The Department of History at NUS launched the prize in 2014 to spur interest in Singapore’s complexities and nuances, as well as to make the country’s unique story more accessible to non-academic audiences. It honours the late Christopher Bathurst KC, Viscount Bledisloe, a leading member of Fountain Court Chambers and a prominent commercial barrister with a distinguished practice in Asia, including Singapore, who died in 2009.
A Singaporean success story, the top-scoring Indian-born student at his school, went on to study at one of the best universities in Cambridge on a government scholarship and then clinched a highly coveted job back home in Singapore, which allowed him to earn a handsome salary at a young age. But for him, it’s not about how much he makes or what his net worth is that defines achievement – it is about doing good work with a passion for learning and a commitment to helping others.
In an interview with Rice Media, he said that a great career for him is “being able to use your talents to help people who need it most”. That is why he has chosen to pursue a PhD in law. “I think it’s a very valuable thing to do and I think I have the right skills set for it,” he says.
He hopes that his research will lead to “an easier way for people to be able to understand the legal system”. His goal is also to make legal concepts and procedures more accessible to those who are not lawyers, in particular members of the public, students or the media.
An archaeologist and historian, Professor Miksic has written several books on Singapore’s history, the most recent being his 2018 winner of the inaugural singapore prize for Singapore And The Silk Road Of The Sea, 1300 – 1800. He believes that Ms Hidayah has an unfair advantage compared to other contenders as she grew up in one of the most fascinating parts of the city, Kampong Glam.
He was speaking at a motion in parliament to congratulate Team Singapore’s Olympians and Paralympians, including kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder and swimmer Yip Pin Xiu, as well as boccia player Jeralyn Tan. The motion was passed unanimously. It also called for greater recognition of Paralympians as they are just as deserving of a medal as their Olympian colleagues. Minister of Culture, Community and Youth Vivian Balakrishnan was the prime mover behind the motion. The ministry plans to introduce six key strategies to further build on the athletes’ achievements, such as establishing an inclusive sports system. This will see more people from all walks of life participate in sporting activities, and thereby boost the nation’s social cohesion and sense of shared identity. It will also increase the pool of potential athletes by encouraging more young people to take up sports, and promoting a culture of inclusivity for all. The strategy will be implemented in 2024.