In attendance at the kick-off event of the Open Book: NLB30 Keynotes last Monday, 21 July, was  Philippine Embassy Charge’ d’Affaires (CDA) and First Secretary and Consul Joyleen E. Santos.

She attended the first of four sessions titled “Reading the World”, where Singaporean Ambassadors-at-Large Professor Tommy Koh and Professor Chan Heng Chee shared their insights on the importance of reading in this digital and global landscape. The event was moderated by NLB’s Chief Librarian and Innovation Officer, Mr. Gene Tan.

“I enjoyed the event and had a great time. It left me thinking: in a world going digital, what role will libraries play in shaping the future of learning and community?” – CDA Santos. 

The NLB30 Keynotes is a curated series of moderated conversations hosted by Singapore’s @National Library Board (NLB) as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations.

All interested Filipino literary writers in Singapore and those with passion for reading are encouraged to join the next Open Book: The NLB30 Keynotes session “The SWF Directors’ Cut: Sing Lit, How Are You?” on 26 July 2025. The event is held in conjunction with the Singapore Writers Festival. 

For more information on the NLB Keynotes sessions, including schedule, panelists and registration details, please visit https://go.gov.sg/nlb30keynotes. END.