The Singapore Prize recognizes those who go the extra mile in serving others and encourages citizens to take greater responsibility for their societies, communities and environments. It was named in honour of Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, whose contributions played a critical role in shaping its growth into what is today a green garden city.
In its inaugural year, the prize received over 1,500 nominations and finalists from individuals from diverse backgrounds. It honors Singaporeans who have made significant contributions in various fields – be it research and innovation or social services and advocacy.
It also recognizes organizations with significant impacts in their communities, like the National Kidney Foundation’s work to prevent kidney disease has made a profound difference worldwide. This award is one of five presented annually by Global Citizen Forum – a non-profit organisation which strives to inspire and empower young people to make a difference.
Winners of this competition will each receive US$100,000. Additionally, they will be presented with a citation, trophy and the opportunity to host an event in their home cities in order to share their stories with local audiences.
An effective civil society depends on people who will put the common good before personal interests, and who step up when crucial moments arrive. Ali bin Salim, this year’s winner of the Harvard Prize Book award, exemplifies these traits: he was an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who, when faced with an urgent need, put aside personal issues to organize a team of foreign service staff in evacuating 4,000 Rohingya refugees from his region.
At an award ceremony held in Singapore, for his outstanding leadership he was given the NUS Public Service Medal – hosted by Emmy award-winning actress Hannah Waddingham and three-time Emmy award winning actor Sterling K Brown, with performances by Bastille, OneRepublic, and Bebe Rexha among others.
On May 25 at Mediacorp Theatre in Toronto, an awards ceremony took place and was broadcast worldwide to over 190 countries.
NUS’ Department of History offers this prize annually, open to publications with clear historical themes that were published between January 1 and December 31 of the previous calendar year. NUS History Professor Kishore Mahbubani proposed creating a prize dedicated solely to Singapore history in an article for Straits Times column in 2021; later that year it was unveiled as part of SG50 programmes commemorating Singapore’s 50th birthday. NUS Asia Research Institute distinguished fellow Kishore Mahbubani, chairing its jury panel, stated: “Benedict Anderson once wrote that nations are imagined communities – and that shared memories serve as essential building blocks of society. Beginning 2024 onwards, The NUS Singapore History Prize will be awarded annually.”
