Translators, comic-book authors and debut writers now stand a chance at winning one of Singapore’s prestigious literary prizes for their published works. On Jan 11, award organiser the Singapore Book Council (SBC) announced three additional categories for its 2024 Singapore Literature Prize to recognise “an increasingly diverse publishing landscape and growing pool of local talent”, according to SBC.
Prince William arrived in Singapore for the third annual Earthshot Prize awards with an enthralling welcome from hundreds of cheering fans at Jewel Changi Airport, many holding handmade signs and Union Jack flags with pictures of late mother Princess Diana attached. Prince William will spend one week celebrating innovations and impact through local activations initiatives during his visit.
Prince William addressed the celebration with gratitude, noting his excitement to support’smart and innovative companies who are driving the world towards a more sustainable future’. He expressed pride that Earthshot Prize winners were carrying on in their fathers and grandfathers footsteps by working to repair our planet, calling on others to join him in tackling some of our greatest challenges of today.
Archaeologist John Miksic won the inaugural Singapore History Prize presented by National University of Singapore Department of History as part of their SG50 programme to commemorate 50 years of independence for Singapore. A four-member jury panel led by Kishore Mahbubani of NUS was responsible for selecting this work as being “outstanding contributions to our understanding of Singapore’s past”.
Notable highlights from this year’s shortlists include two 91-year-old writers being recognized in both English and Malay creative nonfiction categories; poet Edwin Thumboo was shortlisted in English fiction, English poetry and Chinese poetry categories simultaneously for the first time; Yeow Kai Chai, Pooja Nansi, Mok Zining who have all previously been listed with SLP were also shortlisted; Wang Gungwu has also been listed in both categories of creative nonfiction writing.
