S2E7 - Inclusive Reading Technologies

Screen readers, magnification software and close captioning systems are some common assistive technologies developed to enable people with disability to read but have benefited all people. This episode examines how technology can make reading more inclusive.   Episode Guests: Josh Tseng,  Director…

S2E6 - Children's Picture Books

Children’s books are often a child’s first exposure to the world, delighting with their whimsical and imaginative ways of looking at the world. In this episode, we take a look at the process of making and selling children’s books. Episode Guests: Shannon Ong, Owner of Woods in the Books Quek Hong …

S2E5 Bonus - Gene Tan on The Work of Librarians

In this bonus episode, Gene Tan, Chief Librarian and Chief Innovation Officer at the National Library Board, discusses the evolving role of librarians beyond traditional stereotypes, emphasising their impact on digital literacy, community engagement, and lifelong learning. Gene explores how modern …

S2E5 - Reading Innovation at the National Library 

The mandate of libraries has been to make reading and knowledge available to all. This episode examines innovations by the National Library Board to increase the reach of books to all Singaporeans.   Episode Guests: Brendan Luyt, Associate Professor, Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Informa…

S2E4 Bonus - Neil Humphreys on Writing

In this bonus episode, author Neil Humphreys shares insights on his diverse writing journey across fiction, non-fiction, and children's literature, emphasising the importance of finding a unique voice amid the evolving landscape of reading and emergence of AI. He discusses the challenges writers fa…

S2E4 Bonus - Professor Simon Chesterman on Reading the Law

In this bonus episode, Professor Simon Chesterman discusses the intersection of law, fiction, and artificial intelligence. From legal reading strategies to the future of literacy in an AI-driven world, he explores how reading and writing shape critical thinking and empathy. Episode Guest: Professo…

S2E4 - Reading and AI

With the rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence, some folks have suggested that a good prompt and internet access are all that is required to write a good story. How has technology changed the way we read? What implications are there for writing and publishing?  Episode Guests: Professor Simon…

S2E3 Bonus - Charisse Aquino-Tagude on Building a reading culture in the Philippines

In this bonus episode, Charisse Aquino Tugade, cultural worker and Executive Director of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines (NBDB), explains how the NBDB spearheads reading access and representation. Amid challenges faced by the publishing industry, Charisse shares innovative st…

S2E3 - Building Reading Communities

One way to building a national reading community is to create a vibrant reading community that celebrates national literature. This first episode of the 2nd season of the HWR podcast examines the work of the Singapore Book Council and National Book Development Board in developing local and regional…

S2E2 - The Social Life of Book Clubs

Despite laments about the decline of reading, book clubs are having a renaissance moment in Singapore. Who goes to book clubs and why do they attend these sessions? What do the popularity of book clubs tell us about reading in this day and age?   Episode Guests: Alex Chua, co-founder of Book Bar I…