SINGAPORE – Home-grown translators, comic-book authors and debut writers will have a shot at one of the nation’s most prestigious home-grown literary prizes with the introduction of new categories in 2024. Organiser Singapore Book Council (SBC) said in a press statement on Tuesday (Jan 11) that the three new categories for best English debut, best English translation and best non-fiction will help “recognise and promote increasingly diverse published works” by Singaporeans and permanent residents.
The prize was set up in 2014 after former Singapore diplomat Kishore Mahbubani wrote in a column for the Straits Times that the biggest challenge to Singapore’s future was not economic but developing a strong sense of national identity through a deep understanding of its history. The NUS prize is a significant milestone because it recognises and rewards books that make history accessible to Singaporeans and the wider world.
Ms Hidayah’s book was selected by a jury led by NUS Asia Research Institute distinguished fellow and author Kishore Mahbubani. The other members of the jury were archaeologist John Miksic from the NUS Department of Southeast Asian Studies; historian Peter Coclanis, who heads the Global Research Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; economist Lam San Ling; and novelist Meira Chand.
Leluhur: Singapore’s Kampong Glam is a non-fiction work with a personal slant that shines a light on the history of an area many now know as a tourist attraction. Ms Hidayah spent five years on the project and conducted interviews with former residents to produce a work that is evocative, vivid and accessible.
This year, there were 26 submissions for the prize, which is one of the most coveted in the country and comes with a $50,000 cash award. The judges were so impressed by the quality of the submissions that they decided to give two special commendations without attendant cash awards.
A Thai entrepreneur will receive the Singapore Outstanding Entrepreneur Award in 2025 for his success in building a global business, while an American woman who works as a security guard in Singapore was named this year’s Singapore Women of Achievement. The winners were announced at the annual Singapore Women of Achievement gala, which was held in conjunction with the International Women’s Day celebrations.
The event is part of the Women of Influence series, a collaboration between the Singapore government and various companies to connect women in the business community and showcase their contributions. It also aims to encourage women to pursue leadership positions. The award ceremony was attended by senior government officials and representatives from companies that support the initiative. It was co-hosted by the Singapore government and the National Trades Union Congress. The ceremony featured performances by a cappella group Vocalocity and the band The Glitch. It also included a panel discussion on entrepreneurship, addressing issues including the role of mentorship and networking. A video tribute to the late businessman Ratan Tata was shown as well. The evening was hosted by actress and host Hannah Waddingham and actor Sterling K. Brown.