MASTERA Literary Award

INTRODUCTION Brunei Darussalam has produced many talented and established creative writers since the early 1930s. However, since Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka was established only in 1961, not a single special award has been bestowed on local writers to date. Recognition of their contributions were given only via the SEA Award (Thailand), MASTERA Literary Prize (Malaysia) and ASEAN-COCI. Given that Brunei Darussalam, through MASTERA Brunei Darussalam, has been entrusted to carry out the Literary Award project for writers from the founding countries of MASTERA, the responsibility of handling this prestigious project therefore falls on Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and private entities, with the following objectives: To jointly develop the arts at the national as well as regional and international levels      nasional tetapi juga di peringkat serantau dan antarabangsa To uplift the image and bring glory to Brunei Darussalam in the field of literature at the national, regional and international levels To create a spirit of unity and co-operation between the government and private companies. GOALS To appreciate, honour and recognise prominent literary figures, writers or proponents of the Malay language who, in the opinion of the panel, have contributed significantly to the development of Southeast Asian literature through high quality works, or literary proponents who have further developed literature To uplift the status of Malay literature in Southeast Asia To uplift the name of an author of a country that receives it To provide the stimulus for writers to further develop their literary work To promote mutual understanding in the region To acquire knowledge of the works and/or contributions of award recipients as research and reference materials IMPLEMENTATION POLICY The award is bestowed once every three years. The award is presented to a prominent literary figure or writer from MASTERA member countries either for high quality work or significant contributions to the development of literature. Facilities to publish appropriate works in Brunei Darussalam. Translation and publication of appropriate works into other languages in the respective countries. NOMINATION OF MASTERA LITERARY AWARD RECIPIENT  Active in the field of creative writing, such as novel, short story, drama, poetry and criticism or in literary construct and development through research or writing either previously or continuously  Giving serious attention to literary construct and development personally or through associations or services Love of literature and literary activities and willingness to sacrifice money, energy and time for the development of literature in the home country. Active in writing articles and presenting working papers at national, regional and international forums, seminars and conferences Other criteria as may be deemed appropriate by the panel and the panel of member countries. EVALUATION PANELS The panels consist of: Panel of Member Countries The members of the Panel of Member Countries are appointed by their respective countries, namely Malaysia and Indonesia. Central Panel Brunei Darussalam acts as the Central Panel. The members are appointed by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports from among the best in the cultural, educational, social, religious and other fields who consciously and seriously follow and understand the development and progress of Malay literature. DUTIES OF THE PANEL OF MEMBER COUNTRIES To review and evaluate the candidates proposed by the Panel of Member Countries. However, the Central Panel may reject a candidate nominated by the Panel of Member Countries and the country whose candidate was rejected may propose other candidates. To agree on the candidate from each member country to be bestowed the award. To prepare the award for the recipients. List of MASTERA Literary Award recipients