Live On Festival Awards 2024 (Essay)

Ms Sally Kong (Deputy Director, National Organ Transplant Unit, Ministry of Health)

LOF - Design & Essay Competition Judging Panel

It is a delight to have this opportunity to witness the many talented works in the various mediums, appreciating the time and deep thoughts invested in the pieces to express the emotions of loss, love, happiness, hope, sadness, disappointment, fear and joy.

This is my 7th edition as a judge in this Festival. With each passing year, I am absolutely awed and amazed by the increasing quality of the artworks. What astounds me is the maturity of such young artists in being able to grasp and translate such complex emotions in their pieces to encapsulate the theme.

There are several outstanding pieces that speaks right to the heart, captivating one’s attention, stirring the artists’ desired emotion.

For the essays, I find such pleasure in reading them and judging them was made even more challenging. The essays so accurately portrayed the deep understanding of the topics at hand and are penned with such clarity and coherence.

The outstanding essays are those that combined clear structure backed with intelligent debate and presented with elegance.

I wish to extend my congratulations to the winners for their marvelous works and on the collaboration in facilitating societal change that exudes your compassion and enthusiasm.

Dr Daphne Ng Hui Ping (Assistant Director, Science Communication Lead, Science Communicator & Writer, Nanyang Technological University)

LOF - Essay Competition Judging Panel

It is my honour to be one of the judges for the essay competition in this year’s Live On Festival. Organ donation is a complex topic and I am impressed by the writers’ flair for bringing across the importance of this life-saving procedure.

Besides the medical aspects of organ transplantation, many writers also highlighted the social issues of organ donation, which strongly impact the acceptance of the procedure.

The entries demonstrate that effective communication breaks down barriers and fosters positive attitudes towards organ donation.

I look forward to reading the future works of these budding communicators whose words may someday change the world. My heartiest congratulations to the winners and well done everyone!

Mr Yeow Kai Chai (Editor, Writer and Journalist)

LOF - Essay Competition Judging Panel

Reading the numerous entries for the LOF 2024 Essay Competition has been a humbling experience. Organ donation is such an important and life-changing decision – I am frankly awed by the towering duty that the National Organ Transplant Unit has been bestowed with. It is not an easy mission. Kudos to them!

So, it’s a genius idea to have students and members of the public contribute their points of view to the various scenarios raised in three categories.

In the Junior section, it’s vital to draw empathy, a sense of connection, by putting the participants in the shoes of, say, someone who needs a life-saving organ donation. In the Senior section, we confront the perception that organ donation is too complex a process, and get folks to unravel it from different perspectives.

In the Open section, we ask philosophical and humanistic questions about living donations and a single act of selflessness can inspire a larger community.

The best essays epitomise both brains and heart: a clarity of argument illuminated by emotional heft. I applaud everyone who took part in the competition. They are all winners in my eyes.

Mr Crispin Rodrigues (English Literature Teacher and Published Poet, Eunoia Junior College)

LOF - Essay Competition Judging Panel

I am truly grateful to be a judge for this year's Live On Festival essay competition. This year's entries truly showed a grounded knowledge of the complexities of organ donation, and made headways in promoting the ideals of generosity and care in supporting the donation of organs.

The participants' levels of creativity truly demonstrated that art is part of heART, that their voices can advocate for meaningful causes in raising awareness of important issues that pertain to the well-being of Singaporeans.

Congratulations to all of you, whether you have won the competition or not, we are grateful for sharing your letters and essays with us that carry a message for those who have donated an organ, or who are awaiting a donation. You give hope to us all.

Dr Jenny Mak (Centre for Creative Learning Officer, Singapore Theatre Company)

LOF - Essay Competition Judging Panel

I really enjoyed reading the entries for the Live On Festival 2024 Essay Competition. It's wonderful to hear such erudite, passionate voices exploring the important topic of organ donation.

It was also a marvel to read through the innovative solutions offered to raise awareness and generate empathy for the cause.

No matter the winner, I feel truly encouraged seeing our young writers express their inspiring visions on the page. Well done, keep writing, and keep up the good work!