The Singapore Prize, previously known as the National Book Council (Singapore) prize, honours outstanding published works in any of Singapore’s four official languages – Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil. Its objective is to encourage reading in Singapore and recognise that the value of books and literary work goes beyond entertainment and education – it fosters a healthy society, and a lifelong love of reading.
The award also aims to recognise and reward Singapore authors for their contribution to literature, by recognising their writing that has enriched our cultural heritage. It has attracted top-quality entries from renowned writers, including Nobel laureates and one of today’s foremost living poets. It has served as an inspiration to generations of Singapore writers and readers.
This year, the prize was awarded to the book titled “The Rise and Fall of a Gangster” by Vincent Tong, which tells the story of Sam Hua, Singapore’s most dangerous gangster who was responsible for many deaths. This book “captures the deadly charisma of Sam Hua as well as his ability to change for the better at pivotal points in his career”, said the judges.
It was also voted the best book of the year in a popular choice vote by readers of The Straits Times. This is the first time a non-fiction work has won the prize. The prize was established in memory of Singapore’s second President, Lee Kuan Yew.
At a glittering awards ceremony at Mediacorp Campus, Accion Andina, GRST, WildAid Marine Programme, S4S Technologies and Boomitra were named the 2023 Winners of The Earthshot Prize, Asia’s leading climate action business accelerator. The event was hosted by Emmy Award winning actor and producer Sterling K Brown, with a star-studded line-up of performers, including Bebe Rexha, Bastille and Cate Blanchett.
A record number of submissions were received this year, and the final shortlist comprises six projects from across Singapore. These include a home built from salvaged materials, an eco-friendly restaurant in a food court and a new playground for children with a reimagined landscape.
“This year’s prize was highly competitive, with a wide variety of projects, both residential and commercial, from all over the world,” said the panel of judges. “The projects are all significant in their own way and reflect the growing interest in design for the common good.” They have been shortlisted alongside 14 other projects from around the globe. The full list of finalists can be found here.