The Singapore Prize is awarded to outstanding publications that make a lasting impact on Singaporeans’ understanding of the nation’s history. The prize is administered by the Department of History at NUS. Launched in 2014 as part of the SG50 programmes to mark the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence, it is the first prize in Singapore to be dedicated to the country’s history.
The prize is named after the nation’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who played a key role in shaping Singapore into the green garden city it is today. Its aim is to encourage people to explore the rich and varied heritage of Singapore, from the natural to the cultural. The prize is awarded every three years and the winner receives S$50,000.
This year’s shortlist included a book with a more personal slant, Leluhur: Singapore Kampong Gelam, by Ms Hidayah Amin. Ms Hidayah spent five years researching her work and talking to residents of Gedung Kuning, the former Istana Kampong Glam. The citation for the 2021 NUS Singapore History Prize describes her book as “an elegantly crafted and well-researched narrative that tells the story of a neighbourhood many only know as a tourist attraction”.
Other shortlisted works include the historical account of how the first parliamentary elections were conducted in modern times, The First Parliamentary Election in Malaysia: The Making of a Nation, by Dr Christopher Wong. The book was launched in September and is the result of several years of research and work by the author. The book provides insights into how the early parliamentary elections were conducted in modern Malaysia, highlighting how the development of democracy in Asia has also helped to shape the political landscape worldwide.
A slew of science-related projects have been honoured with the inaugural Earthshot Prize, an annual award launched by Britain’s Prince William. The winners – including an Indian maker of solar-powered clothes dryers, a soil carbon marketplace and groups that restore Andean forests and deter illegal fishing – were announced at a ceremony in Singapore. Prince William, who hosted the awards ceremony, said the solutions by the 15 finalists prove that “hope does remain” amid global climate change concerns.
In addition to the prizes, a number of other awards were presented at the event. These include the Lifetime Achievement Award for Scientific Contribution to Agriculture, the Distinguished Scientific Service Award for Public Benefit, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Scientific Research and the Outstanding Scientist Awards.
The President’s Science and Technology Awards, formerly the National Science and Technology Awards (NSTSA), were launched in 2009. They are the highest honour bestowed on scientists by the government of Singapore, for their contributions to upholding science excellence and strengthening the growing community of scientific talent in the country. Nominations are open to all scientists with a minimum of two years’ research experience in any field of physics. Applicants must be Singapore citizens or permanent residents, and have strong ties to the country. The nominations will be kept for up to two years.