For its 30th year, Singapore prize—created in 1992, operating in four languages since 2004—has a new theme: resonance. The program calls on writers to consider how literature can trigger emotions and memories. The organizers say they chose resonance for this year partly because of what the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has brought to people’s lives and how literature can act as a balm in times of sorrow.
The NUS Singapore History Prize is open to works written in, or translated into English, by creators of any nationality, as long as they deal with history. It is administered by the NUS Department of History, and judges include historians.
This year the prize program is also introducing an exercise called Readers’ Favorite, in which people can vote online for their favorite shortlisted book, in each of the four categories and two languages. The winner of that one will win a 1,000 Singapore dollars (US$720) cash prize. Five authors have been shortlisted in multiple categories this year, including Clara Chow, who has been named a finalist in the English fiction, English creative nonfiction, and Chinese poetry categories. She’s the first writer in the program’s history to be so honored.
During his visit, the prince will spotlight the Earthshot Prize finalists and their innovation projects to address climate change and other global challenges. He will also host a summit based around the work of United For Wildlife, an organization he helped found in 2014. The prince last visited Singapore in 2012.
It’s the first time a royal has received the honor, which includes a trophy and a certificate that says “The President’s Science and Technology Awards 2024.” It is the highest award bestowed by the government on scientists and engineers in Singapore for their contributions to upholding research excellence.
The prize ceremony took place on Tuesday at Mediacorp Theatre. It was hosted by Emmy Award winning actress Hannah Waddingham and three-time Emmy winning actor Sterling K. Brown, and featured performances by Cate Blanchett, Lana Condor, Robert Irwin, Nomzamo Mbatha, and Donnie Yen.
The prize is funded by an anonymous philanthropist who wanted to honor Singapore’s rich scientific heritage. The money was placed in an endowment fund, and interest from the fund supports the prizes. This is Publishing Perspectives’ 131st awards-related report in the 137 days since our 2022 operations began on January 3. Read our latest reports on the worldwide book market here and more on the Singapore publishing industry here.