Keenly aware of the importance and the vast potential of children, the National Library Board of Singapore (NLB) and the National Book Development Council of Singapore (NBDCS) jointly organised the Asian Children's Festival. This was the first time an event of this nature and size was being held in Singapore. The festival aimed to support the life-long learning process through events and activities that would stimulate and develop the children's minds in fun and exciting ways.

More importantly, the festival which began on 27 November and ended on 3 December, saw 20 participating countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore,

South Korea, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam all out to promote an Asia-Pacific identity while broadening the minds and experience of children. It also hoped to develop an awareness of common Asian-Pacific traditions and culture through learning, education and developing creative programmes for children.

Other areas that were looked into include stimulating greater research and development in the fields of children's writing, publishing for education and problems related to children's physical and intellectual growth as well as encouraging an appreciation of the rich diversity inherent within the region. 

Said Mr Ramachandran, Chairman NBDCS and Asst Chief Executive NLB said, "This festival continues to reinforce Singapore's single-minded dedication to life-long learning. One of the key messages we hope to achieve is imbibing the Asian perspective and identity in children's books and reading materials and how to produce books and children's materials from a child's point of view. And what better way to start than with the children who come blessed with open minds and eager hearts - all ready to absorb information. We're here to show the way. This entire event celebrates them and their uniqueness." 

The week long festival for children and those interested in learning about children in the Asia-Pacific region encompassed a host of fun-filled activities encouraging critical thinking, creativity, life-long interest in reading, literary arts and culture. The events included: 

• Asian Storytelling Carnival (ASC): 27 November to 3 December 2000

Kicking off the Asian Children's Festival was the Asian Storytelling Showcase (ASS) at library@orchard on 27 November. The ASS sparked off an island-wide Storytelling Carnival at libraries and the Marine Parade Library Building. It featured renowned storytellers from Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region such Ms Jeeva Ragunath from India, Mr Kochai Saributr from Thailand and Ms Lila Lee from Korea who enchanted their audience with their "magic" 
• Asian Children's Writers and Illustrators Conference 2000

(ACWIC 2000): 29 November - 1 December 2000 at Marine Parade Library Building
The Conference brought together Writers and Illustrators from the region who shares their expertise on writing and illustration for children. 

ACWIC 2000 was opened on 29 November 2000 by Mr Othman Haron Eusofe, Minister of State, Ministry of Manpower. 

The conference was followed by a large number of workshops on varied themes. Workshops for parents and children shared practical tips with parents on how to read to their children and ways to increase and enhance creativity. While other workshops concentrated on teaching children about information resources and how to retrieve them for education and leisure needs. 

Participants for the workshops included parents, librarians, teachers and anyone who is involved in the book, information and publishing industry. 

• Asian Children's Expo (ACE): 29 November - 3 December 2000 at Marine Parade Library Building

A comprehensive Asia-Pacific collection of books and non-print media suitable for children was on sale and selection. This book and media fair for children and parents, teachers and students displayed a diverse and colourful collection of children materials to inspire young writers to read, write and learn.