How We Read Podcast

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 of Accessibility Services, Etch Empathy; Creative Director, Blind Mice Media 
• Victor Zhuang, Assistant Professor, Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University 
• Wong Meng Ee, Associate Professor, National Institute of Education  

Recommended Reads:

• Effects of assistive technology for students with reading and writing disabilities
• Effectiveness of Mobile Assistive Technology on Improving the Self-Perceptions of Students with Dyslexia in Singapore

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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 Shin, Illustrator 
• Alan John, Author, Journalist 

Recommended Reads:

• Your Kids Aren’t Too Old for Picture Books, and Neither Are You
• How Childhood Books Influence Us as Adults

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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 libraries are innovating to foster inclusive learning environments and adapt to the challenges of the digital age.

Episode Guest:

• Gene Tan, Chief Librarian & Chief Innovation Officer, National Library Board 

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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 Information, Nanyang Technological University  
• Gene Tan, Chief Librarian & Chief Innovation Officer, National Library Board   

Recommended Reads:

• Thinking Beyond the Scroll: The Ancient Library at Alexandria 
• The Remaking of Singapore's Public Libraries
• National Library Board

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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 face today and the vital connection between reading habits and creative expression.

Episode Guest:

• Neil Humphreys, Author, Columnist 

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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:

• Professor Simon Chesterman, David Marshall Professor of Law & Vice Provost (Educational Innovation), National University of Singapore 

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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 Chesterman, David Marshall Professor of Law & Vice Provost (Educational Innovation), National University of Singapore 
• Neil Humphreys , Author, Columnist 
• Chang Qizhong, Lecturer, English Language & Literature, National Institute of Education 

Recommended Reads:

• Reading, Writing, and Thinking in the Age of AI

• Teaching During the “Rise of AI” and the “End of Reading”

 

Fact check acknowledgements: Dr Chang Qizhong & Professor Looi Chee Kit 

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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 strategies for enhancing reading access and supporting Indigenous communities.

Episode Guest:

• Charisse Aquino-Tugade, cultural worker, Executive Director, National Book Development Board (NBDB), The Philippines 

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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 initiatives around books and reading.   

Episode Guests:

• Charisse Aquino-Tugade, cultural worker, Executive Director, National Book Development Board (NBDB), The Philippines
• William Phuan, Executive Director, Singapore Book Council   

Reccommended Reads:

• AFCC 2025

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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 
• Ibrahim Tahir, Founder of Wardah Books 
• Myra Garces-Bascal, Assistant Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, Associate Professor, United Arab Emirates University
• Gan Sujia, PhD Student, National Institute of Education

Recommended Reads:

• From Laufey to Dua Lipa—all the celebrity book clubs to join now
• Commentary: What is a book club for, really?
• The new book clubs in Singapore centred on representation and inclusivity

 

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