Letters of the Penang Diaspora

Call for Written Messages Sent Home

Penang’s identity has long been shaped by its cosmopolitan character. For generations, Penangites have travelled abroad to study, work, and build new lives—remaining connected to home through letters that carry their thoughts, memories, and emotions across distance.

As part of the George Town Literary Festival 2026, themed Cosmopolises, this programme invites the public to revisit these personal histories. We seek letters that reflect the lived experiences of Penangites abroad—their daily lives, challenges, reflections, and enduring ties to home.

These letters offer intimate glimpses into migration, belonging, and connection. By bringing them together, we hope to honour these voices and highlight an important part of Penang’s collective memory.

Selected letters will also be shared through a curated reading session during the opening ceremony of the George Town Literary Festival 2026, allowing these personal narratives to be heard and experienced in a public setting.

Call for Submissions

Do you have, or know of, letters written by a Penangite who once lived or worked abroad?

We warmly invite you to share them with us.

Submission Deadline: 30 June 2026

What We’re Looking For

We will select approximately eight (8) letters to be presented in a curated format at the festival opening ceremony.

  • Letters written by Penangites studying, living, or working overseas

  • Any country, occupation, or background

  • Any language (English translation appreciated where applicable)

  • Handwritten or typewritten formats, including greeting cards

  • Written between the 1950s and 1990s

Please note: Digital messages (emails, WhatsApp, etc.) are not included in this open call.

Content

There is no fixed theme. Letters may reflect everyday life, work, personal reflections, or moments of emotion—whether of longing, hope, joy, or connection to home. We warmly welcome you to share the pieces that feel most meaningful to you.

How to Submit

Please email your submission to gtlf@penanginstitute.org with the subject line: Diaspora Letters

Include:

  • A high-quality scan of the letter (and envelope, if available)

  • An English translation (if applicable)

  • Any available contextual information that can help us better understand the letter, such as:

  • The relationship between the sender and recipient

  • The place and approximate date (year or period) the letter was written or sent

  • Any additional details that may help identify or contextualise the letter (including information on the envelope, such as sending location or postal markings, if available)

  • We deeply appreciate any additional background you are able to share, as it helps us preserve and present the stories more accurately and meaningfully.

Selection and Consent

  • Due to the expected volume of submissions, only selected contributors will be contacted.

  • By submitting, you grant permission for the letters to be reproduced and presented as part of the George Town Literary Festival 2026, including its opening ceremony (in a curated reading session), and related promotional materials. The submitted materials will not be used for other purposes without your consent.

  • We recognise that these materials carry personal and historical significance. All submissions will be handled with care, respect, and sensitivity. If your submission is selected, we will contact you with further details on how it will be featured.

  • If you would prefer any names or identifying details to remain anonymous, please indicate this in your submission. We will fully respect your preferences.