In Singapore, we believe in taking risks and making a difference. But we also recognise the need to take a step back and consider the bigger picture. That’s why we created the singapore prize, a flagship programme of our Singapore Business Awards, to recognise outstanding entrepreneurs who make bold bets on future-ready technologies and solutions.
The prize – which carries a cash award of S$200,000 – was established in memory of the late Christopher Bathurst QC. Mr Bathurst was a leading member of Fountain Court Chambers in London and developed a substantial practice in Southeast Asia, especially Singapore. He was a well-loved cross-bench peer and was widely recognised as a formidable advocate, adviser and friend.
Winners of the singapore prize will be recognised during a ceremony at Mediacorp Campus on Tuesday, 7 November. The event will be held in conjunction with the inaugural Earthshot Week, which aims to convene global leaders and businesses to explore opportunities to accelerate solutions that tackle climate change and repair the planet.
In its first year, the prize honoured Professor John Miksic for his book Singapore And The Silk Road Of The Sea, 1300-1800, which synthesised 25 years of archaeological research into a 14th century port of Singapore. It was followed by Hidayah Amin’s Leluhur: The History Of Kampong Gelam, which presents the history of this important pre-colonial town and demonstrates how Singapore’s development was connected to that of other countries in Southeast Asia.
This year’s submissions were judged by a five-member Jury Panel, comprising senior figures in government and business, as well as academics from the NUS Department of History. They were assisted by the NUS Singapore History Prize Nominating Committee, which was made up of historians and scholars from the civil service and arts community.
Prof Mahbubani also extended his thanks to the organising committee, sponsors, participants and other supporters of the NUS Singapore History Prize for their help in reviewing the twenty-six books that publishers submitted. He said that this was a remarkable effort, given the short turnaround time, and he was particularly grateful to Nanyang Girls’ High School and Hwa Chong Institute for helping him secure entries from their students, as well as members of the public who donated family genealogical records to the National Library Board.
The NUS Singapore History Prize was launched in 2024 to honour works of historical significance and to inspire a greater appreciation of the rich heritage of our nation. It is open to authors of book-length works in English (written or translated) that focus on any period, theme or field of Singaporean history, or contain a significant aspect of Singaporean history within a wider narrative. For more information about the NUS Singapore History Prize and submission guidelines, please visit their website.