Tuesday at the annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony in Singapore, 15 finalists including solar-powered dryer manufacturers, soil carbon marketplace and efforts to make electric car batteries cleaner were honored at an awards ceremony hosted by Prince William of Britain’s Royal Foundation charity to protect and restore our planet through climate change. Prince William applauded all 15 finalists for demonstrating that “hope does remain” even while climate change wreaks havoc worldwide.

As winner of the Best Book for General Audience category, this work explores Singapore’s complex social, cultural and economic history. It reveals how Singapore grew from an economically and politically advanced nation into its current status through political turmoil, natural disasters and technological breakthroughs; additionally it discusses current challenges faced by Singapore.

Kishore Mahbubani and Joanne Mahbubani’s work, an outstanding example of scholarship and history beyond mere coffee-table cookbook design, stood out due to its deep understanding and fresh perspective that will excite and inform future generations of Singapore’s story. Judges recognized and applauded this endeavor.

In English fiction, two Epigram Books titles won prizes: Akshita Nanda’s novel Nimita’s Place by Akshita Nanda was awarded first prize; Ng Yi-Sheng won second with Lion City by way of short stories he collected during SG50-themed novel Kian Kok and short story collection Black Panther by Chia Joo Ming and Wong Koi Tet respectively. In Chinese fiction categories however, both Chia Joo Ming (SG50 novel Kian Kok) and Wong Koi Tet (short story collection Black Panther).

As well as its main categories, this event included special prizes for best essays on water themes as well as youth contributions in science and technology fields by young Singaporeans aged between 11-19 years old from secondary schools across Singapore. Winning essays were chosen from entries submitted by students across all districts.

Awards are made possible thanks to generous philanthropic endowments provided by the Temasek group of companies and gifts and contributions from other donors. The Temasek Foundation supports programs that seek to enhance lives and communities in Singapore while developing global capabilities and furthering sciences – for more information visit their website.