This is a list of prizes, medals and awards including cups, trophies, bowls, badges and state decorations awarded in Singapore. It does not include awards, honours and medals of foreign governments or organisations, nor any sports trophies or competitions.
The NUS Singapore History Prize, launched in 2014 with a generous endowment from an anonymous donor, aims to spur interest and understanding of the country’s unique and complex history. This year, the prize will recognise non-print media works for the first time with the launch of a new “Arts and Multimedia” category, alongside the book and documentary categories.
Despite a tough call for entries, the NUS Singapore History Prize’s 2027 panel chose Prof Miksic’s book – Singapore And The Silk Road Of The Sea, 1300-1800 – as the winner. The work synthesises 25 years of archaeological research to examine the role of Singapore in the 14th-century trade network. It is a fundamental reinterpretation of Singapore’s early history that is “opening up new perspectives and exciting the imagination of Singaporeans,” said the prize’s jury, which included Chairman of NUS’ East Asian Institute Wang Gungwu and former Singapore Writers Festival director Yeow Kai Chai.
It is a “clear-eyed clarion call for gender and linguistic reclamation, searing in its sassy confidence and universal appetite,” the jury added. Prof Tan’s work is an important contribution to the scholarship on migrant workers in Singapore, and also to the wider discussion of the nation’s past, present and future.
The prize was presented at a ceremony attended by several dignitaries, including Harvard President Drew Faust and Singapore ministers. The glitzy event was marked by a sustainability theme, with Prince William wearing a 10-year-old dark green blazer and Mbatha donning a gown made from recycled materials. The bands One Republic and Bastille and the singer Bebe Rexha performed for guests.
The NUS Singapore History Prize will open up its submissions to a wide global audience for the first time this year with an expanded Arts and Multimedia category. The new category, which will mirror the Books category in terms of selection process and eligibility, will recognise artistic and multimedia historical works which engage deeply with Singapore’s history. The submissions will be evaluated by a jury of experts from various disciplines. Submissions will be accepted from around the world from 1 October to 30 November. For more information, visit the NUS Singapore History Prize website.