After two years of restrictions and social distancing, Singapore prize returned this year in an open environment at Victoria Theatre. All first-time winners for 2023 Singapore Literature Prize (SLP), such as alllkunila, innnpaa, Jee Leong Koh, rma cureess Suratman Markasan Wang Gungwu Yeow Kai Chai except literary pioneer Edwin Thumboo who won for his translations into English of several contemporary Japanese poets’ work.
Nearly S$2.3 million was presented in cash awards to 121 Asian and SEA Games medallists during an awards presentation held at Timbre+ One-North on Wednesday (Nov 29). Shanti Pereira earned the largest sum with her golds from Hangzhou and Cambodia winning her the most awards at S$315,000 each. This award was organized by Singapore Sports Council – an agency under Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth – who organized it.
Prince William of Britain arrived in Singapore this week on a four-day visit for an event honoring entrepreneurs reshaping our world. Prince William and the Royal Foundation charity that he leads jointly created an Earthshot Prize that awards five projects working to solve key environmental problems. Among those receiving awards this year are:
The judging panel noted in their citation of Ms Hidayah’s book that it “challenges conventional ideas about what constitutes history. Instead of just providing a compilation of historical research findings, it acts both as primary source material and personal input.” “This kind of writing is what we hope to promote and support amongst general readers,” noted Prof Miksic.
Liew’s win of the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards offers him some comfort after recent controversy surrounding his novel. Last year, the National Arts Council (NAC) withheld part of their grant for his latest novel The Art Of Not Being Known due to its depiction of various leftist events that played a role in shaping this tightly controlled city-state. NAC issued a statement noting the novel violated funding guidelines; nonetheless, they recognized its “high artistic merit”. Liew still enjoys support from Singapore art scene despite this dispute. His works have been showcased at the biennial Ang Mo Kio Sculpture Park exhibition and he holds an affordable apartment at Goodman Arts Centre. Additionally, his exhibition invitations come from top galleries in Singapore. Yet being at the centre of attention can be “double-edged”, as being successful as a writer may distract him from fulfilling his original goal – which is writing.