Singapore, an epicenter for innovation and technological development, is taking steps to tackle an ongoing global challenge: restricting illegal wildlife product sales. Prince William will attend the third Earthshot Prize ceremony this evening – which brings together businesses and investors to accelerate sustainable solutions to address some of our planet’s most pressing environmental issues – before trying his luck at dragon boating and meeting Singaporeans who are doing their part to protect the environment locally.
Professor John Miksic, winner of the 2024 NUS Singapore History Prize with his book Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800, noted that literary records from Chinese travelers hinted at Temasek or Longyamen (Dragon Teeth’s Gate). However, not until National Heritage Board started protecting sites such as Maritime Silk Route Museum did many believe Singapore existed.
The NUS Singapore History Prize, valued at S$25,000, was introduced in 2014 to promote study of Singaporean history. Winning works must show how its past contributes to Singapore’s present and future; submissions may take the form of fiction or non-fiction pieces as long as they contain clear historical themes. A panel of five judges chaired by Kishore Mahbubani of NUS Asia Research Institute will select their winner.
This year’s shortlist features internationally-recognized author Sharlene Wen-Ning Teo, whose unpublished novel Ponti has already been described by Ian McEwan as “remarkable.” Additionally, authors Jeremy Tiang (whose Sembawang novel published four years ago follows a family through leftist political movements and detentions) and academic Beatrice Chong have books to nominate themselves for consideration.
On Sunday, winners of this year’s President’s Science and Technology Awards will be unveiled during a glittering ceremony held at Esplanade Theatre. Formerly known as National Science and Technology Awards, these accolades were elevated to Presidential status in 2009. Recipients this year include Para-athletes who have won medals at major international sporting events like London Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, or Commonwealth Games.
Para-athletes at DBS Singapore “exemplify a strong sense of purpose, passion and excellence – values shared by Team DBS,” according to Shee Tse Koon, group executive and country head. Each will receive both a monetary award as well as a plaque. Those unable to attend in person may watch live online here (channel 5 will broadcast award ceremonies live online as well). For more details click here (channel 5 broadcast award ceremonies will also feature).