The NUS Singapore History Prize is a book award that recognises important publications about the history of Singapore. It was established in 2014 and hosted by the Centre for Asian Studies at NUS. Its founder, former diplomat Kishore Mahbubani, has said the biggest challenge facing Singapore now is not economic but building a strong national identity through a shared sense of history.
The shortlisted works this year are varied in subject matter and approach. From an examination of an iconic Indian poet’s life to histories about Malaysian migrants in Singapore, these works explore the various ways in which we understand and interpret our past.
NUS Lecturer Yong Shu Hoong has won his third Singapore Literature Prize for his poetry collection, Anatomy of a Wave (Dakota Books). His previous collections include Frottage and The Viewing Party. He was congratulated by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at today’s ceremony.
The 2024 Singapore Prize winner will be announced in October. A distinguished Jury Panel chaired by Kishore Mahbubani will review the six nominations and select a winning publication. Its members are Emeritus Professor John Miksic of NUS’ Department of Southeast Asian Studies; Foo Hai Fellow and Associate Professor Tan Tai Yong from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; historian Dr Lam San Ling; and economist Dr Peter A Coclanis.
This year, the prize will also honour the late Christopher Bathurst KC, Viscount Bledisloe, a leading member of Fountain Court Chambers and commercial barrister in London who developed a substantial practice in Southeast Asia including Singapore. The prize is named after him in memory of his enduring contribution to Singapore and to the international community of lawyers, for whom he was a formidable advocate and generous colleague.
As part of the prize, the winner will travel to Singapore to witness first-hand how local organisations are combating wildlife trafficking in the region. He or she will meet with law enforcement agencies, conservation groups and businesses involved in tackling this global crisis.
This year, the Prize will be presented in partnership with Conservation International (CI), which brings to the Prize its longstanding experience in spotlighting and securing the benefits of nature for humanity. Its vast network will connect the Prize Winner with partners committed to scalable and innovative solutions for people and planet.