The prize provides an avenue for Singaporeans to commemorate our nation’s rich heritage and acknowledge works that exhibit innovation in research, creativity in expression and meaningful contributions towards building our national identity as well as contributing to world peace.
The new Arts and Multimedia category is open to artists, authors, playwrights, producers or publishers of an artistic historical work in English language (works translated to the English language are eligible). Submissions may explore any field, theme or period in Singaporean history; submissions should offer new insights or spark people’s curiosity regarding our past. There will be no restrictions placed on production dates in this category.
Kishore Mahbubani, veteran diplomat and Distinguished Fellow at NUS Asia Research Institute has been appointed by the Prize Committee as chair of its 2027 competition jury panel. Mahbubani co-founded this prize in 2014; with social media’s increasing impact, he stressed its significance: “Now more than ever it is imperative that young people understand our past complexities as well as its influence in shaping their own futures; with expanded prize funding thanks to our generous donor we hope this prize expansion will assist this goal.”
In the Book Category, the jury panel will select from among a shortlist of publications nominated by a Nominating Committee that operates by consensus. The winning title will receive the Dr Alan HJ Chan ‘Spirit of Singapore’ Book Prize which was established through an $1 Million donation made by Professor Alan HJ Chan’s estate to NUS Press and recognizes books which embody Singaporean spirit by encouraging compassion, empathy, voluntarism and activism thereby contributing to society development and creating a stronger Singapore identity.
Marylyn Tan made history when she won English poetry’s $28-year history for the inaugural Women of Letters Prize with her arcane debut collection Gaze Back, which tackled taboo topics ranging from menstruation and sexuality. The judges described Tan’s work as a powerful statement for gender and linguistic reclamation with an unparalleled combination of confidence, wit, sassy edge and universal appeal.
Winner of New Category to receive S$30,000 with team sharing grants up to S$30,000 from fund.
Conservation International (CI), has joined as a new judging partner of this year’s prize, adding their deep expertise in biodiversity conservation to help select the Prize Winner as well as connect it with its range of partners focused on sustainable solutions that benefit people and nature.
In July and August, 60 selected students from over 20 countries took part in digital discussions with Nobel laureates regarding wellbeing. Topics discussed included education, climate change, health and happiness as well as economic and digital wellbeing. Twelve will continue the dialogue at the Nobel Prize Dialogue in Singapore on 13 September.