Grayling Singapore rolled out an 18-month public relations campaign and will also manage a press office in the region. The awards honour entrants across fields including science, medicine, technology, innovation, exploration, discovery, the environment and cultural heritage.
Started in 1976, the biennial awards are aimed at rewarding and supporting entrepreneurial spirit around the world. "The Rolex Awards provide visionary individuals worldwide with the financial support and recognition they need to carry out innovative working projects," said Rebecca Irvin, Rolex programme director, Geneva.
Five applicants will receive US$100,000, a gold Rolex chronometer and free international publicity.
Up to five other individuals whose projects are judged to be particularly promising will each receive a cash award, a steel-and-gold Rolex chronometer and a ceremony in their home country.
Grayling to push more SEA entries for Rolex awards
The 2006 Rolex Awards for Enterprise are to be held for the first time in Singapore next October, in a bid to encourage more Southeast Asian entries.