Migrant Writers of Singapore Campaign

What is Migrant Writers of Singapore?

Migrant Writers of Singapore (MWS) is a collective of people who love migrant literature. It gives migrants a safe and inclusive platform to take part in literature and the arts, as artists and as volunteers.

MWS believes everyone has a gift. Its activities help migrants discover their talents, develop their voice, and give back to Singapore. Its literary events also raise awareness of important issues and celebrate cultural diversity.

Through poetry readings, workshops, literary walks, storytelling festivals and publications, MWS connects migrants and locals over a shared love of literature and the arts. The aim is an inclusive community that celebrates each person’s background and experience. In MWS’s words, it is about “bridging worlds through words.”

A hand lifting the corner of two handwritten poem pages, lit softly against a dark room, with charcoal sketches blurred on the desk behind.

A Letter Written in Tears

Tunnu ading Thelnah

A poem by Don Sian Deih Vung, set alongside moments from Migrant Writers of Singapore.

From a land so far and strange,Mom , I send this tear-stained page.

Sabangtatna gamvangla panNu aw, thelnah lailenghong khak ing.

Here beneath the earthly skies,Where my youthful spirit flies,Where I grew as free as air,I long for home, your gentle care.

Simlei mimbang piangZubang ka mom laiNautual vaibang ka khannaNu aw, na saumangliim ngai ing e.

Countless mountains divide our ways,Leaving so much I wish to say.Like a child lost in the night,I weeping seek a spark of light—Consolling myself with this alone:

Tongkong lel dingMualkuam zatam in halKhattang naubang kakah sesangSian’bawlsa i dik huihkhiKibang ci’n lungdeih sinthu na ka ing.

We breathe the same wind God has blown.You waited long with open arms,To hold me close, away from harm,Watching your tender nestling grow—Mom, how I love you so.

Haibang nong ngakNa anglai ah nong pomNa von,kilbang khansuah ta cia maw Nu.

Though my feet may strayWandering far away from home,Never will I cease to claimThe sacred warmth of "Mother’s" name.

Tuanglam pheiphungKa zuan khial zongThei bang lo veng na minngaih ‘NU’.

When quiet tears like dew-pearls fall,And loneliness begins to call,Keep me in your heart.If I were resting where you are,I’d sing soft lullabies to steep

Luankhi gialbang kiaLungzuang na kisak ciangNu aw,na von deih hong phawk in maw.Sambang zalna laikhun ahSinthu zaila sa in hong awi leh ning.

Your weary soul in gentle sleep.Love so deep and wide,Beyond what winds can keep inside;The weary burdens on your back,Have they found rest along the track?

Nu aw,nong itnaHuihkhi zong hong semsak loNa liangko tung nong puaknaA damnai hiam?

Missing you as a long-lost sight,Remembering how you braved the light,Holding the plow, untired, alone,Working the soil you made your own—Are the quiet embers of your hearthStill warm amidst your grief on earth?

Mubang kong ngaih nu aw,Vailo kuan tukawl tawiKhattang na heilai,Lo bang nong khualna’nNa sivui te a kim nawn diam ?

For all our journeys in this life,Our shared delight, our scattered strife,God's providence is ever wise.If I could live beneath these skiesA second time to start anew,Mom, Can I still choose only you?.

Simleitung ahDawn bang i tuahSianmang vaihawm siam hi e.Nihvei telkik thei hilehA nihvei inNangmah hong tel ning Nu.

Wherever your gentle steps may tread,May peace and health attend your head.And all the dreams we hold so high,May God fulfill them like the rivers passing by.

Nu aw heina peuhmahTangbang dam in mawNu aw, ih lungtup teSian in tuibang hong tungsak hen .

Poem byDon Sian Deih Vung

What is Migrant Writers of Singapore?

A Letter Written in Tears

Meet the Writers

[Volunteer Name]