In a world of increasing climate change, it is more important than ever for people to come together and put the common good before their own. These efforts to support societal challenges are being rewarded with a new prize, which recognizes those who put the greater good before self-interest. The new Harvard Prize Book (Singapore) was launched at a gala dinner in Singapore last month to honour local individuals and organisations who are driving philanthropy in Asia.
The prize will recognise books on a broad range of topics in the region, with an emphasis on works that show the significance and impact of social innovations, as well as those which highlight societal challenges faced by Asia. The prize will also recognise works that showcase Asian perspectives and histories of the region. In addition to a book, the prize may also recognise other forms of media such as films and comics, provided that they are published in English.
Winners of the prize will be announced on 23 September 2024.
This competition is a skills-based contest, and chance plays no part in the determination of the winning entries. Entries are judged based on the most creative comments posted on beIN Sports’ Facebook/Instagram posts. Only valid entries received by 11.59 pm Singapore time on 22 September 2024 will be eligible to win. The decision of the judges is final and binding.
In 2014, as part of the SG50 programme to mark Singapore’s 50th anniversary, The NUS Singapore History Prize was established. Administered by the Department of History at NUS, the award was the first to be devoted solely to Singapore’s history and aimed to make the complexities and nuances of the country’s past more accessible to non-academic readers.
This year’s shortlisted works range from the study of an iconic Indian poet’s life to a study of life in a suburban estate across five decades. They also include a work on the 1950s, which felt like an exciting time in Singapore’s history when the country’s future seemed up for grabs. Another book, by Kamaladevi Pillai with help from her wife Anitha as co-researcher, focuses on the experiences of Malaysian migrants to this country.
The winners were announced at a star-studded awards ceremony in the heart of Singapore’s downtown core, hosted by actor Hannah Waddingham. Britain’s Prince William wore a 10-year-old dark green blazer by Alexander McQueen to match the sustainability theme of this year’s prize. Other presenters walked the “green carpet” wearing recycled clothes, and the bands One Republic and Bastille performed. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, a trustee of the Earthshot board, gave an opening address. Other attendees included local politicians and business leaders. The winners were Accion Andina, GRST, S4S Technologies and WildAid Marine Program. They each received a S$25,000 prize. The ceremony was broadcast live on Facebook and Instagram by beIN Sports. The event was sponsored by Temasek.