The Singapore Prize is the newest addition to a string of prestigious awards that have emerged from the island nation. Founded in 2012, the prize recognises excellence in books published in Singapore and is awarded to works of literary work, education titles, professional publications and various categories of non-fiction. The prize is administered by the Singapore Book Council and overseen by a panel of judges comprising prominent industry players.
The award is a testament to the growing significance of the global publishing industry in this country, as well as the quality and breadth of works produced by Singapore writers. It is also a means to encourage local writers and readers to continue to support the publication of quality Singaporean literature, which will enrich their lives and build a stronger society.
Winners will receive cash and a trophy at the ceremony, which takes place at the National Library. They will also receive a special certificate, a citation and a personalised digital portrait.
A total of 12 awards are given out by the judging committee each year. These awards include the Best First Book, Best Children’s Book, and the coveted Book of the Year title chosen from subsidiary award winners. Interested authors are encouraged to submit their books for consideration. In order to be eligible, a book must have been published in Singapore and meet certain criteria, including a high standard of literary writing and design.
The Prize is backed by a number of strategic partners, with Temasek Trust and its subsidiaries (philanthropic organisation Temasek Foundation, investment company Temasek, decarbonisation investment platform GenZero and conservation organisation Conservation International) taking the lead as Founding Partners. These partners, with their collective expertise, resources and networks, will play a critical role in ensuring the success of a series of engagements in the run-up to, and during, the awards ceremony and ‘Earthshot Week’ in Singapore.
Last year’s winners – from an Oman team who promises to eliminate billions of carbon dioxide by turning it into rock, to a Kenyan business that crafts reliable stoves that reduce air pollution – demonstrated how the seemingly impossible can be achieved through ingenuity and optimism. Singapore’s position as a gateway to Southeast Asia is a natural choice for this year’s event, which will see world leaders and businesses join the Earthshot Prize Winners and Finalists from Nov 6 to explore new opportunities to drive change in a way that shows visible effects on our planet.
The event will feature performances by world-renowned artists and musicians, although the organisers have yet to reveal who. Previous editions of the award ceremony have seen performers such as Ed Sheeran, Coldplay and Billie Eilish take to the stage.