Singapore prizes are given out each year to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions in any field, typically measured against merit rather than political or religious affiliation. Awards may also recognize achievement in arts or business fields. Awards can be presented publicly at ceremonies or privately through panels of judges who announce criteria and procedures at least one year ahead.
This month, the inaugural Singapore History Prize was given out for an American historian’s book that chronicled Singapore’s battle to survive its turbulent start and find its place within Asia. A panel of five judges led by Wang Gungwu from National University of Singapore East Asian Institute selected Prof Miksic’s work whose primary theme is how early Singaporeans managed to overcome obstacles through creative solutions and reach success.
On Tuesday night, five winners of the Earthshot Prize were honored at an elegant awards ceremony held at Mediacorp Theatre. Prince William of Britain initiated the prize back in 2020 in order to protect our earth and was present wearing his 10-year-old dark green Alexander McQueen blazer; Donnie Yen, Lana Condor, Nomzano Mbatha as well as Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin were among others present.
Sustainability was at the heart of the event, so a green carpet was set out for celebrities to walk on. Notable attendees included Prince Yen and Mbatha wearing recycled clothing from McCartney & Stella McCartney designers as well as Singapore ministers, singers One Republic & Bastille as well as environmentalists such as the founder of Climate Reality Project.
On his visit, Prince Philip will meet Singaporeans and visit local organizations that are working on pressing environmental issues like biodiversity loss and climate change. Additionally, he will attend the United for Wildlife summit, an event which brings together law enforcement agencies, conservation groups and businesses to combat illegal wildlife products estimated to be worth $20 billion per year globally.
While in Singapore, the prince will try his hand at dragon boating – an immensely popular pastime in Singapore. Additionally, he will plant a Tembusu tree at Jurong Hill – marking it the first time any foreign dignitary has done so. In addition, he will participate in community activity at Singapore River alongside young members in cleaning up a stretch. Later that evening he will meet representatives of food, technology, health and beauty industries to see how they are meeting sustainability challenges; on his final day there he will host forum about role of science in society with discussion regarding importance of creativity before joining roundtable discussions related to innovation and sustainable business practice.