The NUS Singapore prize was created in 2014 to broaden definitions of history by encouraging writings on multiple perspectives and themes. It is administered by the department of history at NUS. The prize is given out triennially. The winner this time was Prof Miksic’s book on the origins of Singapore, which he said laid the foundations for a “fundamental reinterpretation” of the island’s past and its place in the Asian context.
The book was one of 29 submissions received by the panel of judges, which included Wang Gungwu, chairman of NUS’ East Asian Institute; academic Kishore Mahbubani; and entrepreneur Claire Chiang. Others on the shortlist included works on the history of sarong kebaya, the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the Bukit Ho Swee fire.
It’s not just books that have been recognised by the prize: the winners of two of the “readers’ favorite” awards were also shortlisted for the main award. The readers’ choice award was voted by the public and awarded to Daryl Qilin Yam’s book on the life of gangster Sam Hua, which chronicled his rise and fall; and Rama Suresh’s work about rma cureess, which is based on a real story about a woman who suffered from mental health problems.
Another highlight was the announcement of five recipients for the Prince William Earthshot prize, which will see each win a £1 million grant to help scale their environmental projects. Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, the founder of UK-based company ENSO, which makes tyres for electric vehicles that reduce tyre pollution, praised William for his commitment to repairing the planet.
The prize ceremony was attended by the five winners and their families and friends. Besides the cash prizes, each will receive a trophy and a certificate of award from the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The prize is accompanied by a publication and a series of outreach activities, including workshops and lectures at schools across the country.
This year’s event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, with the support of the National Heritage Board and the Singapore Press Holdings. It was also supported by the International Design Council and the Asia-Pacific Interior Design Federation.
The ceremony was attended by 3,000 people, including Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern, who is a trustee of the Earthshot prize. The evening also featured performances by local and international acts such as the bands One Republic and Bastille, as well as singer Bebe Rexha.
NUS president Tan Eng Ching gave the keynote address at the event, which was held in conjunction with the World Architecture Festival X (WAFX 2023). Other speakers included architects David Adjaye and Li Yong Ping, who spoke about the role of public spaces and the importance of collaboration between different sectors in building communities. The event was attended by business leaders from the fashion, beauty and technology industries. It was also a chance for the finalists to build connections with potential partners and investors from around the globe.