The Singapore Prize is presented annually to an individual or organisation who has made an exceptional effort in raising standards in their niche sectors. It recognizes those whose acts of kindness and caring have had an impactful effect on others, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Kishore Mahbubani, Distinguished Fellow at the NUS Asia Research Institute and current jury’s chair. “Benedict Anderson once famously observed that nations are imagined communities; thus our shared memories from our past are essential in holding societies together today,” Mahbubani stated in a statement. In today’s globalized world it is more vital than ever that local history and culture be preserved and promoted if we hope for sustainable communities and societies.
Khir Johari’s 3.2kg tome The Food of Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels through the Archipelago is this year’s winner, beating five shortlisted books. It marked the first time ever that a book with Malaysian themes won this prestigious award and comes with a $60,000 cash prize – the highest ever awarded by any Singapore prize!
A five-member panel selected the winners from among a long list of works submitted by publishers, managed by the Department of History at NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Open only to works written or translated into English with historical themes that included any period, theme, or field in Singapore history; written works were accepted both written in English (written or translated) as well as those with clear historical themes that included nonfiction as well as fiction books containing clear historical themes were eligible to submit work.
In 2023, National University of Singapore Professor Emeritus Peter Ellinger won the prize with his work entitled Down Memory Lane: An Intimate Inventory of The Banished Book. At 85 years old he is also one of its oldest recipients.
Singapore’s government annually presents awards to individuals and organisations who have contributed significantly to the country’s development – either through personal accomplishment or inspiring others towards similar endeavors. They come in different categories and winners are honored with certificates and gold medallions.
Winners of the prize are chosen by a nominating committee consisting of representatives from different fields – civil service, academia and arts – such as civil servants, academia and artists. A nominating committee will then submit their recommendations to a jury, who will select from among six books the winner who will receive awards totalling S$2.3 Million including a premium prize of S$200,000. At Singapore Pools, in addition to offering the premium prize of S$200,000, a total of S$200,000 will also be distributed among shortlisted candidates, giving each one a one-in-11 chance of winning this money prize promotion under the Betting and Sweepstake Duties Act. When conducting the prize promotion, certain rules must be observed, including but not limited to: