In the field of literature, Singapore’s most prestigious home-grown prize has long been a showcase for authors who have made an impact on their readers. But in its 30th year, the Singapore prize has expanded to include a new award for comics and graphic novels by debut writers, along with two categories of nonfiction and poetry. Clara Chow, whose novel In the Eyes of the Tiger is one of this year’s shortlisted titles, was the first writer in the program’s history to be nominated in three categories and in both English and Chinese.
The Prince of Wales has hit the road to Singapore for his third Earthshot Prize ceremony — the first ever to be held in Asia. The event will celebrate the work of five winners whose solutions to climate change problems range from growing and tracking trees to making electric car batteries greener. William says the 15 finalists have shown that “hope does remain” as we confront threats to our planet.
Among the stars joining William on Tuesday’s glitzy red carpet at the state-owned Media Corp theater were Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham and actor Sterling K. Brown. Actress Nomzano Mbatha, musician Bebe Rexha and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern were also on hand to honor the five winners in nature protection, clean air, ocean revival, waste elimination and climate change.
The prizes were handed out at the same time as a panel discussion on the topic of race and identity in a world of increasing globalization, led by historian and journalist Huey Lewis and a dozen experts in their respective fields.
In the category of nonfiction, Professor John Miksic of NUS’ Department of History won for his book Leluhur: Singapore’s Kampong Glam. The book, a nonfiction work with a personal slant, shines a light on the history of a cosmopolitan area that was once a trading and cultural center for many Asian people. The prize jury praised its “fundamental reinterpretation” of the history of Singapore, and noted that the author had spent more than five years researching it.
Several of the winning books focus on the lives of ordinary people who are trying to make the world a better place. Another winner, a book on Singapore’s food and restaurants by writer Jeremy Lee, looks at the ways that restaurants shape the country and the way it is perceived by outsiders.
The prize carries a $30,000 cash award. It is open to publications in any genre, written or translated into Singaporean languages, and published between 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2024. The prize has been given every three years since its inception in 2014. This year, five writers have been shortlisted in two or more categories. The winner of the Singapore Literature Prize (SLP) for English fiction will be announced on March 19. The SLP awards are governed by the Singapore Book Council. The awards were introduced in 2014 in support of the national programmes to mark the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s independence.