The winner of the 2023 Singapore prize has been announced at a glitzy ceremony in the state-owned media corporation theatre. Prince William, who founded the prize based on President John F Kennedy’s “moonshot” speech, praised the 15 finalists – ranging from an Indian manufacturer of solar dryers to a global non-profit marine conservation programme – for demonstrating that hope still exists amid the world’s mounting environmental challenges.
He added that the winners also embody Singapore’s values of innovation, creativity and perseverance. The prize, which was first conferred in 2009, is the highest award bestowed on scientists and engineers for their contributions to Singapore’s research community. It is the premier scheme for publicly recognising world-class researchers and developing a vibrant community of scientific talent in Singapore.
Prof Miksic was honoured for his work which reveals that Singapore’s history was much more complex than the common perception that it began with the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. He is credited with opening up new areas of research into the city-state’s past, based on archaeological excavations and literary evidence. He said that his work will lead to a fundamental reinterpretation of Singapore’s pre-colonial history, and its place in the greater Asian region.
Other shortlisted books include Imperial Creatures by Timothy P Barnard, which looks at the relationship between humans and animals in colonial Singapore; and Home Is Where We Are by Loh Kah Seng, which explores the migrant experience through a series of interviews with people living in different parts of the country. The NUS History Prize was created in 2014 and is awarded every three years.
NUS Press published all the shortlisted books, which have been distributed to libraries nationwide. The inaugural prize went to archaeologist John Miksic for his book, Singapore And The Silk Road Of The Sea, 1300-1800, which uses archaeological evidence to refute the common misperception that Singapore’s history started with Sir Stamford Raffles.
Besides a cash prize, the winning authors will be given the opportunity to publish their work in NUS Press, which will publish a full-length version of their book. The winning works will also be exhibited at the NUS Museum of Contemporary Arts and showcased on its website.
AmCham CARES congratulates the winners of this year’s Singapore prize, and hopes that they continue to strive for excellence in their business operations, while demonstrating a strong understanding of the link between responsible business and positive societal impact. The 21st Singapore Prestige Brand Awards was held at the Ritz-Carlton on Wednesday evening, with construction company Craftwork and co-living operator Coliwoo among the winners in the Promising Category.
The other categories were Established and Emerging, with the latter embracing a more innovative and sustainable approach to business. The winners were chosen by an independent jury, which comprised leading local and regional businesses. The full list of winners can be found on the NUS website here. The winners were celebrated in a glittering ceremony, which was attended by some 600 guests.