The Singapore Prize is a biennial award for architectural projects that demonstrate the power of design to enhance our lives and the city. It is presented by the Institute of Architects, in partnership with Singapore Pools and the National Parks Board. It honours outstanding design of a residential, commercial or public project that has enhanced the quality of life in Singapore and reflects the local culture and environment.
In line with the sustainability theme of this year’s event, award winners will be selected by a panel of judges comprising five experts: historian and NUS Asia Research Institute Distinguished Fellow Prof John Miksic; urban planner and architect Mak Swee Lee; economist Lam San Ling; academic Peter Coclanis; and writer Meira Chand. The winners will receive a trophy and a cash prize of US$30,000. They will also be awarded a showcase at the 2023 World Architecture Festival (WAFX). Past winners include a post-earthquake reconstruction in Indonesia, and stacked apartment buildings by OMA and Ole Scheeren in China.
Britain’s Prince William unveiled this week the winners of his Earthshot Prize, a PS1m award that recognises green innovators. He said the 15 finalists, ranging from an Indian manufacturer of solar dryers to the global non-profit WildAid Marine Program, showed that “hope does remain” as we face mounting climate change challenges.
Celebrities and actors including Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, Donnie Yen and South African actress Nomzano Mbatha joined Britain’s royal at a glitzy ceremony in Singapore to celebrate the winners of his prize, which is part of his mission to highlight solutions for tackling climate change. The ceremony, held at the theater in state-owned media company Media Corp, was hosted by actors Hannah Waddingham and Sterling K Brown and featured bands One Republic and Bastille.
Almost 2,000 consumers voted in this round of the Singapore Prestige Brand Awards, which honours local businesses with strong branding. Among the winners in the Readers’ Favorite category was healthcare specialist StarMed Specialist Centre, while construction firm Craftwork and co-living provider Coliwoo were among the recipients in the Promising Brands category.
In a move to boost Singapore’s global competitiveness, the Ministry of Trade and Industry is implementing new measures to promote innovation by providing grants to encourage the development of science and technology infrastructure. The changes, which take effect in May next year, will provide financial support to organisations whose research and development initiatives can contribute to the country’s future economy and social well-being. The ministry hopes that the changes will also encourage companies to invest in R&D, and help to attract talent from around the world to work in Singapore. The revamped funding scheme is designed to be more streamlined and accessible, and will provide up to S$40 million in grant assistance each year. The funding can be used to support a wide range of activities, including the development of innovative infrastructure projects and collaborative research in key areas of innovation.