Homegrown companies continue to invest in branding and other marketing efforts despite an uncertain business environment, and this new prize aims to recognize their work while serving as an inspiration to other small enterprises. Lianhe Zaobao launched the inaugural Singapore Prize last week; this initiative is supported by both Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development as well as NTUC Enterprise and comprises two award categories – Special Merit Award (SMA) and Main Award.
The special merit prize recognises not-for-profit organisations and public agencies that can develop effective branding strategies that engage their target audiences effectively. Three finalists will receive cash and publicity opportunities. A panel of judges including Lianhe Zaobao’s editorial team and NTUC Enterprise’s will select the winner(s).
Prof Miksic’s book was chosen by a four-member jury led by NUS Asia Research Institute distinguished fellow Kishore Mahbubani, who believes it deserves the prize as it provides “an extensive reinterpretation of Singapore history”. Mahbubani notes how bits of evidence from literary records such as poems alluded to its existence during 13th and 14th century – including references made by Chinese traders such as Wang Dayuan.
Seven Hundred Years: A History Of Singapore by historians Kwa Chong Guan and Tan Tai Yong is another contender for the NUS History Prize; published by NUS Press here in 2019. Additionally, Kamaladevi Aravindan’s novel Sembawang details life on an estate for fifty years without emphasizing big players such as politicians or industrialists – offering an alternative perspective of history as more than simply recording important people or events.
At Mediacorp’s theatre in Singapore, an extravagant ceremony hosted by actress Hannah Waddingham and actor Sterling K Brown took place. Along with other presenters, they walked a green carpet that perfectly complemented William’s 10-year-old dark green velour suit worn over 10 years ago. Other presenters, such as New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Saifuddin Abdullah wore long black sparkling ball gowns as guests looked on from behind glass walls.
Prince William presented the prize, applauding all those involved in raising awareness about climate change. He will visit Singapore this week as part of an outreach programme, to gain a better understanding of how Singapore is helping combat illegal wildlife trade. Illegal wildlife trade accounts for an estimated annual death toll of 100,000 elephants and rhinoceroses. He will also meet citizens to better understand how they are protecting the environment, and participate in events hosted under Earthshot’s United for Wildlife Summit aimed at providing solutions for a more sustainable future. This summit brings together law enforcement and conservation groups for discussion on ways of combatting illegal wildlife trade, among other events that aim to foster environmental protection.