When it comes to singapore prize, the winner of the inaugural NUS Singapore History Prize was archaeologist John Miksic for his book, Singapore And The Silk Road Of The Sea, 1300-1800. The prize was introduced in 2014 as part of the SG50 programme, and it is the first literary award dedicated solely to Singapore history. The award is administered by NUS’ department of history.
A hefty prize of $20,000 was awarded to the finalists and winners of this year’s Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), which celebrates innovative design concepts across multiple categories. The winning projects were showcased during a special awards ceremony hosted alongside WAFX 2023: Inside World Festival of Interiors.
The President’s Science and Technology Awards (PSTA) is a national award that recognises outstanding scientists and engineers in Singapore for their contributions to the country and the wider community of scientific talent in Asia-Pacific. Established in 1987 as the National Science and Technology Awards, they were elevated to Presidential status in 2009 and are the highest honours bestowed on Singaporean scientists and engineers.
A woman who is in her 40s told CNA she spends up to half an hour each time she visits a popular arcade where she plays games such as keno. She was counting a thick stack of trading cards she had received from the arcade when she spoke to CNA. She did not want to be identified by name, but she said it “doesn’t really matter” to her if she wins or loses.
She said she is a big fan of arcades and enjoys the social interactions with the people there, and added that the prizes are “not so bad”. “But I’m not a huge player,” she said, adding that she usually only gets prizes such as collectable cards.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore started testing wastewater to trace outbreaks of the disease, mirroring similar efforts by other countries. This new method of early detection and response was possible because of research carried out by a Dutch microbiologist based in Singapore. Professor Gertjan Medema, who is the winner of this year’s Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, revolutionised the way COVID-19 was detected, and helped save lives by allowing rapid identification of the source of an outbreak, even before cases were reported in a community.
The prestigious PSTA also saw a scientist recognised for developing a high-speed, high-resolution laser imaging system to detect cancer cells. The technology, known as LIFE SPECTROSCOPE, is being developed to help save more lives with early cancer detection in the future. The system combines several cutting-edge technologies, including a superfast laser, a high-resolution microscope and a computer. It can detect tiny, hidden signs of cancer in the body before symptoms such as tumours start to appear. The PSTA is presented by the Minister for Education, Mr Ong Yew Kwek, at an annual gala dinner in November. It is sponsored by the Temasek Foundation.
