Established by former ambassador Kishore Mahbubani to recognize Singapore’s uniqueness, this prize was first established in 2014. Recognizing works that contribute to creating and reinforcing a sense of nationhood among Singaporeans, this year features the theme of resonance to illustrate how literature can evoke memories and emotions; furthermore it marks the first time this program celebrated work from all four official languages of Singapore: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.
Khir Johari’s The Food of the Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels Through the Archipelago has won the triennial Singapore Prize, beating five shortlisted books. Led by Mahbubani of NUS Asia Research Institute and comprising of 14 years and 3.2kg weight. Selected by an independent jury panel composed of Emeritus Professor John Miksic of NUS Department of Southeast Asian Studies; President Tan Tai Yong; Professor Peter A Coclanis Director of Global Research Institute University North Carolina Chapel Hill; Professor Peter A Coclanis Director Global Research Institute University North Carolina Chapel Hill; economist Dr Lam San Ling and economist Dr Lam San Ling.
Emmy Award-winner Hannah Waddingham and three-time Emmy winning actor Sterling K. Brown hosted a ceremony to announce prize winners, where Hannah described how these prizes aim to give hope to a world in need. They also highlighted some TEP finalists like an Indian maker of solar dryers, soil carbon marketplace, as well as groups that restore Andean forests or prevent illegal fishing activities as impactful TEP organizations.
Record-setting 15 finalists received awards totaling USD $110,000 and multiple concert engagements at an event attended by more than 200 guests, including global leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and members of the public. Dmytro Udovychenko from an Indian manufacturer of solar-powered dryers and Anna Agafia Egholm from WildAid Marine Program each were recognized with USD $50,000 awards for their contributions towards climate change efforts.
There is something truly euphoric in taking that first sip of something hot off the stove – but only because someone else had done all the work. Straits Times journalist Akshita Nanda won for her debut novel Nimita’s Place, winning English fiction; Lion City by Ng Yi-Sheng won in both English poetry and Chinese creative nonfiction categories in previous years; history professor Yong Shu Hoong earned three wins for Anatomy of a Wave published by Dakota Books. NUS runs this book award program in Singapore to establish itself as “the premier book award in Singapore”. Its mission is to encourage scholarship of relevance to Singaporeans while at the same time encouraging readers of all types to discover great books and read widely. Singaporeans were responsible for all shortlisted titles that comprised this year’s competition; all were written by Singaporeans from all genres and perspectives, both local and international authors being included. There were six categories and two commendations awards with winners receiving cash prizes of up to S$50,000 per category winner. Our next competition will begin in 2024 – make sure you subscribe to our ST Telegram channel to stay informed!
