The Singapore Prize
In the spirit of Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kwan Yew, the Prize is awarded to honour those who have made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of our country, whether through their professional work or as an individual. The prize is presented in two forms: a gold medallion and a cash prize. A selection committee will determine who will receive the award, based on the nominations received.
The Prize is organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore and the Centre for Liveable Cities. It is given in recognition of outstanding contributions to the advancement of urban communities. The prize focuses on practical and cost-effective solutions to urban problems. There are a total of 12 categories to be considered, with each category having a cash prize of $10,000. Each winner will receive a certificate and a gold medallion.
The prize is also sponsored by the Keppel Corporation. The prize was initially offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Singapore. Later, the Singapore Trade Development Board (STDB) offered a prize in logistics, which was later renamed the International Enterprise Singapore Prize.
Singapore’s Olympic and Sports Council (SNOC) has introduced an incentive scheme for athletes to win awards. Cash rewards are offered to medal-winning athletes as part of the Major Games Award Programme. For this, athletes have to compete in an event in Singapore to win the prize.
The Prize Secretariat is part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore. Nominations are welcomed from sporting associations, private organisations and academic institutions. After the shortlist is finalized, interviews are held with the candidates. Several judges are chosen, including members of the press, representatives from the public and business sectors, and the president of the SNOC.
This is a one-off prize of $20,000. A committee of alumni from the College will mentor the winners. Candidates must be eligible to study at the College. They will be required to have at least a second class Honours degree. If they are awarded the prize, they will be notified by the College.
Singapore’s newest award is the Singapore Academic Award. This is a one-off prize of $20,000 Singaporean Dollars. Applicants must be Singaporean students who have been offered a place to study at St John’s College. The committee will then evaluate each candidate’s merits and decide on the winner. The committee will then recommend to the Board of Undergraduate Studies that the award be granted to the candidate.
A number of athletes have been named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year in the past. Athletes who have won a gold, silver or bronze medal at the SEA Games have been nominated for this award. In 1990, five disabled athletes were nominated. Among the nominations were swimmer Tan Thuan Heng, athlete Cheong Wai Hing and judoka Peck Noi Huay.
Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, who died of cancer in 2000, donated funds to establish a cash prize. He had devoted his life to interfaith communication and community service.
