On Nov 7, the winners of this year’s Singapore Prize – the world’s second-largest literary award for nonfiction and fiction written in English language — were revealed at a glittering ceremony at Singapore Theatre of Mediacorp, co-hosted by Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham and three-time Emmy winner Sterling K. Brown, with performances by bands Bastille, One Republic and Bebe Rexha as well as singer Bebe Rexha. Actors Cate Blanchett, Lana Condor Robert Irwin, Nomzamo Mbatha also made appearances, wearing gowns that coordinated with green carpet carpet they walked down.
Organizers selected “resonance” as this year’s theme to highlight how literature can elicit emotions and memories, particularly relevant as coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic spreads globally.
The main categories for the prize include fiction, nonfiction and Singaporean history writing; poetry works are also recognized and short films can compete for awards. Five writers were recognized this year; Clara Chow was nominated in three of those categories – making history by being the first writer nominated in three or more! It marks an accomplishment within this program’s 30-year history!
Archaeologist John Miksic won this year’s top nonfiction prize with his book Singapore And The Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800. Miksic disproves the popular notion that Singapore history began with Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival; thus making this award an honor not just for him personally but for entire nation and region as a whole. He thanked everyone involved with winning him award – “not just me personally but all Singapore and surrounding regions.”
Timothy P. Barnard’s book Imperial Creatures (2019; available here) examined the relationships between humans and animals in colonial Singapore. This work earned a finalist status with British Society for the History of Science’s Hughes Prize as well as recognition by UK National Book Award and Commonwealth Writers Prize as one of their top prize offerings; its top award includes $3,000 cash and an engraved trophy.
Prince William traveled to Singapore for the awards hosted by his foundation, Earthshot Prize. Throughout his four-day stay he will showcase prize finalists who are developing innovative projects designed to combat climate change. Between these activities, he’ll take part in the country’s traditional dragon boat festival and host a United for Wildlife global summit to address illegal wildlife trade. Additionally, he plans to visit local schools where students and teachers can meet him directly. Prince William of Cambridge will have a packed agenda ahead, as 10-year-old son George prepares for exams back home in England. For more on his trip to Singapore, see here for details of his itinerary. Temasek Trust, as an official founding partner of the Earthshot Prize, is funding his visit. Prince Charles serves on its board of trustees alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and notable philanthropists like Bill Gates and Elon Musk.