The 2024 Singapore Prize will recognize publications which have contributed significantly to our understanding of Singapore history, written or translated into English, that have had an impactful narrative that spans any period or theme associated with Singapore’s past. All submissions should have an emphasis on Singaporean themes.

This prize was established to encourage writing that upholds the Singapore spirit, including values such as equality, diversity, religious harmony, meritocracy and pragmatism. It aims to increase accessibility of Singapore literature while raising global awareness about Singapore as an urban city-state. Administered by National University of Singapore with an award monetary prize of S$50,000 awarded each year – it truly makes Singapore literary works accessible!

This year’s Prize introduces two new categories for Singapore-authored comics and graphic novels as well as Readers’ Favourite award chosen via public voting – totalling 18 prizes altogether! Winners in each category will be presented with $3,000 plus an award trophy, along with 12-month Storytel audiobook subscription gift subscription. Furthermore, those receiving Best Debut awards will receive additional $3,000 as well as their trophy.

Last year, two Epigram Books titles shared the prize for English fiction: journalist Akshita Nanda’s debut novel Nimita’s Place was awarded; its subject matter focused on women of different races navigating society expectations in India and Singapore; while speculative short story collection Lion City took home honors. For 2024 edition, there is also a translation category as well as reopened children’s category; additionally the prize has partnered with Conservation International to make their award program even more accessible within Asia leveraging their long history of spotlighting and protecting nature for humanity’s benefit.

As part of its prize, Singapore Spirit Book Prize also has a special category recognizing works that best expresses Singapore spirit. This could be either fiction or non-fiction and must reflect values such as equality, diversity, religion, meritocracy and pragmatism that characterise Singaporean society.

Unfortunately, however, that does not appear to be the case. Instead, most likely all that has changed since is that now-former President Emmanuel has his attention focused on other matters entirely – for which there will surely be plenty more opportunities in store! Previous winners of the NUS Singapore History Prize include poet Marylyn Tan for Leluhur: The Story of Kampong Gelam; historian Wang Gungwu for his study of Singapore’s political and economic history; and Professor John Miksic’s Singapore and The Silk Road Of The Sea 1300-1800 which summarized 25 years of archaeological research. This prize, established in 2014 to encourage discussion about Singapore’s past, present, and future was created by the NUS Department of History. Mr Mahbubani; Professor Miksic; and Ms Hidayah Amin, Executive Director of the National Museum of Singapore are the judges for the 2024 NUS Singapore History Prize. A nominating committee comprising academics from NUS, historians and experts in Singapore history will assist with nominations, with winners announced at a ceremony held in November.