POSB launches Storytellers Grant to uncover untold stories about Singapore's 'New Neighbourhoods'

Singapore, 24 Apr 2015 - POSB, Singapore’s People’s Bank, today announced the launch of the POSB Storytellers Grant, a SGD 150,000 initiative to fund the creation of works from aspiring storytellers – from photographers to writers, artists to videographers, or simply just the man-on-the-street with a unique tale – that provide contemporary and refreshed perspectives on Singapore’s ‘new neighbourhoods’. Launched as part of its SG50 initiative NeighboursFirst, the grant aims to uncover and share compelling stories that redefine the way Singaporeans see our neighbourhoods and communities today. 

In 50 years, Singapore has transformed from a fledgling nation to a bustling and prosperous metropolis, and its neighbourhoods and communities have also evolved. The POSB Storytellers Grant aims to inspire Singaporeans by documenting the new possibilities, connections and discoveries ignited by our neighbourhoods – from the quiet changes to the large transformations, from the traditions that hold strong to the new innovations and technologies changing our lives.

Said Derrick Goh, Head of POSB, “There is a soul to our neighbourhoods and we know that there are many simple yet meaningful stories that go untold. As the People’s Bank, we want to reach out to aspiring storytellers as the wonderful interactions that go on within our neighbourhoods form a crucial part of Singapore’s identity. Our hope is that by capturing these stories and sharing them with the wider public, we can help Singaporeans see our communities with fresh perspectives, bring us closer together and ignite new possibilities.”

In December last year, POSB also launched NeighboursFirst.SG, a story-telling platform which allows the general public to rediscover their neighbourhood through content that celebrates the unique Singaporean identity. From playgrounds used as gyms to HDB flats turned organic corridor farm, NeighboursFirst.SG collects stories by everyday Singaporeans and showcases the many ways they contribute to their neighbourhoods and communities.

In one of the stories, a man and his family sought to revive the kampong spirit in his HDB block by organising a kampong party. With handmade invitation flyers in hand, the family approached their previously unfamiliar neighbours at their units, ultimately sparking a rousing party as neighbours arrived in droves, bearing home-cooked meals to share. His journey was documented and shared on NeighboursFirst.SG, with the hope of inspiring others to do the same. With recent research published by the Housing Development Board of Singapore (HDB) and the National University of Singapore indicating that Singaporeans have only incidental and minimal interaction with their neighbours, such initiatives are more essential than ever in building ties and bonds between neighbours.

Aspiring storytellers who wish to participate in the POSB Storytellers Grant can sign up via www.posb.com.sg/storytellersgrant. A judging panel led by Goh will select the three most compelling stories, and the grant’s funds will go towards the development and execution of these inspiring neighbourhood stories into pieces that can be easily shared with the public. These could be anything from a painting to a video to a song. Submission of entries is open for everyone until 31 May 2015.

The POSB Storytellers Grant is in line with POSB’s recent initiatives to build new narratives for neighbourhoods in the hope of strengthening community ties and igniting positive change. POSB recently launched the POSB PAssion KidsWrite Campaign programme in partnership with the People's Association and the National Library Board, with the objective of empowering children to dream, voice and bring about positive change in the community.

This initiative also complements DBS Bank’s sponsorship of “A New Singapore”, a weekly series of stories in The Straits Times focusing on the people and places that are shaping the Singapore of the future. “A New Singapore” first ran in The Straits Times from 9 February to 16 March, with stories of people who are signalling the future for Singapore, and inspiring new ways of thinking about our country. The series picks up again from 19 May to 16 June, focusing this time on the spaces that define and unite us.

POSB Storytellers Grant Fact Sheet

What is the POSB Storytellers Grant?

It is a grant of SGD150,000 that will be awarded to three winners to produce a story about the new neighbourhood and share it with the community.

These stories are to be developed around the themes of:

• People – Inspirational people who have redefined the neighbourhood
• Places – New neighbourhood discoveries that are worth sharing with the community
• Purpose – Projects that bring a new sense of neighbourliness to the community

Background on POSB NeighboursFirst.SG

NeighboursFirst.SG is POSB’s initiative focused on sharing stories about the community. It is a digital story-telling platform that invites its audiences to rediscover their neighbourhood. It premieres content that celebrates the Singaporean way of life – its people, its places and its passions.

From playgrounds used as gyms to HDB units turned organic corridor farm, NeighboursFirst.SG is a content collective of craftsmen, artisans, hawkers, artists and storytellers, handpicked for the myriad of ways they contribute to their neighbourhoods and communities.

POSB wants to take NeighboursFirst.SG to the next level, by encouraging aspiring storytellers to produce and share their own stories of the new neighbourhood through the Storytellers Grant. The other initiatives to encourage co-creation are “Share-a-Story” and “Nominate a Writer”.

“New Neighbourhood”

As Singapore has developed, grown and modernised over the last 50 years, so has the neighbourhood - this new neighbourhood is filled with people, places and purposeful projects that continue to refresh and redefine communities, changing the way Singaporeans interact with each other. It is a place where old spaces can house new dreams, where small initiatives can create groundswell, and where one person can be an inspiration for all.

How can I submit an entry for the POSB Storytellers Grant?

1. Go to www.posb.com.sg/storytellersgrant
2. Download the application form, answer the questions and fill in the required details
3. Send the completed form to [email protected]

Selection Process

There will be a rigorous selection process to select 3 winners (one winner per theme – People, Places and Purpose) to be awarded with SGD 50,000 each. The funds will go towards developing and executing their story.

A panel of judges will be appointed by the organiser to select the POSB Storytellers Grant Winners based on a set of judging criteria covering Originality, Creativity, Relevance to the Neighbourhood themes, Involvement of the Community, Publicity of the Winning Story and Execution.

All shortlisted applicants may be required to present their proposals during the final judging.

Timeline

• 24 April 2015: Launch of Storytellers Grant / Open for entry submissions
• 31 May 2015: Close of submissions / Begin judging process
• August 2015: Showcase of three stories

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About POSB
A part of the DBS Group, POSB is the largest local bank in Singapore with 4 million customers. Having served generations of Singaporeans for the past 138 years, it is known as the "People's Bank", and prides itself on being "neighbours first, bankers second".

With a good understanding of Singaporeans through the years, POSB offers products and services that are relevant to the savings, borrowing, investment and insurance needs of all Singaporeans. With over 50 branches conveniently located islandwide, and over 1,000 ATMs and Cash Acceptance Machines across the island, POSB's distribution network is the largest in Singapore.

POSB acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in each of its staff. For more information, please visit www.posb.com.sg