The third annual Earthshot Prize awarded $1 million in funding to entrepreneurs, researchers and organizations working on solutions for some of the planet’s biggest challenges. The event, which honors the late President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 “moonshot” speech, is held in cities around the world. It was hosted this year in Singapore, marking the first time it has been held in Asia. The heir to the British throne arrived in Singapore for Tuesday’s awards ceremony, where he called on leaders in business, government and law enforcement to work together to combat the illegal wildlife trade. He’s also expected to join in a dragon boating competition, and attend the United for Wildlife Global Summit.
The heir to the British throne was greeted by cheering fans as he made his way to Jewel Changi Airport for the third annual Earthshot Prize. Hundreds lined the airport’s walkway, with some holding up homemade signs and waving flags as the prince and his party emerged from their Mercedes. He was escorted by security to a private room, where he listened as the finalists shared their ideas and projects for solving the planet’s biggest problems.
Afterwards, the prince was taken to the 40-meter high Rain Vortex, the world’s largest indoor waterfall, where he was shown a tree planted in his name at the foot of the waterfall. He then joined the crowd to greet them, clapping and smiling as he made his way out of the room.
At the end of the evening, each winner received a commissioned trophy and a gift voucher from StoryTel. The top prize in each language category also carries a $3,000 cash prize. The runner-up will receive $1,000.
Winners in the 12 categories were selected from submissions in the four languages of Singapore: Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil. This year, more than half of the shortlisted writers were being considered for their first time, including Wang Gungwu in English creative nonfiction and Suratman Markasan in Malay literary nonfiction. They are both 91 years old, making them the oldest winners.
The winning ticket was sold at Rangoon Provision Shop, a Singapore Pools outlet in Block 681 Race Course Road. It was a QuickPick System 8 entry. Punters say the outlet, located in a quiet row of shops near Farrer Park MRT station, is frequented by residents and those who live nearby.
It’s unclear if the winning ticket was shared by several people. But the total value of the prizes exceeds $28 million, which makes this the biggest lottery jackpot ever won in Singapore.
The last time a jackpot was this big in Singapore was in January of 2015, when an estimated $85.7 million was won in one draw. In the past, the highest jackpot was $42 million in June of 2008, when a single player won a record seven of the top 10 prizes in a single draw.