The Singapore Prize annually recognizes and honours works published across Singapore’s four official languages (Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil) that have excelled as publications in their field. It aims to foster reading promotion while contributing to Singapore’s cultural heritage.

This year’s winners included two books – a Chinese-language novel about Vincent Tong’s rise as a gangster and an NUS history book on leftist political movements in Singapore – both of which focused on depicting historical events from an average person’s point of view, which award juries found helped readers better connect with and comprehend them.

Prize that recognizes and helps transform social issues as much as it does about winning top honours was presented for the first time at an award ceremony, with winners receiving their trophies from Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loon as well as special merit awards, cash prizes, and in-kind gifts for their efforts.

Loh, in his 40s, was among the lucky recipients when he won Singapore’s S$50,000 prize. Loh said the money would enable him to purchase both a car and new computer but was uncertain what else it would do with its remaining funds; Loh had been saving up for an investment opportunity but wasn’t ready yet – “I don’t feel ready yet to take on risky start-up investments”, so instead suggested placing his savings into real estate investments instead.

Prince William made an appearance at the third annual Earthshot ceremony held by Singapore Theatre Company on Tuesday. Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, actors Donnie Yen and Nomzano Mbatha and wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin also graced the green carpet alongside William. To fit with Earthshot’s sustainable theme, William donned an eco-friendly dark green suit by fashion house Alexander McQueen from his 10-year old wardrobe; other presenters also donned similar apparel during this green carpet walk.

The S$50,000 NUS Singapore History Prize went to a book that documented how modern Singapore was formed through leftist political movements and subsequent detentions of activists. Written by Prof Miksic of the NUS Department of History, his book represents nearly 30 years’ work at archaeological sites around Singapore. Though surprised at winning, Prof Miksic expressed gratitude toward all the volunteers who had assisted his research efforts by thanking all 1000 volunteers he had worked with on this book project.

On Wednesday evening at a dinner for winners at Ritz Carlton Millenia, an S$50,000 prize was awarded by a panel of judges led by Singapore MediaCorp TVB chairwoman. Finalists included non-profit organization Wild Rice and suicide prevention agency Samaritans of Singapore. The awards were part of the HOFS 2023 business conference, which brought together influential players from various niche sectors to share insights on how they can innovate and thrive in today’s increasingly competitive business environment. Supported by Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports as well as private sector partners, and featuring a panel discussion about how companies can make greater impacts through innovation.