The Singapore prize is a biennial award that honours people in four different languages for their contributions to their field of endeavour. The prize was founded in 1992, with a prestigious commissioned trophy and a cash purse of 3,000 Singapore dollars (US$2,160). This year, the prize was focused on resonance and how literature can trigger emotions and memories. Traditionally, fiction and poetry have competed for the top prize in each language. The prize is organised by the National Book Development Council of Singapore, with the support of the National Arts Council and the National Library Board.
The award ceremony was held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel on Tuesday. Celebrities including Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, Donnie Yen, Lana Condor and Nomzano Mbatha attended the event, which was hosted by British actor Sterling K. Brown. The winners were announced during a ceremony that featured the performances of bands One Republic and Bastille. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was also a guest.
He praised the work of all of this year’s winners and finalists and said they demonstrated that “hope does remain” in the face of climate change, despite the fact that the issue is far too big to tackle on our own. He added that the solutions, ranging from solar-powered dryers to combat food waste to making electric car batteries cleaner, are “simple and accessible to anyone who wants to help fix our planet”.
After his speech, the prince walked the “green carpet” with the winners to showcase their innovations. He wore an old dark green suit by Alexander McQueen, in keeping with the sustainable theme of the evening. He was joined by celebrities such as American actor Robert Irwin and Australian wildlife conservationist Jane Goodall. The heir to the British throne also met with Singapore ministers and environmentalists.
He will spend the rest of his time in Singapore working with the finalists and winners on projects that will accelerate their solutions to fight climate change. He will also be hosting a global gathering of leaders, businesses and investors to explore opportunities to support and invest in the work of the finalists.
The winner of the 2024 NUS Singapore History Prize will be chosen by a jury consisting of Mr Mahbubani; Professor John Miksic, Head of the Department of History at NUS; and Dr Peter A Coclanis, Director, Global Research Institute at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The prize will be awarded in memory of Christopher Bathurst KC, the barrister of Fountain Court Chambers who was a distinguished member of the Commercial Bar and who developed a significant practice in Asia, especially Singapore.
The medal, crafted in silver, is designed to reflect the obverse of the State Arms and depicts the head of a lion in profile to the left with a crest of a helmet, on which are wreaths and a crown. It is awarded to any person who, within or outside Singapore, has performed service of conspicuous merit characterised by resource and devotion to duty, and has been marked by exceptional ability, merit and exemplary conduct.