The list of awards and prizes given in Singapore is long and varied, covering almost all fields of endeavor. It includes honours from the state and its armed forces, as well as national and international recognition for scientific achievement.
The President’s Science and Technology Awards, or PSTA, is one of the highest accolades in Singapore, aimed at upholding research excellence and strengthening the country’s growing community of scientists. The PSTA is a joint programme between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, which was established in 1987.
In a special ceremony held at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia on 30 September, a host of influential individuals who have raised the standards in their niche sectors were recognised for their contributions to the economy. The 2023 winners were selected by a panel of judges, led by Deputy Minister of Defence, Mrs Chonlatee Chanracjakul, Counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore and President of NORNS Awards.
The 2023 winners of the Earthshot Prize were announced at a star-studded award ceremony held in Singapore this week. The winners and finalists came together in the city-state, which is known as a hub for cutting-edge innovation and entrepreneurship, for a week of collaboration to accelerate their solutions to climate change.
The prize, to be next awarded in 2024, aims to broaden the definition of history by welcoming writings on any time period or theme relating to Singapore’s past. It also seeks to include other creative works with clear historical themes, such as plays and films. Prof Miksic, whose book challenges the common misperception that Singapore’s history started with Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival, is hoping to work with NUS Press to set up a website that highlights ancient artefacts discovered in Singapore. He said he wanted to show the 1,000 volunteers who have helped him with excavations in Fort Canning and Empress Place that their efforts are not in vain. He added that he had not expected to win the prize, and was only happy to see his work getting recognition. The 71-year-old American has been in Singapore since 1984, when he was invited to conduct a test excavation at Fort Canning, before joining the NUS Department of History in 1998. His book was published in 2013. He is currently working on a second volume on the early colonial period. He is also involved in several archaeological projects across the city-state.