SINGAPORE - If they made the news and inspired you, you can now write in to get them recognised by a new award.

The Straits Times (ST) is opening nominations for its inaugural The Straits Times Singaporean Of The Year 2015, which seeks to honour those whose extraordinary acts of goodwill have improved their community and the lives of others.

The annual award, supported by bank UBS Singapore, will be given out early next year.

The ST is looking for individuals or groups who have risked their lives heroically, for instance, or devoted their lives to exemplary voluntary work.

They could have broken new ground in helping the community, or fought immense adversity or personal loss with great resilience.

Said Mr Warren Fernandez, ST editor: "This award is geared at the common man or woman who steps up and does things that amaze and inspire everyone. His or her actions or contributions might make the news, but more importantly, it should impact and shape lives in a selfless way. That is the Singapore spirit we want to celebrate and showcase through this award."

Nominations are open to the public from now until Dec 31. Nominees, who must be Singaporean citizens and have made the news in 2015, may not put themselves forward or be nominated by a member of their immediate family.

The Straits Times will reveal a list of 10 shortlisted candidates in the middle of January. This will be followed by a public vote, which will factor into the final decision by a panel of 15 judges.

The panel will comprise editors and senior correspondents from the ST newsroom, as well as other judges from various walks of life, including singer Kit Chan, youth leader David Hoe, and chef Willin Low.

The Singaporean of the Year will receive $20,000 and a trophy, while the other nine nominees will each get $5,000 each, sponsored by UBS.

Mr Edmund Koh, UBS Singapore's country head, said: "As we celebrate UBS' 50 years in Asia and Singapore's 50th anniversary this year, it is timely that we also celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and honour those who have gone above and beyond their call of duty to make a difference to society.

"There are leaders that we read and hear about, but there are also the extraordinary among the ordinary. We hope to give recognition to the Singaporeans who inspire us, motivate us and challenge us to make a positive difference to the community."

For more details about the The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year and to nominate someone for the award, go to: str.sg/singaporeanoftheyear2015.

For enquiries about the award, email STprojects@sph.com.sg, with Singaporean of the Year in subject header.

oliviaho@sph.com.sg