Singapore prizes recognize the achievements of individuals, organisations and institutions throughout Singapore. One less well-known is the Singapore Prize – established in 2014 to acknowledge works that explore Singapore history. Administered by NUS Department of History with funding provided anonymously; archaeologist John Miksic won its inaugural prize with his book Singapore And The Silk Road Of The Sea: 1300-1800 as its inaugural recipient.
This award, first established in 2014 as part of Singapore’s 50th anniversary programs, marks its inaugural award devoted to Singaporean history. Awarded every three years and offering a cash prize of S$50,000.
Miksic’s work earned the award because it provided a “fundamental reinterpretation” of Singaporean history, according to Prof Wang. It challenged the conventional idea that modern Singapore began with an agreement signed between British and Dutch envoys in 1819. Furthermore, historical information such as Chinese records that mentioned Temasek or Longyamen (Dragon Teeth’s Gate) pointed towards its existence during 13th-century even if not yet an independent state.
Kampung Admiralty in Singapore won the World Architecture Festival’s award for “World Building of the Year”, outshone flashier buildings to secure its prize as best project. This complex includes public facilities and community space as well as over 100 apartments to ensure older residents remain active and connected to society. Prince William hosted the ceremony and donned his dark green Velour Suit with Dickie Bow in preparation of Prince William hosting, US’ National Museum of Natural History came second runner-up.
Other winners included an Indian manufacturer of solar dryers and a soil carbon marketplace. The Earthshot Prize, launched by Prince William’s Royal Foundation charity of Britain, also recognized groups working to clean electric car batteries, restore Andean forests and prevent illegal fishing – with each winner presented their award by a woman wearing a dress with an elaborate green poppy design.
Kishore Mahbubani, a former diplomat and senior advisor at NUS, established the prize in 2014. Since then, he has spoken openly about plans to extend eligibility criteria beyond books to movies, fiction or comic books – “history can sometimes be better told through other mediums”, according to Mahbubani. Additionally, plans may also include setting up an advisory panel with experts from different fields so as to expand appeal of the prize and broaden participation by more citizens of Singapore; moreover its 2027 edition will have increased endowment and prize money in order to encourage more impactful submissions of submissions that will further engage audiences and contribute towards developing stronger understanding of Singapore history within society as a whole.
