Mrs Mildred Tan, Chairman, SUSS
Professor Tan Tai Yong, President, SUSS
Ms Judy Chan
Professor Cheong Hee Kiat, President Emeritus, SUSS and Chairman of the Judging Panel
Ms Triena Ong, Chief Judge
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good evening. It is a great pleasure to join you today at the Dr Alan HJ Chan 'Spirit of Singapore' Book Prize Award Ceremony.
2. It is indeed appropriate that we are gathering today to announce the winner of the book prize as today is World Book Day, an event celebrated around the world in recognition of the contributions made by countless generations of writers in many different fields that have not only brought us joy, but also opened our hearts and minds to infinite possibilities far beyond what we can imagine in our daily lives.
3. Supporting an ecosystem to develop and strengthen literary works is important as we face the mounting challenge of social media culture where our young hardly read, have no patience with long written texts and prefer visually stimulating platforms like TikTok or Instagram.
4. Having had the privilege to grace other literary events, I am continually inspired by the depth and breadth of talent that thrives within our literary community. Every literary event such as this serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue, nurturing creativity, and celebrating the diverse voices that contribute to our rich literary landscape.
5. I am grateful for the late Dr Alan HJ Chan's recognition of the important role that Singaporean writers play in contributing to Singapore literature and to the shaping and recording of the nation’s psyche. Through his generous support, Dr Alan Chan has provided an opportunity for writers to be celebrated and recognised for their work through the ‘Spirit of Singapore’ Book Prize.
6. Tonight, we gather not only to announce the winner of the ‘Spirit of Singapore’ Book Prize, but also to honour the legacy of the late Dr Alan HJ Chan. Dr Chan, a shining example of a lifelong learner, epitomised the transformative power of education and enlightenment. His journey, from a self-made businessman to a Confucian scholar, underscores the importance of continuous growth and intellectual curiosity. It is no wonder that Dr Chan felt deeply connected to SUSS's mission of inspiring lifelong learning, especially in the social sciences, which serve for a force of social good.
7. In 2022, Dr Chan's commitment to education manifested in a generous gift of $1 million to SUSS, laying the groundwork for initiatives that champion education and literature, including the establishment of the Dr Alan HJ Chan ‘Spirit of Singapore’ Book Prize. This literary book prize, which comes with prize money of $30,000, recognises outstanding works that best epitomise, inspire, and promote the Spirit of Singapore.
8. So, what is the Spirit of Singapore? It is very difficult to capture its meaning in three words. Simply put, it is the mindset and values pivotal in shaping modern Singapore, including equality, diversity, racial and religious harmony, meritocracy, pragmatism, resilience, and a commitment to education, innovation, and community.
9. The SingLit scene mirrors our own melting pot. Within it, we find a vibrant convergence of cultures, languages, and narratives, each contributing to our collective identity. The authors gathered here this evening capture this local essence and historical significance, providing valuable insights for current and future generations. Join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to the shortlisted authors for the Spirit of Singapore Book Prize. And they are:
- Sebastian Sim, for “And the Award Goes to Sally Bong!”
- Sylvia Toh Paik Choo and others, for “Eat Here or Take Away? All About Singapore Hawker Culture”
- Woon Tai Ho, for “Soul of Ink: Lim Tze Peng at 100”
- Peh Shing Huei, for “Standing Tall: The Goh Chok Tong Years, Volume 2”
- Khir Johari, for “The Food of Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels Through the Archipelago”
10. Please give them a round of applause. Your contributions to Singaporean literature are invaluable, and your works exemplify the diverse and dynamic spirit of our nation.
11. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the judging panel, led by Chief Judge Triena Ong, for their dedication, expertise, and meticulous evaluation throughout the selection process. Your commitment to excellence has ensured the integrity and credibility of the Spirit of Singapore Book Prize, and for that, we are truly grateful.
12. In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere gratitude once again to the late Dr Alan HJ Chan and his family for their steadfast dedication to education and enlightenment. Additionally, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the nominees for their invaluable contributions to SingLit. As we eagerly anticipate the announcement of tonight's winner – and, by the way, I too don’t know the winner myself – let us collectively support and celebrate the achievements of these writers.
13. Thank you.