Prince William of Britain made an official visit to Singapore this week in order to meet innovators and entrepreneurs tackling climate change. While in town, he announced the winners of his Royal Foundation charity’s 2023 Earthshot Prize; five finalists–such as an Indian manufacturer of solar-powered dryers, soil carbon marketplace, electric car battery cleaners and organizations working towards Andean forest restoration–were feted Tuesday at Theatre Mediacorp with Prince William sporting an elegant dark velour suit complete with matching bow.
Kishore Mahbubani, distinguished fellow at NUS Asia Research Institute and jury chairman, described this prize as an affirmation that anyone can write about Singapore history without needing to be an academic historian. Mahbubani noted that Ms Hidayah Kampong Gelam who won this year’s prize spent five years researching her work, receiving invaluable input from former residents living nearby Gedung Kuning who provided personal input that greatly assisted in its completion. Mahbubani applauded Ms Kampong Gelam’s book which told an impactful story that would resonate long after she had finished. He commended her book’s ability to tell a lasting story which would leave an impactful legacy among Singaporeans today and tomorrow.
Mahbubani noted that one of the finalists, WildAid Marine Program’s global non-profit arm, works to strengthen enforcement to deter illegal fishing and strengthen ocean conservation, among other initiatives. Mahbubani noted that solutions presented by all finalists demonstrate there remains hope as society faces up to climate change and other major issues.
Imperial Creatures by British-Singaporean author Ning Cai explores human-animal relations during colonial Singapore. Cai, who teaches at National University of Singapore, told Rice Media that her award was especially meaningful as students recognized both its value and significance in developing Singapore culture. “[They] know its worth!” she noted.
The NUS Singapore History Prize was first introduced in 2014 and awarded every three years since then. Its inaugural prize went to archaeologist John Miksic for his book Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800. Submissions can come from any location that explore Singaporean history whether written in English or translated into English for consideration.
The IPS Awards Committee would love to receive nominations of outstanding physics-related works from members of the community. For instructions on submitting nominations, please visit our webpage here. The Awards Committee will then review all submissions before selecting their short-listed nominees in October 2021; nominations will remain on file for 2 years for further consideration if needed. For any inquiries please email us here or reach out directly with questions here – thank you so much for taking an interest and we hope we’ll hear from you soon! IPS takes great pride in celebrating achievements of Singaporeans excelling in various fields and sectors – we hope soon hear from soon!