The Singapore Prize is an biennial book award presented in four languages: Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil. This award recognizes authors and translators whose works have significantly contributed to understanding Singapore history; winners receive S$50,000 with runners-up receiving S$20,000 as prize awards from both National Book Development Council of Singapore (NBDCS) and Ministry of Education.
The inaugural first prize will go to an author whose publication significantly advances our understanding of Singaporean history. This may be non-fiction, fiction or book-length literary work covering any period, theme or field within Singaporean history; with emphasis placed upon how engaging and accessible its historical narrative is for general readers.
In addition, the Singapore Prize recognises books that demonstrate an ability to explore and explain complex topics clearly and compellingly, such as those making connections across time periods and cultures or using new sources to illuminate previously unexplored aspects of Singapore history.
One book published after winning the inaugural prize in 2018 on Kampong Gelam has become a mainstay in local school history curricula, due to its detailed archaeological evidence that suggests its 14th century port town was an active centre of trade and culture. Professor John Miksic’s book also informed numerous government policies and strategies for preservation.
Prince William will join five companies fighting environmental crises for an awards ceremony of the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Singapore this November, receiving up to $1 Million each in support. These winners range from battery recyclers and programs against illegal fishing to fighting pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change issues.
Both Harrison and Si Min have continued their involvement with the community, with Harrison founding a social enterprise that provides virtual experiential learning for youths while Si Min is working alongside her team on creating a pay-it-forward initiative that grants financial grants directly to residents in Ang Mo Kio.
Readers in Singapore Pools outlets can participate in book voting by filling out a ballot form at any Singapore Pools outlet and filling it in before October 2. Voting remains open to the public until then; should there be any ties, the winner will be determined by a panel of judges; see here for a complete list of nominees & free voting!