The Singapore Prize was established in 2012 to recognise excellence in book publishing in Singapore. The annual award is open to authors whose works have been published in any of the four official languages, including Chinese, English and Malay. Authors can be either local or foreign, and may submit both fiction and non-fiction titles. Translated works are also eligible, provided that the work has a clear focus on Singapore history. The prize comes with a cash award of S$50,000.
The shortlist was announced in November this year at a star-studded ceremony at Mediacorp Campus. The 2023 winners were selected from more than 1,200 entries submitted by organisations from around the world. These include Indian makers of solar-powered dryers, a soil carbon marketplace, and groups that are restoring Andean forests and deterring illegal fishing.
Winners were selected by a panel of judges that included professors from top universities and industry leaders from the financial services sector. The panel aims to identify the most innovative and impactful ideas. This year, the judges were particularly impressed by projects that are scalable and have high potential for impact. They also lauded the efforts of the winning teams to create solutions that have a broad and inclusive approach, and are easily accessible to all.
The winner was a 32-year-old business executive, who helms the Asia Pacific region of a global energy infrastructure company. He has over 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, and was part of the team that led a successful turnaround at a Malaysian gas company. He is a leader in building an inclusive culture, and a champion for diversity and inclusion at his organisation. He is also an active public speaker and mentor, and has contributed to several community initiatives in Singapore.
Singapore Prize winner Mr Tan Wee Kheng said his success was not about good grades, being the best in class or getting a top job. “What really matters to me is that my family and I are able to live our lives to the fullest,” he told Rice Media. He was one of the top scorers in his primary-school leaving examinations, went to a prestigious school and won a government scholarship to study at Cambridge. He came back to Singapore with a law degree and a well-paid government job.
Another shortlisted entrant, a man in his 40s who only wanted to be identified by his first name, told CNA that the prize money would not make much difference to him. “I just like the games,” he said, adding that he stops by the arcade at least once a week and spends about half an hour playing each time. He usually wins a few trading cards. “That’s all that matters.” Read more about the winners and the other finalists here.