SMALL businesses and non-profit groups in Singapore and six other global markets can compete for a slice of a S$630,000 prize pool. The contest is helmed by accounting software firm Xero and has four categories, with winners securing S$15,000 in each market.
For the second year running, Xero is organising its beautiful business contest for customers in Australia, New Zealand, Canada (excluding Quebec), South Africa, Hong Kong, and Singapore. SMEs can choose from four categories of their choice, including innovating for environmental sustainability, trailblazing with technology, strengthening community connection, and upskilling for the future.
Those who are interested in the competition can submit their entries until Sept 27. Winners will be announced at end-October, with four global winners bagging S$40,000 each.
The first Singapore Prize was awarded to archaeologist John Miksic for his book on the island’s history, Singapore And The Silk Road Of The Sea, 1300-1800. The book was a result of his excavations at Fort Canning and Old Parliament House. It was also inspired by bits of historical information found in literary records, such as the reference to Temasek and Longyamen (or Dragon Teeth’s Gate).
This year’s contest saw more than 2,000 entries from all over the world. The judges praised the high standard of submissions, describing them as innovative and creative solutions to address climate change. The winners were selected based on a number of criteria, including their originality and creativity, impact, and scale.
Some of the top solutions to combat climate change include Indian maker of solar-powered dryers, a soil carbon marketplace, and groups that make electric car batteries cleaner, restore Andean forests and deter illegal fishing. In a speech at the awards ceremony, Britain’s Prince William said that the 15 finalists demonstrated that hope remains as we tackle global challenges like climate change.
Ng also thanked the organisers, sponsors and participants, including Nanyang Girls’ High School, Hwa Chong Institute, and members of the public who donated their family genealogical records to National Library Board. He hoped that the Competition would continue to be an exciting platform for individuals, organisations and communities to innovate and drive change.
The NUS History Prize was launched in 2014 to mark SG50, and is the first of its kind here. The award was conceived by historian Kishore Mahbubani and judged by a panel of four historians. This year’s shortlist includes the historical tome Seven Hundred Years: A History Of Singapore and Kamaladevi Aravindan’s novel Sembawang, which follows an extended family through decades of Singapore life. The prize, which comes with a S$50,000 cash prize, aims to shift the perception of history as a record of big movers and shakers.