A Singapore prize is a reward given to people or businesses for achieving something significant. Often, it is a financial award. It can also be a recognition of achievement in sports, art, or other endeavours. A Singapore prize can be awarded to a person or group of people, a business, a charity, or an organisation. Some of the most prestigious prizes are those given by governments.
The NUS Singapore History Prize, which was launched this year, honours non-fiction works that contribute to our understanding of the island’s past. The inaugural winner is archaeologist John Miksic for his book, Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800. His work shows how fragmented historical records such as literary references pointed to Temasek’s existence long before Sir Stamford Raffles arrived here in 1819. The book’s thesis is based on a wealth of discoveries made by archaeological excavations, including glass shards and bronze bowls.
Another Singapore prize is the Harvard Prize Book, which is awarded to pre-tertiary students who demonstrate a strong desire to care for others in the community. The prize is intended to inspire young Singaporeans with the idea that Harvard University is an attainable institution of higher learning and to connect them to the Harvard community.
Other notable singapore prize are the Singapore Literature Prizes, which were awarded by the National Book Development Council of Singapore on Tuesday. Among the winners in the English section were Down Memory Lane, a memoir by 91-year-old NUS professor Emeritus Peter Ellinger for which he won the best new writer prize, and Magic Babe Ning, a fiction by Kannada-based author Mathikumar Thayumanavan. The Singapore Literature Prizes are awarded every two years in Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil.
There is a growing interest around the world in the unique success story of Singapore and its people. This has led to more and more Singapore-based companies setting up offices abroad in order to tap into the global market. This has created many new jobs in the city state, and it is not surprising that more young Singaporeans are pursuing careers in finance and business.
Britain’s Prince William praised the work of five companies that have been given a catalytic PS1 million and other support from the Earthshot Prize, founded to tackle the environmental crisis. He said the finalists — whose solutions range from a lithium-ion battery recycler to a program to end illegal fishing — show that hope does exist despite the current climate change crisis. The winners will be showcased at the third annual Earthshot Awards ceremony in Singapore next month. They will also hold summits to highlight their innovations. The event will be attended by celebrities such as Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, actor Donnie Yen and Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin. This is the first time the event has been held in Asia. It will be held at the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and largest glass greenhouse. The event is expected to draw a crowd of 10,000 people.