The President’s Science and Technology Awards (PSTA) are Singapore’s highest honors given to outstanding scientists and engineers in recognition of their key roles in upholding research excellence and strengthening the nation’s growing community of scientific talent. Previously known as the National Science and Technology Awards, they were elevated to Presidential status in 2009.
A book that tells the story of a man who gave up his fortune to give back to his home country has won the top prize at this year’s Singapore Literature Prize. Magic Babe by Ning Cai was selected from the Chinese, English and Malay categories of the award. The prize includes a cash prize and a trophy.
On Saturday, the Prince of Wales visited Singapore’s Rain Vortex, the world’s largest indoor waterfall. He was greeted by a crowd who waved green umbrellas and cheered him on as he entered the attraction.
He stepped onto the massive platform for a closer look at the 40-meter waterfall, which was lit up in green to match his outfit of a dark green suit and dickie bow. The prince also met with young people who had won the Earthshot 2023 award, a competition launched by his Royal Foundation charity to promote innovation projects aimed at combatting climate change.
The heir to the British throne will return to Singapore next month for the third annual awards ceremony for the prize that his charity launched in 2020. During his four-day visit, he will highlight the achievements of this year’s finalists, who are using innovation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and address the impact of climate change on people and wildlife. He will also host a summit based around the work of United for Wildlife, a conservation organization that brings together law enforcement agencies and companies to fight the global illegal trade in wildlife products, estimated to be worth $20 billion annually.
In a speech on Wednesday, the prince called for “more individuals and institutions to recognise those who have put the common good ahead of their own interests”. The award was established by Harvard University in 1636 and is one of the world’s most prestigious academic honours. It has been won by 48 Nobel Laureates and 32 heads of state.
The prize, which was launched in 2012 by the Singapore Book Publishers Association (SBPA), is open to books written or published in any of the four official languages of Singapore. Nominees must be book-length works that are either authored or co-authored, and cover any time period, theme or field of Singapore history. Works with clear historical themes but without a dedicated focus on Singapore history can also be nominated. A five-member panel will select the winner, which carries a cash prize of S$50,000. The panel is comprised of NUS Asia Research Institute distinguished fellow Kishore Mahbubani; Prof John Miksic, Director, NUS Centre for International Studies; arts and literary figures; museum curators; and history teachers and curriculum developers. The shortlisted works will be announced in October.