Libraries for Tomorrow (LFT) is Singapore’s premier library conference.
The biennial event connects librarians and knowledge professionals to explore the evolving information landscape.

Event Information

5 November 2024
9.00 AM – 5.00 PM
Ong Tiong Tat and Irene Tan Liang Kheng Auditorium
Level 4, Clinical Sciences Building
Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine | NTU Novena Campus
11 Mandalay Road S308232


Registration and Price

Registration opens from 5 August 2024 to 31 October 2024

LAS Member – Free
Non-LAS Member (Early Bird) – $80*
Non-LAS Member (Regular) – $100

*early bird discount applies till 15 October 2024



Poster Competition

Submit posters of your library’s new initiatives to win cash prizes
$1,000, $500, and $250 will be awarded to the top three entries

Poster submissions are welcome from 5 August 2024 to 30 September 2024

Click here for competition details

For this exciting event, we are giving out top prizes:

  • First Place: $1,000
  • Second Place: $500
  • Third Place: $250

Posters should highlight projects and/or initiatives undertaken by your libraries in any of the following areas:

  • Ethical AI in Libraries – This could be on areas such as understanding bias, transparency, responsible use etc., of AI technologies and the libraries’ efforts in educating and raising awareness of its patrons.
  • Sustainability in Library Practices – This could be on sustainable practices in library operations, including green building initiatives, energy-efficient technologies, and eco-friendly collection development. You may highlight case studies and best practices on how your library reduces its carbon footprint while maintaining high-quality service.
  • Promoting Inclusivity Through Technology – This could be on the use of technology in enhancing inclusivity and accessibility for diverse user groups. You may highlight developing digital interfaces, services, and programs that prioritize inclusivity and serve users of all backgrounds and abilities.
  • Emerging Trends in Library Services – This could be the latest trends in your library services and programming, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and more. You may include innovative approaches that you have adapted to evolving user needs and preferences ensuring libraries remain relevant and responsive in an ever-changing information landscape.
  • Librarians Adding Value from a Humanistic Perspective -This could be on celebrating the unique contributions of librarians in enriching the patron experience and advancing societal well-being through a humanistic lens. You may highlight initiatives that emphasize empathy, community engagement, and cultural responsiveness in library practice, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patrons.

Submission Guidelines:

  • All posters shall be in A1 size (594 x 841 mm) and save them as PDFs.
  • Submit a 500-word description explaining your poster’s concept and message.
  • Include a 150-word bio highlighting your name, affiliations and expertise.
  • Submit by 30th September to the conference portal.
  • Selected posters will be showcased at the conference and featured in [conference exhibition/publication].
  • Winners of the Poster competition will be announced during the LAS Conference 2024.

Evaluation Criteria:

1) Relevance to Theme

  • Alignment with Conference Theme: How well does the poster address the conference’s overarching theme of social responsibility, AI, sustainability, or inclusivity?
  • Significance to Libraries: Is the topic timely and relevant to current trends and challenges in the library field?

2) Project Description and Impact

  • Project Goals and Objectives: Are the goals and objectives of the project clearly stated and well-defined?
  • Evidence of Impact: Is there concrete evidence of the project’s positive impact on the library or community, such as metrics, feedback, or outcomes?

3) Innovation and Creativity

  • Originality: Does the poster present original ideas in the specified areas?
  • Novelty of Approach and Creativity: Does the project offer an innovative or unique approach to solving a problem or addressing a need? Is the solution creative and forward-thinking?

4) Visual Appeal and Presentation

  • Aesthetics & Clarity of Visuals: Are the visuals appealing, clear, relevant, and well-organised to support the poster’s message?
  • Balance of Text and Graphics: Is there a good balance between text and graphics, ensuring that both elements complement each other?

5) Educational Value

  • Teaching and Learning Opportunities: Does the project offer valuable lessons or insights that can be shared with other libraries or professionals?
  • Best Practices and Educational Impact: Does the project contribute to the development or dissemination of best practices in the library field? Is there potential for the project’s findings or methods to be used in educational settings or professional development?

Getting There

Nearest MRT: Novena (Exit A, 15-minute walk)
Buses: 21, 124 (National Skin Centre), 21, 124, 518, 518A, 518 (opposite National Skin Centre)
No on-site parking


Event Schedule

TimeEvent
0830 Registration
0910Introduction by Ms Lo Wan Ni, Chair of Programmes and Engagement, Library Association of Singapore
0915Arrival of Guest-of-Honour, Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information
0920Welcome Remarks by Ms Soh Lin Li, President, Library Association of Singapore
0930Opening Keynote by Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive, National Library Board
1000Morning Break & Tea Reception
Session 1At the Intersection of AI, Sustainability and Inclusivity – The Macro Environment
1030Mr Yeo Wee Siong, Director, Job-Skills Insights Division, SkillsFuture Singapore
1055Mr Glen Francis, Chief Technology Officer, Cloud, Asia Pacific, Google
1120Ms Elsie Tan, Country Manager, Worldwide Public Sector, Amazon Web Services, Singapore
1145Meet our Innovators: Lightning talks by the top 10 poster competition submissions
1230Lunch Break
Session 2At the Intersection of AI, Sustainability and Inclusivity – Libraries at the Forefront
1400Panel Discussion: The Future of the Library Workplace
Mr Jacky Wong, Chief Librarian, National Institute of Education
Dr Natalie Pang, University Librarian & Associate Professor, National University of Singapore
Mr Gene Tan, Chief Librarian & Chief Innovation Officer, National Library Board
Moderated by Ms Khoo Ai Ling, Chair of Publications, Library Association of Singapore
1450Ms Sandie Loo, Digital Services Librarian, National Institute of Education
Ms Xu Cong, Digital Services Librarian, National Institute of Education
1510Mr Karls Tan, Senior Executive, Ngee Ann Polytechnic Library
Ms Phyllis Toh, Senior Executive, Ngee Ann Polytechnic Library
1530Closing Keynote by Mr Aaron Tay, Head (Data Services), Singapore Management University
1550Tea Break & Networking
1615Closing Remarks by Ms Shameem Nilofar, Conference Chair and Vice-President, Library Association of Singapore
1630Presentation of Poster Awards
1640Presentation of Graduate Certificates, FlexiMasters in Library Leadership and Management
1650Presentation of “Winner of the Day” Challenge
1700End of event


Conference Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Mr Ng Cher Pong

National Library Board, Singapore

Mr Ng Cher Pong is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Library Board (NLB). He oversees a network of 28 libraries, the National Library, and the National Archives of Singapore – the three key bodies under NLB. Cher Pong is leading NLB on its mission to nurture readers for life, build learning communities and a knowledgeable nation. As part of this effort, he is actively driving the implementation of LAB25 (Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025) launched in 2021. At the same time, he seeks to strengthen NLB’s standing as an international leader in the industry, forging partnerships and exchanges around the world. Cher Pong graduated as an engineer from the University of Cambridge and holds a Master of Business Administration from INSEAD. He also attended the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School.

Session 1 Speaker

Mr Yeo Wee Siong

SkillsFuture Singapore


Mr Yeo Wee Siong is the Director of Jobs-Skills Insights Division at SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), which is a statutory board under the Ministry of Education (MOE). He leads a team of Jobs-Skills Analysts at SSG that examines anticipatory jobs-skills changes in Singapore’s economic and industry landscape arising from technology disruptions, business model innovations, new care models and other emerging trends. Forming close partnerships with sector agencies, tripartite partners, training providers and innovation-led firms, his team develops fit-for-purpose and timely jobs-skills insights that can signpost changing jobs and skills trends to individuals and enterprises. Prior to joining SSG, Wee Siong has held various appointments at the MOE. He oversaw the policy, planning and execution of student placement policies and admissions, and the various talent development schemes in schools and junior colleges.

Session 1 Speaker

Mr Glen Francis

Cloud, Google, Asia Pacific

Glen is a seasoned technology leader currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer at Google Cloud, Asia Pacific. He brings a wealth of knowledge from various industries and board-level governance, as a Board Member and Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee at ACRA. His experience as the former CTO of Singapore Press Holdings and founder of Spark by CIO Academy Asia highlights his ability to bridge technological innovation and strategic business decisions. He is passionate about guiding organizations through digital transformation and their responsible AI implementation.

Session 1 Speaker

Ms Elsie Tan

WWPS Amazon Web Services, Singapore

Elsie Tan is the Country Manager for AWS Singapore’s public sector business where she manages a portfolio spanning government, education and healthcare industries. Her focus is on helping government agencies digitalise public services to enable public service transformation. A strong advocate for customer innovation and growth, Elsie also oversees whole of government programs and drives strategic partner collaboration to propel AWS as the innovation catalyst for public sector. Prior to joining AWS, Elsie spent more than 30 years at IBM where she held various country and regional leadership roles across Public Sector, Software and Enterprise Strategy, before becoming the Director of Sales for Enterprise & Commercial at IBM Singapore. She was also responsible for driving key strategic platforms like quantum and cloud computing to enhance business outcomes. Elsie is Singaporean and holds a Bachelor of Science from the National University of Singapore.


Conference Sponsors

Bronze Sponsor

Exhibitors

Conference materials

Questions?
Please send your enquiries to conference@las.org.sg