The Design and Essay Competition entries both provided valuable insights to the topic of organ donation and transplantation. The design entries portray a compelling story telling be it “My Organ, My Companion or Our Transformative Journey”.

Each story so skillfully executed with the use of the various elements and techniques either through traditional or digital mediums and the expressions; importantly, the emotions that envelopes each unique piece.

The outstanding artworks are those that exude intense emotions, sparking the connection with the viewers, a mesmerizing effect drawing them into the heart of it.

The poise and eloquence of the essays displays the literacy skills of the participants, who provided valuable insights to the topic of organ donation and transplantation penned in a coherent narrative which are focused and impactful.

The common characteristic of outstanding essays are those that are able to amalgamate well researched facts with relevant applications into convincing and emotive master pieces not losing sight of the theme.

The Live On Festival has provided learning opportunities as well as creativity to flow through our young participants. I wish to extend my congratulations to the winners for being on this journey to enable societal change to happen through the magnificent artworks and writings, communicating understanding and compassion on the matter.

Portrait of Assistant Professor Jiang Shaohai

Assistant Professor Jiang Shaohai (Assistant Professor, Department of Communications and New Media, National University of Singapore (NUS))

LOF - Essay Competition Judging Panel

It is my great honour to read these heart-warming and thoughtful essays. Our younger generations are passionately raising awareness of the significance of organ donation. All the essays have shown their good understanding of organ donation, the gravity of suffering among patients with late-stage organ failure, and how organ donation brings hope to the families.

The best essays stand out for their clear understanding of the topic with relevant information to justify personal opinions, the creativity and originality that capture readers’ interest and attention, and a high level of craft in writing.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants. I look forward to reading your new works in the future!

Ms Melissa Low (Research Fellow, Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore (NUS) Member, Speak Good English Movement)

LOF - Essay Competition Judging Panel

I am grateful for the opportunity to be a judge for this year's Live On Festival 2023. The essays on organ transplants by our youth and members of the public were truly inspiring for me.

Many contained heartfelt messages about helping one's friend or loved one overcome the struggles with seeking or going through organ transplant.

Judging was especially meaningful for me, since while reading the essays in June this year, I came across news of Singapore's second intestinal transplant case and I felt as though I could understand better what the patient and her family had to be going through.

This is in no small part due to the well-researched and crafted perspectives and narratives in the essays submitted. The essays not only underscored the importance of organ transplant, they also highlighted the role of society in advancing the field and practice of transplantation through increased empathy and advocacy through research and education.

My heartiest congratulations to all winners. I hope the authors of all entries continue their creative writing journeys and realise your full potential.

Ms Rosemarie Somaiah (Partner and Storyteller, Asian Storytelling Network)

LOF - Essay Competition Judging Panel

I was amazed at how much information the participants had gathered. The National Organ Transplant Unit (NOTU) is to be congratulated for awakening the interest in such an important issue.

Many submissions are based on research beyond the local context. They provide examples that could be relevant for us to consider as we move forward in the pursuit of a more thoughtful, knowledgeable, caring and compassionate society.

Given two topics in each category to choose from, the writers were able to focus on processing the information available and presenting them in ways that expressed their own views on this complex and emotive issue.

The best essays presented the information with clarity and objectivity and the writers were able to deal sensitively and empathetically with different perspectives.

They considered the views of potential recipients waiting anxiously for a chance at a better life; the difficult decision-making process for the donors; the range of complicated feelings of the families on both sides; and the very diverse opinions of the general public. I would like to congratulate the winners and all those who took part in the competition.

Ms Audrey Lau Li Phing (Group Chief Communications Officer, SingHealth Executive Director, SingHealth Fund)

LOF - Essay Competition Judging Panel

When it comes to encouraging organ donation and transplantation, this role isn’t limited to healthcare professionals and patients. Students like yourselves hold immense potential to make a real difference and change the lives of individuals and communities.

This year’s essay submissions have unveiled a cohort of young people who have eloquently and thoughtfully addressed the topic of organ donation.

Reading your essays, it is clear that each of you possesses the remarkable capacity to be a catalyst for a healthier tomorrow.

Words have the power to shape and influence. I hope you will continue to lend your voice and be a strong advocate for this meaningful cause.