• The 2025 Dr Alan HJ Chan ‘Spirit of Singapore’ Book Prize is open to books published in 2023 or 2024. Books must bear a publication date of 2023 or 2024 on the title page or copyright page.
• The Book Prize is open only to Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents as the donor wishes to promote Singaporean and Singapore Permanent Resident authors and co-authors.
• The book must be the original work of an author or co-authors, and must be available in printed format.
• The book must be written in English. Translations of books written originally in other languages will not be eligible.
• The book must be issued by a publisher, i.e. not self-published. Both fiction and non-fiction works are eligible. Biographies and autobiographies that are not written by ghostwriters are acceptable. Textbooks, syllabus books and books used to develop curricula will not be accepted.
• The publisher may be based in Singapore or overseas.
• The book must have an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and must be available for sale or distribution to the public.
• The book must have a strong Singapore element in its narrative and represent the spirit of Singapore.
• Books that have won awards in other competitions may be entered for this Book Prize. Books previously submitted for the Dr Alan HJ Chan ‘Spirit of Singapore’ Book Prize are eligible only if they are revised and updated editions.
• The book must be submitted by the publisher or by the author(s). If the entry is submitted by the publisher, this should be with the consent of the author(s).
• The prize money for the winning book will be given to the author(s).
• Authors are requested to be at the award ceremony if their books are shortlisted for the top prize, and the winner is expected to do sharing sessions on their books and agree to media interviews.
• Authors and publishers must jointly agree to the terms of the competition.
• Entries must reach SUSS by the closing date stated on the book prize website.
• Ten (10) complimentary copies of the printed book must be submitted for judging. The books will not be returned after judging. If available, e-book or PDF versions should also be made accessible to the judging panel. (Please see Submitting Your Entry below for more details.)
• There is no fee for submission.

• Entries are expected to encapsulate the spirit of Singapore, which is broadly defined as the values that have been indispensable in shaping the development of modern Singapore. These values include equality, diversity, religious harmony, meritocracy, pragmatism, resilience, and an emphasis on education, community, innovation, creativity and artistic endeavour.
• The book is expected to meet high international standards.
• Elements for judging include the quality of the content, creativity, relevance and impact of the Singapore element in the narrative, style and clarity of the writing, editorial input, design, images, production, printing, book promotion and marketing.
• The panel of judges is appointed by SUSS.
• The best book will be selected by the judging panel and will be awarded a Book Prize of S$30,000.
• The judges’ decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

Submissions are now closed. Stay tuned for the next opportunity—we look forward to receiving your entry then.