This is an open call for submissions for Laughing Matters, an anthology of humorous short stories and non-fiction in celebration of Adrian Tan’s contributions to humour writing in Singapore.

Adrian Tan (1966-2023) was a Singaporean author and lawyer. Most know him as the writer of The Teenage Textbook (1988) and its sequel, The Teenage Workbook (1989). These novels are well-loved by generations. They have inspired plays, a musical, movie and television series.

Few know that he wrote a hilarious agony uncle column for GO magazine under the simple pen name of Adam in the 1980s. The material was later compiled and published as Dear Adam, Help! in book form.

Adrian did not only write well. He was a skilful orator both as a litigator in court and anchor of the Singapore Writers Festival closing debates. He chose and used words and turns of phrase to great effect for irony, gentle sarcasm, satire or other wordplay.

In 2018, Adrian started to post articles on LinkedIn commenting on what he cared for and felt was important to raise about Singapore and the world. Now published in a book titled under his tongue-in-cheek tagline: “If I were King of Singapore”, the writing affirms his authentic, insightful, funny signature style.

Adrian’s humour had wit and wisdom. He laughed at himself, with others and then made you think about what he had written. There was always a purpose.

Adrian’s early passing has left a hole in Singapore literature. It is hoped that this anthology will help fill it and see the seeds planted therein grow into a spreading tree.