September 13, 2024

Singapore is a world leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, which is why it’s no surprise that our startups are taking on some of the most significant challenges of our time. These entrepreneurs are redefining the way we do business, and they’re doing it with groundbreaking technologies that are revolutionising the way we live our lives. But what exactly makes them so successful? It’s about more than just the technology. It’s about the people behind it, and the innovative ways that they’re leveraging their expertise to make a real difference in the lives of their customers.

The National Business Awards is a much-coveted prize that celebrates exceptional homegrown companies. It’s open to businesses that are headquartered in Singapore and have outstanding projects, initiatives or products in a variety of industries, including Finance, Food and Beverage, General Insurance, IT Services and more. The programme also recognises companies that are rethinking their business models, reframing the economy and communities they serve with new perspectives.

This year, the award will be doing away with specific entry categories that separate students, professionals and corporates, in favour of a more holistic approach that will allow entries from all areas of the creative arts to be recognised. This will include the Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Film and Television, Literary Arts and Heritage and Lifestyle. This allows us to recognise and give recognition to all the different ways that creativity is transforming our lives, and how it’s helping to solve the most pressing issues of our time.

Besides the trophies and cash prizes, the winners will get to be a part of Earthshot Week which is a week-long celebration of innovation and impact. This will see the winners and finalists come together for thought leadership and networking sessions with leading scientists, companies and investors, to help accelerate their solutions and bring them into the market.

A notable entrant this year is Professor Miksic, whose work earned the prize for a fundamental reinterpretation of Singapore’s history. His book explores bits and pieces of historical information, including references to the region made by early Chinese traders.

Professor Miksic says that he was honoured to win the prize because it’s “the first prize in Singapore that’s devoted solely to history”. He adds that he hopes the prize will help spur interest in Singapore’s past and encourage more discussion on the nation’s place in the world.

The winning entrants of the Singapore Prize will be awarded a trophy, S$10,000 in cash and a maximum of S$20,000 in project funding (subject to approval and on a reimbursement basis). In addition, the winners will be featured in a global campaign to drive public awareness of their projects. The winning entries will be announced at a ceremony in October.