The Singapore Prize was established to honour and recognise Singaporeans who contribute towards advancing social welfare, strengthening national identity, fostering innovation and artistic endeavour – it awards individuals, institutions, companies or other organisations located in Singapore.
Since 2007, President of Singapore has presented this award annually, honouring outstanding scientists and engineers who have made significant contributions to national development. Winners receive up to S$50,000 as their cash award.
A total of 224 submissions were received this year for Earthshot Prize Awards, representing a 30% increase over last year. Winners were revealed during a star-studded ceremony hosted by actors Hannah Waddingham and Sterling K. Brown in Singapore’s Mediacorp Campus theater with musical performances by bands Bastille, One Republic and Bebe Rexha as special guests; New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is also a trustee on Earthshot Prize board and she attended as special guest.
To qualify for this prize, a book must make an outstanding contribution to research or scholarly knowledge, with evidence of tangible economic or societal impact. Finalists will be shortlisted by a jury panel which will select five winners; these books will then be published by NUS Press.
Many of the shortlisted works have an historical aspect, fitting with the spirit of this prize; however, its selection process is open to any creative works which address Singaporean history in an innovative manner.
The NUS Singapore History Prize, first established in 1968, underwent numerous changes to its jackpot system prior to being finalised in 1981. At first, its jackpot remained fixed and would only grow with each draw; as its popularity increased however, a rollover system was implemented instead.
One of the most striking changes was the establishment of monetary rewards for medal-winning athletes. This helped many overcome financial constraints associated with training for Olympic-level competitions. Furthermore, it encouraged more people to engage in competitive sports thus increasing overall participation rates across the nation.
Not only did the contest increase prize money, it also created a category for intellectually disabled artists – giving even more people the chance to take part and share their creativity with the world. Thanks to an award from philanthropist and entrepreneur Alan Chan’s generous donation as well as support from Singapore Armed Forces and Movement for Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MIDS), competition will remain open until May 31, 2027; for more information visit NUS website.