The Singapore Prize is an annual award presented to publications that have made a lasting contribution to Singaporean history. Organized by the Department of History at NUS with support from National Book Development Council and National Library Board, this competition began in 2021 and is open to authors who have written on any aspect of Singapore’s past – be it literature, education titles or professional works. Winners of this prestigious accolade receive cash awards, trophies and an audiobook platform called Storytel as prizes.

This year’s prize saw an unprecedented entry rate, with 235 submissions received from across Canada and internationally. A jury comprised of literary figures and academics selected the shortlisted titles. Following that process, winners were revealed during a ceremony that also featured performances by internationally acclaimed artists and musicians.

NUS’s Leluhur: Singapore Kampong Gelam won first prize. This non-fiction work with a personal angle illuminates a region many now only know through tourism. The judges lauded its author for seamlessly weaving archival research with primary sources to personal inputs into her narrative, adding that their win proves anyone can write history books about Singapore without necessarily being an academic historian.

Professor Miksic noted that this prize sends an important signal to the public that ordinary Singaporean lives have stories worth telling. He was delighted that this year’s theme, ‘Inclusive Science, Technology, and Innovation for Resilient and Sustainable Environments’ is well represented by this winning title.

Sonny Liew’s The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye won him international recognition last week when it won Best International Comic at the Eisner Awards (known as Oscars of comic industry). Liew attributes its success to its global recognition.

Neo4j, an award-winning graph data platform originating in Singapore and recognized for technological innovation, took home one of three awards this year – Most Innovative Graph Data Platform 2022 being its prize. As one of only two Singaporean firms to have received such an honor. Philanthropists gave out these awards, intended to inspire winners to continue developing their innovations and ideas. Furthermore, winners received mentorship from leaders within the global technology industry. Apart from the main prizes, the awards also recognised organisations leading green growth in Singapore. One such award category was won by Singapore as they received recognition for their efforts in green infrastructure and environmental sustainability, while other winners included social entrepreneurs, business leaders and scientists – each having the chance to network with peers and potential investors at this event.