SINGAPORE – An archaeologist’s book detailing Singapore history won this year’s Singapore prize for literary works. Professor John Miksic’s Leluhur: Singapore Kampong Gelam won the 2021 NUS Singapore History Prize, established with an anonymous S$500,000 donation by an philanthropist from Singapore. This prize honors English books that have had an exceptional effect on our understanding of Singapore history and people. Plans were announced to broaden the category to include fiction, movies or comics with strong historical themes. “Our aim is to ensure Singaporeans gain a deeper insight into our past,” NUS Professor Kishore Mahbubani who chaired the prize jury told reporters after Wednesday (Oct 25) awards ceremony.

Prince William presented the third Earthshot Prize at an elegant gala dinner hosted by the U.S. National Science Foundation on Tuesday night in Los Angeles. Billed as an international gathering of innovators and entrepreneurs looking for solutions to some of Earth’s most pressing problems, this ceremony brought together innovators and entrepreneurs seeking answers for Earth’s pressing problems.

Hosted by Ted Lasso actor Hannah Waddingham and Emmy-award winner Sterling K Brown, this event highlighted the inspirational stories of 15 finalists from around the globe. Celebrities including Cate Blanchett, Nomzamo Mbatha and Robert Irwin attended to honor and celebrate this year’s winners and finalists.

As well as honoring local businesses, the inaugural Singapore Prestige Brand Awards also recognize not-for-profit organisations using branding to reach their goals. At this inaugural awards ceremony recognizing businesses with proven success and the potential to become global leaders, suicide-prevention agency Samaritans of Singapore was honored with a Special Merit award for non-profit sector organizations.

The judging panel, comprising experts from the marketing industry and business community, assessed each entry against two criteria: ‘a well-developed and compelling narrative that conveys brand story” and “an effective strategy to build strong brand platform”. Lianhe Zaobao editor Han Yong May made the final selection, with each prize winner receiving both an awards plaque and certificate of recognition as prizes. Winner brands will also appear in a special advertising section on the newspaper’s front page and online, while 300 people from both the public and business community were present for their prize ceremony. The event was hosted by Changi Airport Group and sponsored by MediaCorp as well as the National Trade Union Congress. Furthermore, various partners including the American Embassy in Singapore and Singapore Tourism Board provided sponsorship for prizes awarded at this event. Entrants can enter for free and prizes range from cash vouchers to tickets for events. All entries should be submitted through the official website between now and 23 December; winners will be announced by end-January with details on how to claim their prize.