The winner of this year’s Singapore prize is a book that takes an archaeological approach to the island’s history. The NUS Singapore History Prize, first awarded in 2014 and administered by the university’s Department of History, seeks to broaden definitions of what constitutes a book on Singapore’s history and encourages new perspectives and themes in writing on the nation’s past. The winning work, Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800, by archaeologist John Miksic, won a $5,000 cash prize.
The heir to the British throne took to the waters in Singapore Monday, paddling with athletes from the British Dragons club on the Kallang River as part of activities for his visit to promote solutions to some of the planet’s most pressing environmental threats. Wearing a life vest and black cap, Prince William paddled alongside the team, a group of about 19 people, as they rowed to the rhythm of a drummer standing in the bow.
He was in the city to attend a launch event for the annual Earthshot Prize awards — his foundation’s effort to promote innovations in nature protection, clean air, ocean revival and waste elimination. Five winners, ranging from solar-powered dryers to making electric car batteries cleaner, were unveiled at the first ceremony held in Asia. The royal was joined by actors Cate Blanchett, Donnie Yen and Lana Condor, and Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin at the glitzy ceremony.
In keeping with the sustainability theme, the event featured an outdoor concert and food trucks on a “green carpet.” Celebrities also wore sustainable clothing. William wore an 10-year-old dark green suit by Alexander McQueen, while actress Mbatha wore a navy blue dress by McCartney. The finalists in the five categories walked a carpet that was illuminated green. The heir to the British throne also visited an indoor waterfall park and met with students at a school, where he was introduced to a group of young pupils who presented a project on how to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
In addition to the awards, the prince will meet with representatives of a number of Singapore-based companies and organizations involved in the clean energy sector. He will also meet with the winners of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, which honours individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions towards overcoming global water challenges. The prize is named after the late founding prime minister whose foresight enabled Singapore to achieve a sustainable water supply. Other events during the three-day trip will include meetings with officials and industry leaders, as well as a public lecture. He is scheduled to leave on Thursday. The visit comes as Singapore continues its push to establish itself as a global hub in Asia for philanthropy. Its philanthropic community has boosted its giving by more than 30% since 2011. The country, which is known as the Little Red Dot for its low population density and high quality of life, has the potential to be a model for other smaller states, experts say.