorism legislation is rarely repealed and difficult to ratchet back. 'This makes scrutiny and oversight essential, especially given the potential impact on individual rights and freedoms.' Since 2019, New Zealand has introduced counterterrorism legislation including the Terrorism Suppression (Control Orders) Act, the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Act, and the Counter-Terrorism Acts (Designations and Control Orders) Amendment Act. But Ip says this relative flurry of legislation hasn't been matched by any permanent oversight mechanism. 'It's important that any unintended consequences, gaps and shortcomings are brought to light and that the public have confidence that the powers conferred by counterterrorism legislation are being used appropriately.' Ip argues that creating an independent review entity would enhance public understanding, facilitate evidence-based policymaking and augment existing legal and political avenues of scrutiny and oversight. 'Countries around the world quickly react to acts of terrorism, and in this, we see expansion, or at the very least, some consolidation of the power of the state. We see the creation of a stronger national security state. And as this is happening, we should strengthen the oversight and control of those same institutions.' However, the options for oversight currently available, says Ip, have limitations. 'As is typical of national security matters, secrecy shrouds the operation of counterterrorism law. Secrecy around national security creates a problem - those who might provide oversight often don't have access to the whole picture. 'In the courts, legal challenges depend on individuals bringing cases, but secrecy can mean a wrong can't be established because of a lack of publicly available evidence. When they do hear cases, without a comprehensive picture, judges are also likely to be more deferential.' Temporary review bodies such as public inquiries also have limits, says Ip. For example, the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into the 15 March attacks meant that the Commission was not allowed to look into the police's initial response. 'These kinds of inquiries and bodies also stop existing once they deliver their final report. If the government chooses not to act on the recommendations, there's little option in following up or pushing for change later on. 'These limitations, including that more specialised review bodies tend to be either ad hoc or otherwise circumscribed in scope, suggest the need for something different.' In his paper, Ip examines overseas models, including the UK's Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation (IRTL). The IRTL is legally qualified, independent of government, and has access to the same classified information as ministers, enabling impartial, informed oversight. Unlike courts, which look into specific cases, the IRTL has a broad mandate to review counterterrorism legislation as a whole. While the UK model is interesting, Ip says New Zealand might more closely follow the formal statutory approach exemplified by Australia's Independent National Security Legislation Monitor, and to a lesser extent Ireland's Independent Examiner of Security Legislation (IESL). Both are created by legislation with clearly defined powers and responsibilities. 'A permanent independent office, with comprehensive access to information, could review the operation of counterterrorism legislation here and publish reports with findings and recommendations,' says Ip. 'Independent review bodies play a crucial role in shining a light into the shadowy corners of the world of security and counterterrorism.'
Los Angeles Times
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
CdM boys' lacrosse exits playoffs at top-seeded Loyola
LOS ANGELES — Corona del Mar knew it needed perfection, or something close to it, if it was going to take down top-seeded Los Angeles Loyola in the CIF Southern Section boys' lacrosse quarterfinals. Perfection might not have been enough. The visiting Sea Kings, nowhere near that standard, were overwhelmed in Tuesday evening's Division 1 encounter, unable to contend with Loyola's speed, physicality, athleticism, depth and talent in a 15-5 defeat. Loyola (19-3), No. 1 in California and the West Region, used its dominance on the face-offs to take quick command, then answered Corona del Mar's second-quarter foray with 10 successive strikes — a run that carried into the game's final two minutes — by dominating every aspect all over the field. It wasn't much of a shock. 'They're incredibly talented,' CdM coach G.W. Mix said. 'We knew that. There were no surprises, right? They're very deep, they're very talented, they're well-coached, and we knew that we had to play a perfect game and have some things go our way. 'Got back to 5-3 [three minutes to halftime]. Next thing you knew, it was 8-3. And that's just the way it goes.' It was 13-3 by the time the third quarter was done, and Loyola remained in charge as Cubs coach Jimmy Borell emptied his bench — he used nearly all of 42 players — down the stretch. The Cubs often maintained continuous possession, winning 22 of the 24 face-offs that start each quarter and follow every goal, then moved the ball efficiently, setting up repeated goalmouth strikes. Their swarming defensive approach forced midfield turnovers and nearly shut off interior access in their box. 'They were very aggressive. They're big, strong defenders,' said senior attacker Owen Majit, who scored three Sea Kings goals and assisted one of two from senior midfielder Garrett Ip. 'They knew one of our weaknesses throughout the season was clearing [to start transitions], and they capitalized on that. They were shutting off the attack. 'We knew that coming into the game. I think we did a better job of handling this game than we did [last month's 16-4 defeat], but it still definitely didn't work in our favor.' Loyola, bidding for its third successive title-game appearance and first title since 2021 as it heads Saturday to fifth-seeded Foothill (15-7), possessed a 46-16 shot advantage and received goals from 11 players, led by hat tricks from sophomore Tripp King and junior Finn Hazelton. Corona del Mar (15-7) was down by two before generating any attack, struck in transition with Ip feeding Majit, then conceded a third right off the face-off. It was 5-1 not quite a minute into the second quarter before the Sea Kings found a rhythm. 'We were playing smart, taking care of the little things,' said Ip, an All-CIF selection last year who will play at NCAA Division III powerhouse Williams. 'Picking up ground balls, moving the ball well, shooting the ball well, holding onto the ball. That took some of the stress off of our defense.' Ip and Majit scored goals six minutes apart — Ip's a 15-yard bullet through a crowded box, Majit's a savvy flick after Auggy Luong's backhanded attempt was knocked down — to tighten things, at least on the scoreboard, but it was all Loyola after that. The Cubs scored three in quick succession to start the 10-0 run, tallying seven times on 16 shots before CdM took another shot. They outfired the Sea Kings, 25-7, in that span before Ip and Majit tallied in the game's final two minutes. 'They're really good,' said Bowdoin-bound Majit, also an All-CIF honoree. 'They have a lot of guys who play club. They go to the next level [and play college lacrosse]. They just know how to spin the rock. [We] played hard, left it all out there. That's all that matters.' Mix was proud of what his group accomplished. 'It was an incredible year for this group of kids at a public school to make it to the Division 1 tournament 18 years in a row, make it to the quarterfinals,' he said. 'It's amazing. It's positively amazing. 'We don't have the opportunity to get kids from everywhere. We can only get them from our little community there in Newport. It never ceases to amaze me what our kids are able to do at the highest levels of high school lacrosse in California, given that. That's what I'm most proud of. It's just the way they fight for each other and fight together and represent our community. It's fantastic.' Huntington Beach 8, Palos Verdes 7: The Oilers advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division 2 semifinals with Tuesday's win at home. Huntington Beach (8-11) has earned a pair of one-goal wins to reach this stage. The Oilers will have a third consecutive home game on Friday against top-seeded El Segundo (14-6). San Juan Hills 10, Corona del Mar 8: MK Angeloff had two goals and two assists for the host Sea Kings on Tuesday in a Division 2 quarterfinal match. Meg Vanis added two goals for CdM (13-8), which also received a goal apiece from Helena Fratantaro and Maile Lyle. Goalkeeper Sofia Petek made nine saves. San Juan Hills (15-6) will face St. Margaret's (14-3) in the semifinals on Friday. Staff writer Andrew Turner contributed to this report.
RTHK
06-05-2025
- Business
- RTHK
HK 'can play bigger role in space industry'
HK 'can play bigger role in space industry' Regina Ip says Hong Kong can make more contributions to the country's space development. Photo: RTHK Executive Council convener Regina Ip said on Tuesday Hong Kong can play a more significant role in the country's space development and expressed hopes that commercial opportunities in the sector can be explored during an upcoming summit. Ip made the remarks during a media preview for this year's Global Prosperity Summit, scheduled for May 19 to 21. The summit, now in its second edition, will feature five major topics: artificial intelligence; climate change; trade war and hot wars; Hong Kong's bridging role in a changing world; and, for the first time, space development. Ip, who founded the inaugural summit last year, said there's room for Hong Kong to play a role in developing the space industry, particularly the commercial aspects. 'Hong Kong has always taken part in the nation's space programme," she said. "Our universities have contributed technologies, and we are sending experts to join the Chang'e programme. "So from the viewpoint of technology, we have always played a small but active part. 'We plan to discuss the commercial possibilities, particularly as the financial secretary has mentioned, in his budget speech, the developmental potential of low-orbit satellites.' The event also marks the first time the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has joined as a co-organiser. Local think tank Savantas Policy Institute, which Ip chairs, and the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies co-organised the first summit. Ip also insisted that US diplomats would continue to participate at the summit, including Kurt Tong and Hanscom Smith, former consuls general to Hong Kong and Macau. Another highlight of the summit, Ip said, will be a closed-door meeting on the final day, when experts from the United States, Europe and Beijing will discuss economic security and international trade. Ip has postponed a planned visit to the US, originally scheduled during Easter, saying that she felt the timing was not right and that she will not be travelling there this year.
