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About the Mentors
Jumaini Ariff brings stories to life as an educator, published author, and storytelling mentor whose work spans local and international stages. She has captivated audiences through numerous national language and cultural campaigns whilst sharing her craft at storytelling festivals around the world. As founder of Storyscribblers, her literary-arts company, Jumaini empowers the next generation of storytellers by conducting ECDA-accredited training programmes for teachers, ensuring the ancient art of storytelling continues to flourish in modern classrooms.
Known affectionately as the Storytelling Fairy, Nadya Hashim weaves magic through words at schools, libraries, community events, and storytelling festivals across the region. Drawing from her rich background in Bangsawan theatre, she transforms traditional performance techniques into engaging storytelling experiences. Nadya's infectious passion for narrative extends beyond performance as she leads workshops designed to inspire young audiences to discover their own storytelling voices.
Mentees' Showcase
Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026
Time: 2 – 2.30pm
Venue: Sultan Gate Park
Language: English
Awang Buncit follows a village boy with a rather large belly whose favourite pastime and only special talent is to eat! One day, Awang Buncit’s village is invaded by pirates, and the only way the villagers can make them go away is by winning a series of challenges. The fate of the village lies on the shoulders of Awang Buncit, can he prove that he is not so useless after all?
Look forward to an interactive storytelling session through song and call and response, infused with traditional Malay instruments like the Rebana.
Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026
Time: 3 – 3.30pm
Venue: Sultan Gate Park
Language: Malay
The story is about a prince who goes to Earth in search of a white flower to give to a princess. He found the white flower but misfortune befalls him. Will the prince reunite with the princess?
Date: Sunday, 26 April 2026
Time: 3 – 3.30pm
Venue: Sultan Gate Park
Language: Malay
This performance is a lively retelling of a classic Malay folktale filled with laughter, interaction, and meaningful lessons. Pak Pandir is hardworking and well-meaning, but his actions often lead him in the wrong direction. A simple task turns into a series of humorous mishaps. Get ready to sing along to playful refrains and hear the silly nags of Mak Andeh.
Date: Sunday, 26 April 2026
Time: 4 - 4.30pm
Venue: Sultan Gate Park
Language: English
Inspired by real-life stories of island communities, Atan, the Island Boy! follows Atan, a six-year-old Orang Pulau who lives on Pulau Sekijang Pelepah (Lazarus Island). He loves collecting seashells, playing games, and helping his father fish. On his first day of school, Atan travels by boat to mainland Singapore, excited yet nervous about entering a new world. When rough waves leave him soaked and different from the other children, he begins to feel out of place. As the day unfolds, unexpected challenges push him to face his fears and discover his inner strength.
Through interactive storytelling, sound effects, and sing-along songs, audiences will journey with Atan as he navigates bravery, embracing differences, and finding his identity.
Dates: Sunday, 26 April 2026 and 2 May 2026
Time: 5 – 5.30pm (26 April 2026) and 3 – 3.0pm (2 May 2026)
Venue: Sultan Gate Park (26 April 2026) and Sirih Room, Malay Heritage Centre (2 May 2026)
Language: Malay
This performance tells the classic Malay folktale Si Luncai dengan Labu-labunya, about a witty man who loves to joke and entertain people in his village. After being misunderstood by the king and sentenced to be thrown into the sea, Si Luncai cleverly uses two pumpkins (labu) to float and escape. The story highlights intelligence, humour and quick thinking in difficult situations.
Date: Friday, 1 May 2026
Time: 2 – 2.30pm
Venue: Sirih Room, Malay Heritage Centre
Language: Malay
Kapak Emas tells the story of a poor but honest young man whose life changes after obtaining a magical golden axe. Through his actions, the man shows that honesty brings rewards, while greed brings loss. Symbolic elements such as the golden axe are used to convey moral values. Overall, the story teaches us to adhere to principles even when facing challenges.
Date: Saturday, 2 May 2026
Time: 2 – 2.30pm
Venue: Sirih Room, Malay Heritage Centre
Language: Malay
Pak Kaduk is a village man who lives a simple life and only hopes to improve his family's fortune. With hope in his heart, Pak Kaduk brings his beloved chicken, Si Kunani, to the palace for a cockfight – a decision that will change the course of his life. This performance combines Malay folklore with elements of singing, acting, and audience participation, bringing this classic story to life for a new generation.
Date: Sunday, 3 May 2026
Time: 2 – 2.30pm
Venue: Sirih Room, Malay Heritage Centre
Language: Malay
Did you know that the powerful wind and sun were once best friends during childhood? Find out how they came to be friends in this fun story that encourages you to move your body and get hands-on with a craft activity!
Date: Sunday, 3 May 2026
Time: 3 – 3.30pm
Venue: Sirih Room, Malay Heritage Centre
Language: English
Syair Ikan Terubuk is a ballad of unrequited love between a fish prince and princess from two different worlds. Set in coastal Southeast Asia, this dramatisation of the poetic ballad features the interweaving of storytelling with parts of the actual syair. The audience can expect the retelling of this tragedy with jingles, (at least two) P Ramlee movie references, and an indecisive prince who needs the audience to tell him what to do. Discover the historical and ecological significance of the syair when you attend this session.