The inaugural Singapore prize was introduced in 1967 by the Sporting and Social Council (which later became the Singapore National Olympic Council, or SNOC) as a way to reward athletes and encourage physical fitness for nation-building. The council’s then president, Othman Wok, envisioned a world class Singaporean sporting system that would promote physical health and social cohesion. He also realised that sports could foster patriotism and the development of a sense of Singapore identity among citizens, through their shared experience of sporting success.
The prize was established to honour the late Christopher Bathurst KC, Viscount Bledisloe, who died in 2009. He was a leading member of Fountain Court Chambers and developed a substantial practice in Asia, including Singapore. He was an elected hereditary peer, popular cross-bench member of the House of Lords and a highly respected advocate and counsel.
He was described by the prize’s four-member jury panel – chaired by NUS historian Kishore Mahbubani – as someone who ‘has shown an uncompromising commitment to Singapore and its people, and who has shaped the course of the history of this fascinating island-state, whose future is now being defined by its past.’
This year, the inaugural prize was awarded to Prof Miksic’s book Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800, which examines archaeological evidence of the city-state’s early history. The book was hailed by the jury for laying the foundations of a “fundamental reinterpretation” of Singapore’s history, and placing it within an Asian context.
The jury also cited the work’s eloquent writing, its ability to bring to life the’spirit of Singapore’ and the insights gained from the author’s research. It was also lauded for its ‘excellence in scholarship, presentation and archival research, as well as the scope of its coverage in the areas of commerce, politics, religion, the arts and literature, sports and education.
As for the future, Mr Mahbubani said there is a chance that the prize will be expanded to include works such as movies and comics which tell the story of Singapore. “We think it’s important that the prize recognises the fact that history isn’t just in books,” he added, during a media briefing on the awards.
The prize, which is administered by NUS’ department of history, will be awarded annually, from this year onwards. A total of S$500,000, matched dollar for dollar by the government, has been donated to create an endowment fund that will support the prize. The winner will receive S$50,000 in cash. The medal is designed by the Singapore National Museum, and is a stylised rosette of undulating folds, with the obverse showing a lion walking and the reverse depicting the State Arms. It was produced by the National Heritage Board and is minted in sterling silver. The winner will be honoured at a ceremony in 2024. The entry deadline is Jan 1. Entries should be penned in English, or translated to it. The winners will be announced in October.