What is a Singapore Prize?
Singapore prizes are awards given in recognition of an achievement or feat, often including money or recognition in form. Although typically given to individuals, prizes may also be distributed among teams or organizations as an incentive to do better work or take risks in their endeavors.
Winners of this year’s SG Breakthrough Prize will receive seed funding, access to potential mentors, and pitch their idea at global forums. In addition, they’ll have the chance to exhibit their project at a special exhibition designed to draw international interest and investment – while ultimately the top eight will have an opportunity at winning the grand prize of $1 Million Cash Grant and Trip to Silicon Valley.
This year’s jury is looking for projects that demonstrate how design can transform cities into vibrant, sustainable and liveable places. Additionally, this prize aims to demonstrate design’s impact in meeting key urban goals like encouraging innovation and economic transformation while improving quality of life and further developing Singaporean brand, culture and community.
This year’s shortlist features both non-fiction and fiction works, many with personal narratives such as Kamaladevi Aravindan’s novel Sembawang (2020) by Kamaladevi Aravindan that chronicles life in a housing estate over five decades – unlike previous years when this prize focused mainly on historical tomes or biographies of notable individuals.
The winner will receive a trophy, gold medallion, and award certificate as part of this prize package. They may also qualify to take advantage of standard Tour event-winning benefits, including two or more season exemptions on the Tour as well as key event berths. Furthermore, they may utilize logos and promotional materials from this prize in their marketing campaigns.
The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, to be given out in June at a special ceremony in Singapore, aims to encourage sustainability among cities. This biennial international prize honors those that have taken bold and innovative steps toward combatting climate change and creating more eco-friendly ways of life.
This Prize is the first multidisciplinary competition of its kind, celebrating and recognising excellence in city design and architecture worldwide. Judged by an esteemed jury comprising architects, planners and designers from around the globe. Additionally, local activations events for public engagement provide additional engagement opportunities with this innovative competition.
Tan Kay Ngee was honored with this year’s prize in recognition of his significant contribution to architectural practice and education in Singapore and globally over four decades. His notable body of work includes everything from heritage buildings to contemporary skyscrapers; while his design philosophy and writings have further advanced a more accessible and meaningful understanding of architecture.