History and Purpose
The Harvard Prize Book is an annual award given by the Harvard Club of Singapore to pre-tertiary students who have demonstrated great care for others in the community. It is intended to inspire students in Singapore with the idea that Harvard is an attainable institution of higher learning, and to connect students to the Harvard community in Singapore.
A healthy civil society depends on people who are committed to their communities and who, at pivotal times, will put the common good before their own. The Harvard Prize Book (Singapore) award acknowledges and encourages altruism. Former Harvard Prize Book recipients have continued to serve different communities with care and purpose,
Former Recipients
Tew Li Ming from Yishun Innova Junior College worked with therapy horses and children with special needs. Said Tew, “I look forward to helping these children integrate into the society and hoping that one day the world will see beyond their special needs.”
Another Prize Book recipient, Muhammad Dinie from the Institute of Technical Education, College Central (ITE), shared how he helped lead an appreciation project for Town Council cleaners. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the team went around Ang Mo Kio estate to give out packed food, groceries, and thank–you cards to cleaners.
Meanwhile, Harrison Chong, co-founded Comm.UnitySG, a nationwide ground-up youth initiative, that serves the homeless in Singapore. He has fundraised over $125K, mobilised over 300 youth volunteers and helped over 250 beneficiaries. In a similar vein, Swee Si Min from Hwa Chong Institution led Project Sparks in the Hearth, which aims to improve the lives of rough sleepers. The team went on night walks to befriend rough sleepers, and helped to raise awareness about the cause.
Both Harrison and Si Min have continued to be involved with community work. Harrison is currently in the seed stage of founding his Social Enterprise, Jalan Journey, which deals with virtual experiential learning for youths. Likewise, Si Min’s team has recently launched a pay-it-forward initiative in SMU’s Koufu – Share a Spark – to improve their wellbeing.
Harvard Prize Book recipients in 2021:
Harvard Prize Book recipients in 2023:
Criteria
The recipient of the Harvard Prize Book (Singapore) is a caring individual who has, over a sustained period of time (preferably more than twelve months), gone beyond the call of duty to perform acts of kindness and caring, and who may have influenced his or her peers or family members to do likewise.
The acts of kindness or caring demonstrate an inner motivation to help in an authentic and sustainable manner. Some examples include:
- A student who has taken on additional household or other duties, such as caring for younger or disabled siblings, parents, grandparents, neighbours or friends
- Meaningful contribution to building a friendly and nurturing environment in school or in class, such as working to tackle bullying
- Sustained community service in the neighbourhood or community, such as working on a local park or common garden or reducing environmental degradation
- Contributions across race, culture or socioeconomic class that build community spirit and mutual understanding
While a student’s academic results, sports or artistic achievements and leadership accolades can (but not necessarily) be part of the consideration for this award, we hope that this award will recognize students who may not have reached the same lofty achievements as those who are constantly at the top of the class, or constantly receiving awards, but whose altruistic spirit is an ideal that can be raised for other students.
Academic achievements are already well lauded by other awards — instead, through this award, we hope to recognise a student with a notable promise of becoming a service leader.
Eligibility
The award is open to students in the graduating year in participating schools who meet the criteria.
Contact
Please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] should you have any enquiries.