The Singapore Prize was created to honour works that have had an exceptional influence on our understanding of Singaporean history. Administered by the Department of History at NUS, it accepts books in either English or translated from another language that feature prominent historical themes – winning authors will receive a prize award of $50,000 Singapore dollars as compensation.
Archaeologist John Miksic won the inaugural prize with his book Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800. Prof Miksic’s work was selected because it shed light on where Singapore first began by using evidence such as Chinese trader Wang Dayuan’s mention of Longyamen and Temasek in his account of Southeast Asia. Additionally, Prof Miksic explains how an early community formed around Kampong Glam which now forms its historical core.
He admits he did not anticipate winning this award, a first-time author who studied at NUS. Inspired to write by Singaporeans’ strong appreciation of history and heritage, his book explores this aspect. “My aim was to demonstrate that an appreciation of Singapore’s deep and proud past had been neglected by others,” said Mr Tan.
Wang Gungwu of NUS Professor and Judge Wang Gungwu announced that the four-member jury had selected Prof Miksic’s book from among five shortlisted ones due to its “fundamental reinterpretation of Singapore’s place in history”, including how early discoveries by local scholars like Ho Ching and Sir Stamford Raffles have had such an effect on its development. He noted this.
Entrepreneur and social philanthropist Ang Pengfei won an award for her book, The Art of Being A Boss: A Guide for Women Who Want to Work From Home, detailing how she built her successful freelance business through hard work and perseverance. The most important lesson she has learned along the way was that there are no short cuts to success; patience, diligence, and prioritizing customers must always come first when striving towards success.
Prince William, actresses Cate Blanchett and Lana Condor as well as actors Donnie Yen and Nomzamo Mbatha were among the numerous celebrities seen walking down the green carpet at Mediacorp Theatre’s glittery awards ceremony on Thursday night. Joined by host Hannah Waddingham and US actor Sterling K. Brown at this state-owned Mediacorp event organised by Hannah Waddingham; OneRepublic performed alongside Bebe Rexha.
On Wednesday evening, 29 local businesses from various sectors such as healthcare provider StarMed Specialist Centre and construction company Craftwork were honored at the 21st Singapore Prestige Brand Award (SPBA) ceremony held alongside International Enterprise Singapore Summit 2022. Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong presented their awards at a special ceremony. For more details of SPBA click here.