The first ever singapore prize, which honours the best book on Singapore history, has been awarded to archaeologist John Miksic. The prize, which has a cash prize of S$50,000, was mooted by former diplomat Kishore Mahbubani in a 2014 opinion column and launched with the help of an anonymous donor. He said the award will “change how people think about Singapore and the place of its history in Asia”.
Miksic spent nearly a decade writing his book on how early Singapore began, which he hopes will set the record straight. It is based on his research of excavations and literary records, including a mention of “Longyamen” (Dragon Teeth’s Gate) by Chinese trader Wang Dayuan in the 13th century, as well as fragments found at various sites.
He said he is thrilled with the win, which he described as “a fantastic prize”. “This is the kind of work that makes a difference in how we understand our own place in the world,” he added. The winner was selected by a five-member jury panel chaired by Prof Mahbubani and comprising eminent scholars such as Dr Miksic, NUS Department of Southeast Asian Studies; Tan Tai Yong, President of the University of Singapore; Professor Peter Coclanis, director of Global Research Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; and economist Lam San Ling.
The panel said it was inspired by the “unique Singapore story” and hopes to “encourage greater interest in the nation’s past and its role in shaping future generations”. The other books that were shortlisted are:
Several celebrities attended the awards ceremony, which was held at the state-owned Media Corp theatre. Actor Sterling K Brown hosted the event, and wore a dark green blazer from the sustainable label Alexander McQueen. Other presenters included singers Bastille, OneRepublic and Cate Blanchett. Australian actor Donnie Yen also wore an old suit, as did fashion designers Jeremy Scott and Stella McCartney.
In line with the sustainability theme, the ceremony also saw participants walk a green carpet. In keeping with the eco-friendly theme, the organisers have launched an initiative called Earthshot Week, which will see “global leaders and businesses convene in Singapore to accelerate their solutions and bring about tangible action to repair our planet”.
The winners will be unveiled at a ceremony in November. Submissions can be in the form of non-fiction and fiction from around the world, so long as they have clear historical themes about Singapore. Those interested can visit the website to find out more. Voting forms will be available at all Singapore Pools outlets until October 2. The public can select their favourite among six compelling titles. The NUS Singapore History Prize is administered by the NUS Department of History. A medal, designed by artist Ang Yew, adorns the winning book. It is a stylised rosette of undulating folds, with on the obverse side a disc with a bar to each side upon which a crescent and five stars are embossed. It is also adorned with two laurels.