"I was 24 when I joined UnR and it was just the right push I needed at the time to develop myself further. Being around other writers gave me the exposure and confidence I needed to grow, both as a writer and as a person. I loved getting to know the diverse group of writers and my own city better through UnR. I also remember feeling immensely lucky to be part of a circle that always felt safe, welcoming and encouraging. UnR helped me later realize my interest to pursue a Master’s in Creative Writing. Safe to say, I’m glad I chanced upon the poster 5 years ago and decided to put in my entry, as the entire experience has substantially shaped me to be the writer I am today."

"I am extremely thankful for being part of UnR. What appealed to me most was the emphasis on Kuala Lumpur and its unwritten stories. Hence not only did UnR provide me a nourishing space for writing, but it also helped me rediscover KL beyond its twin towers. From speaking to migrant workers to hijabi brazilian jiu jitsu fighters, I highly recommend it for anyone looking to understand our city that much more."

"Before joining UnR, I was terrified at the thought of sharing my writing with anybody apart from my closest friends. I knew I needed to overcome this fear if I ever wanted to nurture my writing abilities and this workshop was the answer. UnR provided a safe space where I could express myself freely in a supportive environment. I also learned how to accept constructive criticism and confront my own insecurities. This workshop also opened up my approach on exploring new ideas in crafting narratives. I have since written three published short stories, produced a poetry zine and presented my work at several literary events. It’s been quite a journey but I’m thankful for the individuals that I met during my time in UnR for giving me the extra push I needed to become the writer I wanted to be."

"I'd always wanted to try my hand at spoken word poetry but I never had the guts or discipline to sit down and write something. A friend chanced upon the UnR poster and encouraged me to sign up. When I got chosen, I was in disbelief. I never considered myself the writer type and to be chosen for a writing workshop was very affirming. UnR helped me get through a lot of self-doubt and debunked a lot of misconceptions I had about the process of writing and what being a writer means. And because of the way the program was designed, it gave me fresh insight and perspectives I've never contemplated before in terms of social and political stratification. This is also where I've met some really talented and inspirational people who continue to be good friends in my life."

"I chanced upon the call for budding writers to join the inaugural UnR right after moving to Kuala Lumpur from the North. It was something that until then I’ve only seen in movies, the chance to be part of a collective of like-minded people in a metropolitan setting. I remember feeling incredibly elated when I received the Welcome Packet and anxious tracking up the staircase to a café where the first meeting was held. Looking back, not only did the programme make me the star of my own flick (in my mind) but also gave me a sense of direction for my artistic expression and allowed me to make some honest lifelong friends."

"UnR for me was an immersive experience of seeing KL come to life as a full character, guided by a conscious effort to foreground uncommon narratives. A productive writing platform too; the writing I've done on the program have since appeared on BFM and Eksentrika."