The Singapore Prize is an annual literary award presented by the Singapore government that honors writers in various categories. Winners receive monetary awards, an elegant trophy hand-crafted in Singapore and an annual subscription to audiobook platform StoryTel – in total 132 artists have received this highest arts honour since its establishment.

Archaeologist John Miksic won this year’s prize, presented Tuesday. His book Singapore And The Silk Road Of The Sea, 1300-1800 disproved a common myth about Singaporean history beginning with Sir Stamford Raffles landing. A four-member panel selected the book; its selection was overseen by chairman of NUS East Asian Institute Wang Gungwu and academic Kishore Mahbubani.

This award, sponsored by the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Department of History and launched in 2014 as part of SG50 (SG 50 is Singapore’s programme commemorating 50 years since independence), was the inaugural history prize here; and since its debut, has been given out every three years.

Judges for this prize included historians and experts in international affairs, business and culture; their winning authors’ works will be displayed around Singapore to encourage readers to explore new ideas and learn more about Singapore’s past. A Readers’ Favourite award was also given out this time around with over 4,000 participants participating; four writers–Ali bin Salim, Daryl Qilin Yam, Pan Zheng Lei (Pan Cheng Lui), rma cureess (Rama Suresh), Pan Zheng Lei (Pan Cheng Lui), and rma cureesss(Rama Suresh)–each winning S$1,000; their voters could win book vouchers worth up to $50!

Prince William of Great Britain and Honorary President of the prize, was present for this year’s ceremony held on Tuesday. He praised the five green innovators who received a $1 Million prize as shining lights of optimism, noting their tireless work in combatting some of today’s biggest environmental challenges. His remarks came one day after arriving in Hong Kong for his inaugural trip to Asia since 2003, joined by such notables as actress Cate Blanchett and Ted Lasso actor Hannah Waddingham. Vogue Ventures sponsors this award to recognize fashion entrepreneurs with potential in accessible design, eco-sustainability and digital fashion. In turn, Vogue Ventures equips these innovators with best-in-class support – including industry insights, financial aid and access to a network of resources – before their application period opens up again in 2021.