The Singapore Prize celebrates excellence in books published by authors in the nation’s four official languages: Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil. This year’s competition marked a return to a physical format and offered 12 top prizes in each of the languages, plus a prestigious Book of the Year title chosen from subsidiary award winners.
The glitzy awards ceremony was hosted by Emmy-winning actress Hannah Waddingham and three-time actor Sterling K. Brown, with performers including the bands Bastille and One Republic. Actors Cate Blanchett, Lana Condor and Donnie Yen, and Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin also presented. In keeping with the sustainability theme, the Prince of Wales wore a 10-year-old dark green blazer from Alexander McQueen for the occasion.
Young violinist Travis Wong won the coveted Andrea Postacchini International Violin Competition in Fermo, Italy, beating older competitors three times his age. In doing so, he became the youngest winner of the prize since its establishment in 1955. The 9-year-old’s triumph earned him a trophy, a medal from the Senate of the Italian Republic and a special plaque.
In an era when many people have become used to digital and social media-driven news, the prestigious awards are a welcome reminder that the printed word remains a powerful tool in our society. The prizes were established by a private fund donated by the late Emeritus Professor Chia Boon Lock, who was widely known as Singapore’s “Father of Cardiology”.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Singapore began testing wastewater for the virus to monitor and predict its spread. This practice, known as wastewater-based epidemiology, was made possible by the research of a Dutch microbiologist named Prof Gertjan Medema. He was awarded this year’s Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize for his work, which tightens the connection between the water and health sectors.
Athletes often spend years training for a shot at glory, but only the best and most determined find success on the world stage. To ensure that a large percentage of Singapore’s athletes have the opportunity to realise their dreams, the National Olympic Council in 1990 introduced the Major Games Award Programme to encourage them by providing cash incentives for medal winners. The programme has since grown to include a range of categories including disabled sportsmen and women, as well as coaches who have nurtured their stars. The medals are engraved with the words “SINGAPORE PRIDE” and bear the State Arms. The lion is a symbol of Singapore’s national heritage, and the medals are designed to reflect this rich legacy. Each is minted in a weight and quality that is consistent with the highest standards of quality and fine craftsmanship worldwide. They are distributed by the Ministry of Defence through the Defence Services Welfare Foundation. They are available to all Singaporean military personnel and their families, as well as Singaporeans who have served in the armed forces of other countries. The medals are valid for life and can be redeemed up to 30 years after the date of issue.