In 2009, Singapore elevated the President’s Science and Technology Awards to Presidential status to recognize their importance to scientific excellence and talent development. These awards recognize individuals for their contributions in science and technology as well as helping build Singapore’s next generation of scientists.
President’s Research Scholarships will support their professional growth and encourage continued excellence in their respective fields, and furthermore will enable their efforts to translate research findings into tangible benefits for Singaporeans and people worldwide.
Prof Miksic’s work earned the prize because it set out to provide “a fundamental reinterpretation of Singapore’s history and place in Asia”. He explained that bits of historical information – literary records included – had indicated Singapore may have existed by as early as 13th century; yet its exact location remained elusive for several centuries after.
This year’s Singapore Prize shortlist features several nonfiction works with more of a personal narrative, such as Leluhur: The Story of Kampong Glam by Hidayah Amin (2019, available here). Drawing upon her family history and the legacy of Gedung Kuning – or Yellow Mansion in Kampong Glam – Leluhur shows another side to an area many only know as tourist spots.
The winner will receive up to S$50,000 as part of their award grant, to put towards their research project costs. In addition, they can attend both an awards ceremony in March 2024 as well as public engagement activities organised by the organizers.
In 2024, WAFX will hold an international competition recognizing international proposals using cutting-edge design to address major world problems such as climate emergency or community resilience. Our judging panel will consist of leading architects, designers, journalists and industry experts.
Conservation International (CI), will join our team as an organising partner, adding its vast network and expertise. Their global reach, in-depth understanding of biodiversity finance and sustainability financing will guide the selection of Prize Winners as well as connect them to partners committed to developing sustainable solutions for people and the planet. Details will be announced shortly.