The Singapore Prize recognizes writing’s power to enhance our lives. Every year, this prize gives recognition to an original book published in Singapore written in any language and judged to have contributed most effectively to an understanding of Singapore and its place in the world. Judges include leading academics, writers and publishing professionals; one book from each language published is selected. Winners of this prestigious prize receive both cash award and trophy as well as being given official citations at an official ceremony.
The Prize is a joint initiative of National Library Board and National University of Singapore and serves as Singapore’s only literary award which honours works written in all four languages: Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil. Since its introduction, more than 30 books worth S$1.3 million have been presented as awards to authors and publishers alike.
Last night marked an evening of firsts at the biennial Singapore Prize, as Marylyn Tan made history by becoming the first woman ever to win in English poetry, as well as double wins by Chinese and English fiction writers. Gaze Back by Marylyn Tan is an unabashed and provocative debut collection that covers taboo topics such as menstruation to sexuality with striking honesty; its title alludes to French feminist theorist Helene Cixous’ essay about Medusa who’s gaze turns people to stone.
Jury Panel also recognized two non-fiction titles from Lynn Wong Yuqing and Lee Kok Leong: Reviving Qixi: Singapore’s Forgotten Seven Sisters Festival and Theatres of Memory: Industrial Heritage of 20th Century Singapore by Alex Tan Tiong Hee, Lynn Wong Yuqing, Koh Keng Wee and Juria Toramae – each providing unique insights into Singaporean social and cultural history; with Reviving Qixi uncovering forgotten festivals while the latter delving deeper into understudied labour/industrial histories respectively.
Two of the three finalists for the Earthshot Prize received funding of S$300,000 each to scale up their solutions for a more sustainable planet. This included solar dryer manufacturers, soil carbon marketplace and global non-profit that works with governments to bolster enforcement against illegal fishing – each was honored at an awards ceremony hosted in Singapore by Britain’s Prince William on Tuesday evening.
Conservation International’s third prize – a S$500,000 grant from them – aims to advance environmental sustainability across Southeast Asia. They possess in-depth knowledge of conservation programs and funding models in Southeast Asia, and will apply this expertise when selecting winners of this year’s prize, connecting it with partners committed to finding sustainable solutions for people and nature alike. CI has previously awarded grants through WWF; now, for the second year running they are partnering with Conservation International; they will select three finalists in Science & Technology category whose recipients will be decided upon by Conservation International by September; read all about them here and apply here