The Singapore Prize and the Harvard Prize Book (Singapore)
The Singapore Prize is a biennial award for works of literary merit in Singapore’s four official languages: Chinese, English, Malay, and Tamil. Established in 2012, the Prize recognises publishing excellence and rewards writers of quality in Singapore, with a total of 12 subsidiary awards under various categories and a coveted Book of the Year title chosen from among the subsidiary award winners. The Prize also aims to promote Singapore literature and books in the global arena.
The heir to the British throne arrived in Singapore’s Changi Airport on Tuesday for a four-day visit. He will call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and meet Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loon, as well as visit the Istana palace, one of the country’s oldest heritage sites. The trip comes as Prince William and his charity, the Earthshot Foundation, aim to inspire new solutions for climate change. They have awarded 1 million pounds ($1.23 million) to five green innovators, including a Hong Kong startup that builds cleaner lithium-ion batteries for electric cars, and another that tightens marine enforcement to end illegal fishing and support ocean conservation.
A healthy civil society requires individuals who are committed to their communities and will, at pivotal times, put the common good before their own interests. In recognition of these values, Harvard University established the Prize Book (Singapore) in 2022 to honour citizens who have demonstrated this spirit of altruism through their actions. The Prize book consists of short essays from individuals who have served their nation or community with humility and dedication. The winners of the Prize book are invited to attend the World Architecture Festival X (WAFX) 2023 at Marina Bay Sands and showcase their projects live.
Founded in 1736, the Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and has a formidable reputation worldwide. Its graduates include 48 Nobel Laureates, 32 Heads of State, and 49 Pulitzer Prize winners. The Harvard Prize Book (Singapore) is a tribute to the University’s rich and vibrant history as a centre of scholarship, learning, and leadership, and aims to promote Harvard and its values in the global community.
Established in 1998, the Singapore Pools is one of the largest lottery operators in Asia. In addition to its core business of operating the Singapore Sweep draws, it has diversified into gaming through the launch of the e-sports platform. It has also reformed its corporate governance and moved towards an open-book model. It has also streamlined its internal processes, and is moving away from traditional pre-printed tickets to on-demand ticket printing at Singapore Pools outlets.
Launched in 2014 to mark the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s independence, the NUS Singapore History Prize is awarded triennially to publications that advance the study of Singapore’s history. Prof Miksic’s book was picked by a panel of judges led by the chairman of NUS’ East Asian Institute Wang Gungwu, as a work that has “laid the foundation for a fundamental reinterpretation of Singapore’s history”. The winner will receive a monetary prize.