The Singapore Prize is awarded in the fields of arts and letters, sports, science, business, the professions, and labour movement. It is one of the top ten awards in the world and is considered amongst the most prestigious in the country. The award carries a monetary sum of S$50,000 and is accompanied by an engraved certificate.
The prize was founded by the government to honour and recognise outstanding contributions by citizens, in the form of a medallion that is presented at a ceremony hosted by the Prime Minister. The winner is chosen by a panel of judges from the fields of arts, sciences, business, and the professions. The medallion is crafted in silver and bears a stylised rosette of undulating folds with a disc with bars to the sides, on which the award’s name is embossed. The medallion is designed by the artist Johan Pang and was first minted in 2022.
British Prince William arrived in Singapore on Tuesday to host this year’s Earthshot ceremony, where he will give 1 million pounds ($1.23 million) each to five green innovators who have developed projects including cleaner lithium-ion batteries used in electric cars and tighter marine enforcement of illegal fishing and ocean conservation. The event will also feature demonstrations by athletes and Singaporeans who are using their skills to protect the planet, as well as a summit bringing together law enforcement agencies and conservation groups to combat trade in endangered wildlife products.
During the ceremony, William will wear a 10-year-old dark green blazer by Alexander McQueen that he has worn for years. The other presenters will wear similar vintage outfits, to emphasize the sustainability theme of the evening. Other stars on the “green carpet” will include actor Sterling K. Brown and singer Bebe Rexha.
Singapore has long been a hub for world-class sporting events, and Tong was speaking at a motion in parliament to honour Team Singapore’s performances at this year’s Paris Games. He said equalising monetary rewards for Olympians and Paralympians is one of the ways to encourage the next generation of athletes, while also making Singapore more receptive to the needs of people with disabilities.
He added that the Government has taken steps to create an inclusive sports system through the upcoming Disability Sports Masterplan and by introducing scholarships for elite athletes with special needs. He also said the Government will continue to promote sports and work with private sector companies to encourage more people to play, and improve accessibility in the country’s stadiums and schools.
To qualify for a Singapore Prize, applicants must be nominated by the public and have achieved extraordinary meritorious service in the fields of arts and letters, sports, the sciences, business, the professions and labour movement. They must be a citizen of Singapore and a permanent resident of the Republic. Applicants must be at least 35 years old and have demonstrated substantial accomplishments that have brought credit to Singapore. The winner will be announced in 2022.