2026 EPIGRAM BOOKS FICTION PRIZE

The Epigram Books Fiction Prize 2026 represents the prize’s most expansive edition to date. Bringing together emerging voices from across Southeast Asia, this year’s edition moves beyond recognition to regional circulation—with winning manuscripts positioned for publication and readership across ASEAN markets.

We received over 50 submissions from 6 countries:
Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei and Thailand.

A distinguished regional judging panel selected the winner and three finalists.

The Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner were held at Amara Hotel Singapore on 22 January 2026.

Winning manuscripts to be published across multiple ASEAN markets: Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia.

Regional publishing partners:
Bibliopress (Malaysia)
Milflores Publishing (Philippines)
NDSP Books (Myanmar)
River Books (Thailand)
Elex Media, a Gramedia company (Indonesia)

Photos from the Awards Ceremony

2026 Judging Panel

The judging panel for the 2026 Epigram Books Fiction Prize brought together a dynamic mix of literary veterans, publishing professionals and leading figures from the creative industry. The panel includes Professor Rajeev Patke, academic and literary scholar; Andrea Pasion-Flores, publisher of Milflores Publishing; Anthony Chen, award-winning Singaporean writer, director and producer; and Emily Yiu, Chief Executive Officer of POPULAR Singapore.

The panel was chaired by Edmund Wee, founder and publisher of Epigram Books, who has served as chair since the Prize’s inception.