Singapore’s latest award recognizes and honours outstanding design from around the world, rewarding winners with cash and the chance to showcase their work at an international trade show. Previous winners have included post-earthquake reconstruction in Indonesia; OMA/OLE Scheeren architects’ stacked apartment building; as well as public parks designed by local architects Budi Prajot and Tito Supriatna from Singapore.
A four-member panel selected the inaugural Singapore Prize awarded by the NUS Department of History. Professor Miksic’s book Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea: 1300-1800 won due to its “fundamental reinterpretation of how Singapore has been perceived as a nation” as well as uncovering historical information, such as mentions by 13th-century Chinese trader Wang Dayuan that scholars later identified as Singapore.
NUS East Asian Institute distinguished fellow Kishore Mahbubani proposed the idea for a Singapore prize in a Straits Times opinion column in April 2014 and believes that such an award could make a profound impactful statement about how people perceive our nation. According to US social scientist Benedict Anderson’s theory on nations as imagined communities where history acts as the glue which bonds our societies together.
The recipient of this prize can take part in the 2023 WAFX exhibition in Shanghai with a custom stand and free admission for up to four members of their design team, providing them with the chance to meet buyers and investors while expanding their network in the region. Finalists for this award include Skanska’s post-earthquake housing project in Jakarta; urban greenery by landscape architects Studio One; as well as community centres designed by Budi Prajot and Tito Supriatna that were selected from among finalists for consideration.
On Monday morning in Singapore, Prince William took part in dragon boat racing before attending the third Earthshot Awards Ceremony. Joined by celebrities including Cate Blanchett, Donnie Yen, Lana Condor and Donnie Yen Jr, Prince William was part of an annual race that promotes solutions to global environmental challenges; five winners ranging from solar dryers and food waste reduction techniques to making electric car batteries greener were announced during this event.
On Wednesday evening, 29 local businesses, from heritage names to regional players were recognized at the 21st Singapore Prestige Brand Awards (SPBA). Healthcare provider StarMed Specialist Centre received first place for Promising Brands while co-living operator Coliwoo won Emerging Prestige brands. Nine other winners included Innovative Business models and Technology leadership; totaling 57 nominations were received – more than half from SME sector businesses – with guest of honour Gan Kim Yong commending them on their efforts in building and maintaining strong businesses here. In his speech to his audience Minister of Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong thanked winners for building and maintaining strong, competitive businesses to help Singapore remain globally competitive.