Official Competition Rules.
Inter-Centres Storytelling Competition 2026 — please read carefully before registering.
About the Competition
The Inter-Centres Storytelling Competition 2026 ("the Competition") is organised by Sowing Kindness Society, a Singapore-based non-profit. The Competition is open to children enrolled at preschools, kindergartens, childcare centres, tuition centres and enrichment centres in Singapore.
The aim of the Competition is to nurture creativity, confidence and kindness in young children through the art of storytelling.
Eligibility
- The participant must be aged 3 to 6 years old at the time of the submission deadline (20 September 2026).
- The participant must be currently enrolled at a preschool, kindergarten, childcare, tuition or enrichment centre in Singapore.
- Each child may submit only one entry per competition year.
- There is no limit on the number of entries per centre.
- Entry is open to Singapore citizens, permanent residents and foreigners enrolled at a qualifying Singapore centre.
- Entries must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian on behalf of the child.
Competition Categories
There are two age categories:
The child's age is determined as of the submission deadline date (20 September 2026).
Theme
"A small act, a big heart." — Children are invited to share a story about a small act of kindness: something they saw, did, or wish for. A kind word. A shared snack. A helping hand.
Stories can be true or made-up. They may include drawings, puppets, songs, soft toys, picture books or props. We are not looking for perfect storytellers — we are listening for kind ones.
Stories may be told in English or Chinese (Mandarin). Bilingual stories (portions in both languages) are also welcome.
Video Submission Requirements
Format
- File format: MP4 or MOV (phone recordings are perfectly acceptable).
- Orientation: landscape (horizontal) preferred; portrait (vertical) accepted.
- Minimum resolution: 720p (1280×720). HD 1080p preferred.
- Maximum file size: 500 MB.
Duration
- Category A (Age 3–4): maximum 3 minutes.
- Category B (Age 5–6): maximum 5 minutes.
- Videos that exceed the time limit will be judged only on the first 3 or 5 minutes respectively.
Content guidelines
- The child must be clearly visible and audible throughout the storytelling portion.
- The video must be a single continuous take or a simple edit of the child telling the story.
- Background music is permitted but must not overpower the child's voice.
- Excessive post-production effects are discouraged; natural, authentic storytelling is valued.
- The video must not contain any content that is offensive, violent, discriminatory or otherwise inappropriate.
How to submit
- Upload your video to Google Drive, YouTube (Unlisted) or WeTransfer, then submit the link via the registration form.
- Alternatively, email the link to contact@sowingkindness.org.sg with your child's name and category in the subject line.
- The submission link must remain accessible until at least 31 December 2026.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be assessed by an independent panel across four criteria:
The story relates meaningfully to the theme of kindness and has a clear beginning, middle and end.
Voice clarity, tone, facial expressions and body language enhance the storytelling experience.
A unique story choice and imaginative use of props, costumes or presentation.
Poise, eye contact (with camera) and the ability to hold the audience's attention.
Judges' decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding scoring.
Competition Rounds
Round 1 — Video Submissions (Online)
All eligible entries received by 20 September 2026 will be reviewed by the judging panel. Shortlisted finalists will be notified by October 2026 and invited to the Grand Final.
Round 2 — Grand Final (Live)
Shortlisted children will perform their story live at the Grand Final event in November 2026. The venue and exact date will be confirmed to finalists upon selection. Parents or guardians are responsible for transport and attendance.
Participation in the Grand Final constitutes acceptance of these rules in full, including consent to photography and videography for competition documentation and publicity.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded for each category at the Grand Final. Full prize details will be announced closer to the event.
- Champion, 1st Runner-Up and 2nd Runner-Up will be recognised in each category.
- All Grand Final participants receive a Certificate of Achievement.
- All Round 1 participants receive a digital Certificate of Participation.
- Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
Key Dates
General Terms & Conditions
- Entry is free. No purchase is necessary.
- By submitting an entry, the parent or guardian confirms that all information is accurate and that they have read and agreed to these rules and the Parental Consent Form.
- Sowing Kindness Society reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with these rules or that contains inappropriate content.
- Sowing Kindness Society reserves the right to use submitted videos, photographs and the child's first name for competition documentation, website content, social media and publicity. Parents may opt out by indicating this on the registration form.
- Personal data collected during registration will be used solely for the administration of the Competition and handled in accordance with Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
- The organisers accept no liability for technical issues during video upload or submission.
- These rules may be updated at any time. The most current version will always be at sowingkindness.org.sg/rules.
- Sowing Kindness Society's decision on all matters relating to the Competition is final.
Email contact@sowingkindness.org.sg — we respond within two business days.