The prize is open to works of non-fiction, fiction or other creative work from around the world so long as they have clear historical themes about Singapore. It could include novels, plays, movies or comics, for example. Professor Kishore Mahbubani, senior advisor (university and global relations) at NUS, said there may be plans to expand the type of works that qualify for the award in the future. He gave the example of a movie such as 12 Years a Slave, which he said was able to tell history more effectively than a traditional book.
The NUS Singapore History Prize is one of four prizes presented at the awards ceremony, including a special prize for students and school groups who create artworks based on their research. Students can submit up to three entries before the submission deadline. A panel of judges will select 20 student artists for the shortlist, and the winning entry will receive S$3,500, with the school receiving S$1,800.
This year, the competition has added a category for the public to vote online for their favorite shortlisted title in each language. The winner of this category will win S$2,000, and the runner-up will receive S$1,000. It is the first time that this exercise has been held in all four languages of the prize, which was launched in 1992 and began operating in four languages in 2004.
Five writers are shortlisted in two or more categories, including Clara Chow, who is the first writer in the program’s history to make the cut in English fiction, English creative nonfiction and Chinese poetry. The prize also includes a special achievement award for the poet Edwin Thumboo, which will be announced later this month.
A total of 192 titles were submitted for this year’s prize, 32 fewer than last year. The prize organizers say the drop was largely due to the ongoing effects of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic on publishing in Singapore.
There was a strong interest in the theme of “resonance” this year, which was chosen to reflect how literature can trigger emotions and memories, according to a news release. It also reflects the idea that reading can help us understand our world better.
Ng thanked the National Library Board, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and other sponsors for their support, as well as Nanyang Girls’ High School and Hwa Chong Institute for helping to secure 220 entries by students from Secondary 1 and ITE College Central. He also thanked members of the public for donating their family genealogical records to the National Library, and those who volunteered their time to assist in organizing the competition. He urged participants to continue to keep their eyes and hearts open to possibilities that lie ahead, and to remain committed to fostering a more caring society. Ng also wished everyone a happy holiday season.