Singapore Prize, an biennial award honoring outstanding work across Singapore’s four official languages, saw submissions decline this year due to both coronavirus pandemic-induced illness as well as “relative insecurity of publishing industry in general.” Organizers believe this decline may be caused by both factors; some attribute it to coronavirus pandemic-linked illness while others cite “relative unsecurity of our publishing industry in general.”
The Singapore Literary Prize celebrates work published in Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil languages. This year’s shortlist includes 49 titles across three genres and 12 categories–a fairly typical selection for international literary prizes; it may not feature as many finalists as British Book Awards’ 106 nominees across 39 subjects, but still represents a substantial list. Established in 1992 and intended to foster reading culture among Singaporeans.
Organisers plan to increase the visibility and the winners of this prize by creating a new category called Singapore’s Most Memorable Book.” The winner will be presented with both cash prize and trophy when awarded in 2022; its theme this year focuses on literature’s lasting influence over readers.
Prince William and celebrities from across the world walked the green carpet Tuesday at the third Earthshot Prize award he established to recognize solutions that help repair our planet. Held at MediaCorp theatre, it was hosted by Hannah Waddingham of Ted Lasso fame as well as Golden Globe actor Sterling K Brown from Golden Globe-nominated film Golden Boy; bands Bastille and One Republic performed throughout the evening.
Prince William addressed the crowd during the awarding of the prize and noted that its recipients had done great work to advance sustainability worldwide. He applauded their creativity and perseverance despite adversity, noting it to be key factors of their success.
“To be a pioneer and to innovate, one must think differently,” he noted. “That is precisely what these pioneers are doing.”
Temasek Trust and GenZero, two sponsors of this event, hope that more people join in their fight against climate change by making an argument about why it is possible. “Our hope is that future leaders understand a clean energy future is achievable and within their grasp,” stated Sharon Tan from Temasek Trust.
On Tuesday night, the 2023 winners of the Earthshot Prize were revealed during a ceremony that featured performances by Bastille and One Republic bands. From an initial field of 15 finalists, five finalists were chosen, each receiving PS1 million to help scale their environmental initiatives. The ceremony kicked off Earthshot Week which will bring global leaders and businesses to Singapore to explore opportunities to accelerate solutions faster.