The Singapore Prize, bestowed every other year by the National Book Development Council of Singapore (NBDCS) and comprising awards in Chinese, English and Malay literature is one of Singapore’s highest-value literary prizes, offering cash prizes of $3,000 and an engraved trophy to its recipients. In 2018, 12 authors were recognized: alllkunilaa (Azhagunila), innnpaa (Inbha), Jee Leong Koh, Rama Suresh and Suratman Markasan to name just some.
The 2023 Singapore Prize judging panel includes prominent academics and community members such as Vincent Leow, art educator and founder of ArtsHub; artists Kumari Nahappan and Bala Starr; Michaelangelo Samson, Managing Director at Standard Chartered Bank; and Dr June Yap, director of Curatorial, Programs, and Publication at LASALLE College of the Arts. The prize is open to any work that explores Singapore history through book-length formats–whether nonfiction or fiction with distinct historical themes–that has clearly identified themes.
Before the grand finale in July, several talks will take place to highlight Singapore’s rich literary legacy. Authors, publishers and media will come together at these events to explore how books play an integral part in our cultural lives and societies.
Prince William will travel to Singapore next month as part of his trip through Southeast Asia and take part in various engagements there, including participating in the United for Wildlife global summit, which brings together law enforcement agencies and conservation groups to combat illegal wildlife trade. He will also meet Singaporeans who have made an impactful difference through sustainable innovation or sustainability efforts – gathering insight into their efforts for building more resilient economies.
At Victoria Theatre tonight (August 25), the 2022 biennial Singapore Literature Prize winners were unveiled, including established as well as emerging writers across 12 categories covering Chinese, English and Tamil writing. Wang Gungwu, 92 years old and survivor of WWII, won in English with his work ‘Snow at 5pm: Translations of an Insignificant Japanese Poet. Other winners included rma cureess who garnered two awards: Tamil and Readers’ Favourite Tamil categories. This year’s competition featured 43 entries, and each finalist won 10,000 Singapore dollars. Winners were honored by Edwin Thumboo, Minister of State for Culture, Community, and Youth; live coverage was available online via National Book Development Council’s YouTube channel.
