The singapore prize was launched in 2014, in support of the SG50 programme to mark Singapore’s 50th anniversary as a republic. The prize is awarded annually to an outstanding book on Singapore’s history. It carries a monetary award of S$50,000. It is open to books written in English. The winner of the prize receives a certificate and a medallion. There are also runners-up prizes.
Professor Miksic’s book, Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800, won the inaugural prize. His book is the first to focus on the maritime trade that forged modern Singapore. The book also draws on archaeological finds, especially from China, Japan and India. The book was hailed by experts from around the world for its meticulous research and detailed depictions of life in ancient Singapore.
He is now focusing on other work on Asian history, including the role of Buddhist monks in early China. His next book, a history of Buddhism in Tibet and China, is due to be published in 2022. He will also work with NUS Press to set up a website on the ancient artefacts discovered in Singapore, which will be accessible to the public free of charge.
The book is available at Kinokuniya bookstores and online. Prof Miksic will be using the proceeds of the book to conduct more archaeological excavations in Southeast Asia. He will also work with NUS’ department of history to teach students about the past through his book.
Prof Kishore Mahbubani, senior advisor (university and global relations), said: “We have considered expanding the prize to include other forms of creative works such as movies, comic books and so on. This is because sometimes a historical story can be told more effectively in other formats than just a book.”
The awards ceremony, held at the Mediacorp Theatre, was a return to normality following a postponement during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was hosted by actors Hannah Waddingham and Sterling K. Brown, and featured performances from the bands Bastille, One Republic and Bebe Rexha. Actors Cate Blanchett, Lana Condor and Nomzamo Mbatha walked the green carpet. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who is also a trustee of the Earthshot prize board, was among those present.
Other winners included poetry writer Alllkunila, who won the English category; and non-fiction writers Wang Gungwu and rma cureess, who won the Chinese and Tamil categories respectively. The shortlist was smaller than last year’s 106 entries, as the pool of submissions shrank amid the pandemic. Nevertheless, the organisers remain confident that the prize is still important to the literary scene in Singapore. “It’s an indicator that our writers are able to find interesting and compelling subjects in times of turmoil,” Ms Chang said. Ms Chang added that the prize aims to help the general public develop a greater understanding of Singapore’s history. “We hope to reach out to people of all ages and backgrounds, and this year’s selections reflect that,” she said.
