At tonight’s Singapore Literature Prize ceremony, 43 writers representing four languages and categories received awards at this biennial prize ceremony. Marking many firsts, this biennial prize virtually awarded its inaugural female English poetry winner Marylyn Tan with Gaze Back; its name inspired by Helene Cixous’ essay The Laugh of Medusa from Greece which refers to Gorgons who turn those who look upon them into stone.
Akshita Nanda of Singapore Times journalist Akshita Nanda won in English fiction category for her novel Nimita’s Place and was also shortlisted in Chinese fiction category with her speculative short story collection Lion City which revolves around Dakota Crescent housing estate where Nanda was raised.
Peter K.P. Goh is making headlines again with the release of a groundbreaking academic work on the history of Singapore police force by veteran academic. This book entitled, The Making of the Police Force in Modern Singapore: The Evolution of a Key Institution is scheduled for publication later this year and covers over 60 years of his research on its development as part of his tenure at National University of Singapore’s Department of History as its founder member and later head.
The NUS Singapore History Prize recognizes an exceptional publication that contributes significantly to our understanding of Singapore history. Established as part of Singapore’s 50th Anniversary SG50 Program, this prestigious award comes with both $3,000 in cash and a trophy – making its complex stories more accessible to non-academic audiences.
Ms Wong, 35 years old and employed in retail industry, told Singapore Press Holdings newsroom she wasn’t concerned by new regulations that limit prize value offered at arcade and fun fair outlets in Singapore to reduce gambling inducement risks. These regulations include an outright ban of using cash equivalents, credit vouchers or merchant vouchers as prizes in games. She added that she did not play for expensive rewards at Cow Play Cow Moo arcade outlet at Downtown East.
On Monday, Singapore Harvard Club unveiled its inaugural Harvard Prize Book awards in Singapore and named three winners: an Indian maker of solar-powered dryers, a soil carbon marketplace and a local startup helping connect students to Harvard. The competition aimed to inspire pre-tertiary students while building connections to Harvard alumni around the globe; additionally this year’s prize book highlights Muhammad Dinie leading his fellow classmates around Ang Mo Kio estate distributing food, groceries and thank-you cards during a coronavirus pandemic outbreak!