As 2015 draws to a close, it is time to reflect upon some of the outstanding Singapore prizes awarded this past year. From Amanda Heng’s award at this year’s Biennale to book-length works that illuminate and advance our knowledge of Singaporean history such as NUS History Prize or Benesse Prize – each award has brought amazing stories and achievements into focus over this past year.
Founded by the Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation and Singapore Art Museum, the APB Foundation Signature Art Prize recognizes outstanding examples of contemporary art from across Southeast Asia, with the goal of shining light on “art that is compelling, cogent and complex”. Previous winners have included Indonesian sculptor Jumali Indra and Japanese-Singaporean painter Koh Shigeru; submissions this year from Singaporeans as well as artists like Dusadee Huntrakul (Thailand), Pannaphan Yodmanee (Singapore) and Malaysian artist Haifa Subay.
The President’s Science and Technology Awards have become a mark of excellence in science and engineering, making them Singapore scientists and engineers’ highest honour. This prize acknowledges their vital roles in upholding research excellence while strengthening scientific talent across Singapore. This year’s prize attracted over 300 nominations from researchers specializing in medicine, computer science and materials engineering; winning entries were chosen by a panel of judges with distinguished publishing expertise to select their winning entries.
Launched in 2024, the NUS History Prize recognizes book-length works that shed light on Singapore’s past. Works written either in English or its translation are eligible; any period, theme or subject area in Singapore’s history are welcomed as is anything making studying Singaporean history accessible to a broader public audience.
This year’s prize drew record submissions, prompting judges to award two special commendations without attendant cash prizes for two finalists: Lynn Wong and Lee Kok Leong’s Reviving Qixi: Singapore’s Forgotten Seven Sisters Festival; and Theatres of Memory: Industrial Heritage Of 20th Century Singapore by Loh Kah Seng, Alex Tan, Kenny Harrison and others.
The NUS History Prize is one of the country’s most renowned and esteemed titles, garnering support from literary and cultural circles as a tribute to all those who have contributed towards weaving together the tapestry that makes up Singapore history. We hope that this prize continues to encourage more individuals to uncover and share our shared narrative.