The Singapore Prize recognises individuals who have made a mark with their business and shaped the world around them. This unique award programme is the only one of its kind in the region, and it honours individuals whose businesses are constantly reshaping the world through innovation and creativity.

The event, which was hosted by Lianhe Zaobao and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (Asme), saw many prominent industry figures come together to celebrate the achievements of these outstanding entrepreneurs at the Hall of Fame awards gala. The event was also an opportunity to learn more about how SMEs can improve their branding efforts and leverage emerging trends like digitalisation and generative artificial intelligence.

Unlike most book prizes in Singapore, the NUS history prize seeks to broaden its definition of history, welcoming writings on different time periods and themes relating to the country’s past. Its founder, Professor Kishore Mahbubani, says there are even plans to expand the prize beyond books to include movies and comic books, as they could also convey historical messages better than academic works do.

This year’s shortlist features authors from different genres, with two directors of the Singapore Writers Festival making it into the English poetry category. The nonfiction section includes a work by an archaeologist and another by a social worker, both vying for the top spot. In the novel category, Kamaladevi Aravindan’s Sembawang, published in 2020, focuses on life at her family’s estate over five decades.

All the shortlisted novels will be displayed at a pop-up bookstore in the National Library of Singapore until March next year, with the public encouraged to vote for their favourite. The winner of the Readers’ Choice Award will receive $1,000 Singapore dollars.

The awards were handed out at a ceremony that featured performances by Bastille and One Republic, as well as celebrity guests including Jeremy Tiang. Besides the main prizes, the awards also awarded the winners of the inaugural Earthshot Prize, a PS1m award that recognises green innovators.

The IPS Awards Committee would be delighted to accept nominations for outstanding physics research and innovative physics education by eminent scientists who are Elected Members of the IPS and have strong Singaporean ties. To submit a nomination, please click here. Nominations will be kept for 2 years for review. The winning nominees will be notified by end of May 2024.