The biennial singapore prize honors the best in published work in Singapore’s four main languages: Chinese, English and Malay. This year, the focus is “resonance,” which organizers say has to do with how literary works can trigger emotions and memories in readers. It’s also the first time a writer has been shortlisted in three categories and two languages: Clara Chow, who is up for her work in English fiction, Chinese poetry and English creative nonfiction. She is joined on the shortlist by Wang Gungwu, 91, who is competing in English and Malay creative nonfiction; both are the oldest writers ever to be shortlisted for this prize.
The heir to the British throne, Prince William, made his second visit to Singapore this week as part of his new initiative to promote innovative technologies that can tackle climate change. The prince traveled solo this time and visited Singapore’s iconic 40-meter high Rain Vortex, which was lit green for his arrival. He called on Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and the prime minister, Lee Hsien Loon, during his four-day trip. The 61-year-old royal, who is a trustee of the Earthshot Prize, the charity he and his wife founded in 2020, also toured The Istana palace and met with Singapore historians and teachers.
William joined celebrities including actors Donnie Yen, Lana Condor and Nomzano Mbatha on Tuesday at the third annual Earthshot awards ceremony in Singapore, where five winners were unveiled in solutions for nature protection, clean air, ocean revival and waste elimination. The prince said the 15 finalists showed that hope does exist as the world faces the challenges of climate change.
At the glitzy awards ceremony in state-owned Media Corp, the prince wore a 10-year-old dark green blazer by Alexander McQueen and walked the “green carpet,” which was lined with recycled materials. Yen and Mbatha each wore a vintage suit, while US singer Bebe Rexha and the bands One Republic and Bastille performed. Singapore ministers and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, a trustee of the prize board, also attended.
The winner of the 2021 NUS Singapore History Prize, Leluhur: Singapore Kampong Gelam by Sarah Hidayah, was described by judges as an elegantly crafted and well-researched book that shows that anyone can be a historian. NUS professor John Miksic, who served on the jury with Mahbubani, said that the citation was an affirmation to the general public that you don’t have to be a professional historian to write a book about the past. The book is a combination of synthesis and primary source material, with Ms Hidayah’s own input and experiences added to the mix. This was the second book she has written. The prize is the country’s second highest literary award after the Epigram Books Fiction Prize. It has been awarded since 2014. It is administered by the NUS Department of History. The winning authors receive both a cash prize and an engraved trophy. Earlier this year, the prize launched an open call for nominations.