The Singapore prize is one of the nation’s most prestigious literary awards, honouring works in the country’s four official languages. The biennial prize is divided into 12 categories, recognizing writers in the language of their choice–Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil. This year’s theme is resonance, in which organizers hope to explore how books trigger memories and emotions in readers, particularly as the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage the region.
The winners of this year’s Singapore prize were announced on Tuesday (Aug. 25) at the Victoria Theatre. Clara Chow, a writer of English fiction and English creative nonfiction, made history as the first writer in the program’s 30-year existence to be shortlisted in three categories and two languages. In total, five writers were shortlisted in two or more of the 12 categories this year.
In the latest edition of the prize, the jury selected works of “exceptional quality” and distinguished themselves in a number of ways, including the way they were written and presented. The judges also took into account the work’s resonance, or the impact it has had on society and people.
One of the most prestigious awards in Singapore, the National Arts Council’s Arts Creation Fund, has been given a facelift to reflect modern trends and themes. The rebranding, which was done by an international design agency, aims to better represent the value of art and how it contributes to the country’s cultural landscape. The changes will also make it easier for people to find out more about the fund and its funding schemes.
The new look for the fund’s logo and website will be unveiled in October. The fund, which is a part of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, has been funded by the government for more than 20 years. It has awarded more than 650 grants in the past decade.
A global environmental prize founded by Britain’s Prince William will hold its awards ceremony in Singapore this autumn. The event, dubbed Earthshot, will see the 2023 winners announce their solutions to tackle climate change and protect the planet. Singapore, a city-state that prides itself on its green credentials, will provide a fitting venue for the celebrations.
The award ceremony will be held in November, to coincide with a series of events called Earthshot Week that will see global leaders, businesses and investors convene to accelerate the winners’ efforts to repair the planet. During this time, they will also have access to mentors and potential funders, and participate in workshops aimed at accelerating their solutions.
The prize will be supported by a range of strategic partners, including Temasek Trust, which will bring its experience in catalytic philanthropy and blended finance to the partnership, as well as conservation groups GenZero and Conservation International. Standard Chartered has joined the founding partners of the prize and will help to reach new audiences and expand the prize’s impact around the world. In addition, the bank will support the launch of the new Earthshot Singapore Alliance.