The NUS Singapore History Prize is administered by the Department of History within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at National University of Singapore (NUS). Established by an anonymous donor in 2014, this Prize aims to recognise works that explore Singaporean history more broadly including traditional literary genres of English, Chinese and Malay literature as well as creative works like films, manga, comics or graphic novels. Awarded every three years.
The winner receives both a cash award and plaque; shortlisted entries will also be announced publically and featured on the program website. Book-length works relating to any time period, theme or field in Singaporean history will be considered; those interested should include some aspect of its history in their work.
Prof Miksic of the NUS History Department stated that Ms Hidayah’s book was both elegantly crafted and meticulously researched; thus offering us an in-depth exploration of Singapore’s past, and serving as evidence that anyone can create history books without needing professional knowledge of historical writing.
Ms Hidayah, who serves on the NUS History Prize jury, took five years to write her book, with two-three years spent interviewing people from Kampong Glam area and consulting primary sources such as maps and historical records for research. Her book covers 1786 to 1822 era history; an invaluable source for researchers and students of Singapore history alike.
An environmental prize launched by Prince William of Britain will host its inaugural awards ceremony in Asia on Nov 7th. Known as the Earthshot Prize, this global environmental award offers grants up to PS1 Million for innovative projects that target climate change or protect the planet. Winners may be presented with grants as large as PS100,000. At this event, globally-acclaimed musicians and artists may also perform.
The awards will take place at Singapore’s state-owned Mediacorp theatre and be co-hosted by actors Hannah Waddingham and Sterling K Brown, while notable attendees such as Cate Blanchett, Lana Condor, Donnie Yen and wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin will all attend. Celebrities will walk a ‘green carpet’ made of recycled materials. Prince William donned an eco-friendly outfit from his closet dating back 10 years paired with an Alexander McQueen recycled shirt to adhere to this year’s sustainability theme. This event will also be streamed live online and prizes awarded in honor of President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 “Moonshot” speech committing the US to landing man on the moon within 10 years. Additionally, winners’ solutions to climate change and environmental protection will be showcased during a ceremony featuring award winners including solar-powered dryers that combat food waste to making electric car batteries cleaner.
