Bangkok, Thailand — The Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award 2025 has announced Hong Kong writer Lau Yee Wa as its Grand Prize winner for her novel Tongueless, a powerful and thought-provoking work exploring language, identity, and institutional control. 

Presented in Thailand, the award recognises Tongueless for its profound narrative and universal resonance. First published in 2019, the novel has gained international recognition and has been translated into multiple languages, including Thai. Upon receiving the award, Lau expressed deep gratitude, noting that the honour exceeded her expectations and was made possible through the encouragement of a close friend. 

A Defining Voice on Language, Identity, and Power

At the centre of Tongueless are two Chinese language teachers forced to abandon Cantonese in favour of Mandarin under institutional policy. As they struggle to retain their positions through mandated qualification exams, their paths diverge—one relinquishes her mother tongue to survive, while the other attempts to conform to authority. Ultimately, both lose not only their careers, but also their sense of identity and voice. 

Through this deeply human story, Lau examines how systems of power can shape and silence individuals. While rooted in a specific cultural context, the novel speaks to global concerns around autonomy, dignity, and the right to self-expression. 

In her acceptance speech, Lau reflected that she had not intended to write a political novel, but rather a human one—yet the work revealed a subtle form of systemic control embedded in education and society. Drawing on philosopher Ivan Illich’s concept of “deschooling,” she highlighted how institutional frameworks can redefine identity and worth. 

Celebrating a Diverse Literary Landscape

While Lau Yee Wa emerged as the Grand Prize winner, the 2025 award also highlighted an exceptional group of shortlisted authors whose works reflect the richness and diversity of contemporary Asian women’s writing.

The shortlist included:

• Li Zi Shu (Malaysia), an award-winning Chinese-language writer, for The Age of Goodbyes

• Thuận (Vietnam/Paris), for Chinatown, also recognised as one of The New Yorker Best Books of 2023

• Veeraporn Nitiprapha (Thailand), a two-time SEA Write Award winner, for Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat

• Isna Marita (Indonesia), author and environmentalist, for her debut novel Mountain More Ancient

• Dr Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai (Vietnam), internationally acclaimed author of 13 books, for The Mountains Sing

• Leila S. Chudori (Indonesia), award-winning journalist and novelist, for The Sea Speaks His Name

• Yáng Shuāng-zǐ (Taiwan), multidisciplinary writer, for Taiwan Travelogue

Together with Lau Yee Wa, these authors represent a dynamic cross-section of voices shaping contemporary literature across Asia and beyond.

Country Award Winners 

In addition to the Grand Prize and Shortlist Winners, two Country Award winners were recognised:

• Jemimah Wei (Singapore) for her debut novel The Original Daughter, a Good Morning America Book Club selection and New York Times Editors’ Pick

• Marga Ortigas (Philippines), an award-winning journalist, for her novel The House on Calle Sombra

Marga Ortigas’ recognition also shines a spotlight on the Philippines’ vibrant literary and journalistic tradition, where storytelling often intersects with history, memory, and social realities. Known internationally for her work as a broadcast journalist, Ortigas brings a deeply observant and humanistic lens to her fiction. The House on Calle Sombra reflects this perspective, weaving personal narratives with broader cultural and historical undercurrents, and offering readers a nuanced portrayal of Filipino identity. Her achievement underscores the growing presence of Filipino voices on the global literary stage, bridging reportage and storytelling in ways that resonate across borders.

Both Country Award recipients, along with the shortlisted authors, participated in a week-long literary programme in Bangkok. The programme included activities at the Bangkok International Book Fair, organised by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), as well as visits to leading media organisations—fostering cross-cultural dialogue and regional literary exchange.

About the Award

The Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award builds upon the Thai Chommanard Book Prize, established in 2008, with a mission to support and elevate women writers across Asia and beyond. 

The 2025 competition received more than 66 submissions, with eight authors shortlisted. 

• Grand Prize: 500,000 Baht (~15,000 USD)

• Shortlist & Country Awards: 40,000 Baht each (~1,250 USD) 

Winning titles may be considered for translation into Thai, subject to rights agreements. 

The award is sponsored by Bangkok Bank and organised by Praphansarn Publishing Co., Ltd., reflecting a shared commitment to advancing literature, cultural exchange, and women’s voices on a global stage. 

Call for Submissions: 2026 Competition Now Open

The next cycle of the award is now open:

• Submission Period: 16 April – 30 June 2026

• Longlist Judging: August – October 2026

• Shortlist Judging: November 2026

• Grand Prize Announcement: March 2027

• Official Announcement: April 2027 

The award continues to invite a new generation of women writers to share stories that challenge, inspire, and expand global literary conversations.