The Singapore Prize aims to encourage and support a strong literary culture in the country. It recognises writers and works of literary merit across the island state’s four official languages – English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil – in genres including fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry.

This year’s shortlist includes a mix of historical and creative works, such as Kamaladevi Aravindan’s novel Sembawang, which explores the lives of ordinary Singaporeans over five decades. The winner will be announced on August 25 at a ceremony held at the Victoria Theatre in Singapore.

A History Of Resonance

This is the first time that Singapore is offering a prize for works that explore its history, in both fiction and non-fiction. The aim is to encourage people to read about the nation as it is today, not just in a traditional way that centres around the big figures who changed Singapore’s past.

The prize is being launched by the Singapore Book Council, which was set up in 1992 to promote literature and literacy. It also awards a biennial Golden Point Award, the highest honour for literary achievement in Asia.

Donations to the prize came from various Singapore philanthropists, and it was boosted by a S$1 million donation from DBS Foundation in 2016. The winner of the prize will receive a cash prize worth SGD 50,000 and a gold medal that will be displayed at the University’s entrance gate.

DBS Bank donates to Singapore National Paralympic Council through Athletes Achievement Award in Tokyo 2020 Games

After winning two gold medals at the Tokyo Games, swimmer Yip Pin Xiu is the first beneficiary of this year’s competition. DBS has pledged to match the Singapore National Paralympic Council’s contribution to this annual event through its Athletes Achievement Awards, enabling her to receive double her financial awards.

In addition, DBS has partnered with the Singapore History Prize, which is open to both fiction and non-fiction works that explore Singapore’s history. The award was created by the Singapore Book Council in partnership with DBS.

A History Of Resonance

Organizers say they are inspired by the notion of resonance, which is how something can evoke emotions and memories. The jury will be made up of literary experts from all disciplines.

They will also be looking for a work that “resonates with Singapore, and its readers”. This year’s shortlist features a range of authors who are passionate about Singapore’s heritage.

Some of these authors are based in other countries, but have been researching their country’s history since they were young. They have published monographs and books about their home country, and are now active in the literary world.

Another category this year is the SBC Achievement Award, which will be given to an author who has made a significant contribution to literature in Singapore. The winner of this category will receive a cash prize and the title will be printed in an edition of 1,000 copies.

The Singapore Prize is now back in a physical format and will award 12 winners on August 25 at the Victoria Theatre in Singapore. The award will also be backed by a S$350,000 endowment from the Singapore Book Council.