Prince William hosted an opulent ceremony to announce the winners of the 2023 Singapore Prize on Thursday evening, sporting a dark green blazer to match Mediacorp Theatre’s carpet. This prestigious literary award, established locally since 1973, recognizes works that advance public ideas while this year also adding categories honoring debut writers, translators and comic-book authors.
John Miksic of NUS history department was awarded this prize for his book entitled, “Singapore And The Silk Road Of The Sea, 1300-1800.” Using archaeological evidence gathered throughout Southeast Asia to reconstruct Singapore’s pre-colonial past and place it within regional context, Miksic debunked popular misconceptions about Singapore history that began with Sir Stamford Raffles arriving.
The NUS History Prize’s shortlist comprises six works, such as biographies of Singaporeans and an unconventional novel which goes beyond traditional views of history as being about big players alone. Judges appointed by the NUS President selected winning titles based on their ability to inform and inspire.
Whoever wishes to replicate the success of this year’s prize winners can take heart: submissions will open again on April 15, with an early bird discount available until July 31. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate how their book will make an impactful statement about its relevance in society, while meeting grand challenges of our time.
This year’s Earthshot Prize will feature an exciting event series as part of Earthshot Week starting November 6th in Singapore. Global leaders, businesses and investors will gather together to explore opportunities with prize winners to accelerate solutions and drive real world action; there will also be local activations events where members of the public can engage with Earthshot winners and their work.
Mahbubani suggested that, going forward, the NUS history prize may expand into fiction and movies in future, since certain stories can often be better conveyed with these forms. He used the movie 12 Years A Slave as an example.
The NUS prize will be decided upon by an expert panel from universities and other institutions from around the globe, comprising academics in their respective fields from universities. More information regarding how to apply for and judge for the prize can be found here.