Singapore Prize was selected at a ceremony hosted at Mediacorp Theatre on Tuesday. Created by Prince William of Britain’s Royal Foundation charity in 2020, this award honors projects working to protect our planet. This year’s winners received PS1 million each in support of their work; creating waste-free world solutions; fixing climate; revitalizing oceans; protecting wildlife; or protecting and restoring nature were among their missions.
At this year’s ceremony, United for Wildlife Global Summit 2023 was officially launched and several buildings across Singapore lit green to mark its inaugural hosting. Leading experts from around the globe will come together at this year’s Summit to develop joint actions against illegal wildlife trade – its first time here! This inaugural summit marked by several buildings lighting green to honor its significance in Lion City.
At the ceremony, Prince William addressed the crowd and applauded Singapore for its forward-thinking vision to become a global leader for environmental innovation. He noted it was fantastic being back in Singapore where he previously visited for the prize awards ceremony in 2021 and where it had first been presented in 2022.
At Jewel Changi Airport, he joined in the festivities where fans waved Union Jack flags and clutched photographs of Princess Diana – his late mother. Hundreds lined the walkways to greet this royal, as he waved and smiled for selfies before planting a tree at Rain Vortex attraction (world’s largest indoor waterfall) where a commemorative plaque was given him in their honour.
The prize’s five winners were selected from 15 finalists from around the globe. Oman-based researchers developed technology to remove carbon dioxide from the air; Kenya-based business plans to deliver cleaner-burning stoves; as well as other businesses using drones in rainforest areas to monitor illegal logging activity and develop zero emission electric scooters as potential winners.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, this year’s ceremony took place on a green carpet. Donnie Yen and other presenters donned recycled suits and gowns from thrift shops while Bastille, OneRepublic and Bebe Rexha performed live. A panel comprising celebrities, politicians and industry leaders from music and film was responsible for awarding this year’s prize.
Temasek Trust provided financial support for this year’s Earthshot Prize awards, transitioning from strategic partner to founding partner and further cementing their commitment to expanding reach in Asia, celebrating climate innovations being developed throughout Asia, and forging public-private partnerships that foster climate innovation, according to Hannah Jones, CEO of The Earthshot Prize.