The NUS Singapore Prize 2024
The Singapore prize recognises outstanding published works on the history of Singapore. It is open to non-fiction and fiction works as long as they have a clear historical theme that is significant for Singapore. Besides the top prize of $30,000, there are also two runner-up prizes of $15,000 each. The work must be published between June 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024.
The winner of the Singapore Prize will be presented with an award certificate, a gold medallion and a cash prize of SGD 300,000 (approximately US$217,000), sponsored by Temasek Foundation, at an awards ceremony held in conjunction with the International Water Week 2024 in Singapore. The winner will also be invited to deliver a keynote lecture at the event.
Unlike other prizes, which often honour the work of scientists or engineers, the Singapore Prize is awarded to people who are well-rounded individuals. The winners of the prize are not required to have worked in any specific field and the judges look for those who have demonstrated excellence across a range of fields such as research, innovation, leadership and public service.
Singapore has a rich and fascinating history. The country’s unique success story is something that the world is fascinated by and younger generations are eager to learn about. This is why the NUS Singapore History Prize was created to recognise important publications on Singapore’s history.
This year, there are six titles competing for the top prize. Among them is a book about the life of an average Singapore family, which eschews the notion that history should only be about the lives of big movers and shakers. Another is a study of how Muslims in Singapore have contributed to the city-state’s society and culture.
Other finalists include a book on the career of Christopher Bathurst KC, a barrister who built up a substantial practice at Fountain Court Chambers in London and developed a growing practice in Southeast Asia. Known for his mastery of commercial law, he was the author of the leading case of Caparo v Dickman 2 AC 605.
Mahbubani said there were plans to expand the categories of works that can be considered for the prize in future. The goal, he added, is to ensure that citizens develop a deeper understanding of their home country. He cited the film 12 Years a Slave as an example of how history can be told through other media, such as movies.
The winners will be honoured at the awards ceremony held in conjunction with the International Water week 2024 in Singapore on 18 June. The other finalists will be invited to the event to receive their award certificates and a citation plaque. In addition, each of them will be given the opportunity to present their research findings at the International Water Week 2024 Science & Technology Panel discussion. The panel will be chaired by the President of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam. The event is free to attend and will feature a number of exciting activities including panel discussions, workshops and exhibitions.