Sharmini Aphrodite And Her Kampung Inspired Story Is Up For A Prize!

Image credit: commonwealthwriters.org and therakyatpost.com

It’s so great to see how Malaysians are full of talent and creativity. Just recently a Malaysian designer collaborated with Vans to launch a full lineup. While all this talent is great to see, it’s even more amazing to see them get recognition. Especially when it’s on an international level. Sharmini Aphrodite is one such talented Malaysian who has a way with words.


Sabahan writer Sharmini Aphrodite
Image credit: commonwealthwriters.org

Born in Sabah, 25 year old Sharmini Aphrodite is of Tamil and Tatana (Dusun) descent and lives in Johor Bahru while working in Singapore. But she is also in the running for a Commonwealth Short Story Prize!

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is an annual contest that celebrates written work. In fact, the best piece of fiction by a Commonwealth citizen above the age of 18 will receive the grand prize.

Sharmini Aphrodite and her story titled ‘Ouroboros, Ouroboros’ is one out of 20 that have been shortlisted. There are over 5,100 submissions coming from writers in 49 countries.

A traditional house in Sabah
Image credit: trekearth.com

Moving on, ‘Ouroboros, Ouroboros’ is a fictional story based on her experience visiting her grandparents’ kampung. Set in rural Sabah, a girl visits her grandmother in the kampung where she comes across a tiger in the jungle. This tiger then goes on to stalk her while she roams around the village. Ouroboros, Ouroboros refers to an ancient symbol depicting eternity as well as the cycle of birth and death.

You can find the shortlisted stories in the online magazine adda. In regards to the contest, judges will choose a winner for each region by the 2nd of June. Meanwhile, the overall champion is to be announced on the 7th of July.

Finally, regional winners will receive £2,500 while the overall champion receives £5,000. We would like to wish you all the best, Sharmini Aphrodite!