National Awards (COVID-19) Investiture Citations (English)
THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL (COVID-19)
[Pingat Jasa Gemilang (COVID-19)]
1. MAK SECK WAI KENNETH
Former Director of Medical Services,
Ministry of Health
Director-General of Health,
Ministry of Health
CITATION
As the Government’s chief medical advisor, Professor Mak Seck Wai Kenneth provided sound advice to the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) and Government agencies. He became a familiar and trusted figure at MTF press conferences. His professionalism, and his steady and calm presence, reassured the public and reinforced its trust in the Government’s handling of the pandemic.
As Director of Medical Services, Prof Mak oversaw the public health response to combat the spread of COVID-19 and co-led the Ministry of Health’s Contingency Taskforce in formulating Singapore’s public health strategies in response to the pandemic. These included the national vaccination programme, the clinical protocols and operational guidance provided to hospitals and medical clinics, as well as the health protocols for the general public. Most crucially, Prof Mak oversaw the ramping up of healthcare and ancillary facilities.
For his exceptional contributions to Singapore’s successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Mak Seck Wai Kenneth is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (COVID-19).
THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL (COVID-19)
[Pingat Jasa Gemilang (COVID-19)]
2. PANG KIN KEONG
Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Home Affairs
Chairman,
Homefront Crisis Executive Group
CITATION
As Chairman of the Homefront Crisis Executive Group, Mr Pang Kin Keong coordinated the Whole-of-Government’s response to COVID-19. He was a pillar of support to the political leadership in the Multi-Ministry Taskforce as well as the entire Public Service. His leadership demonstrated grace under pressure. He helped mobilise agencies across the public sector, and roped in partners in the private and people sectors, to fashion a Whole-of-Society response to the pandemic.
It was in large part due to Mr Pang’s inspiring leadership that the public sector was able to anticipate many of the challenges the nation was to face in the crisis, respond swiftly to a complex threat, formulate action plans for the different stages of the pandemic, and generally stay ahead of the many twists and turns in COVID-19’s trajectory.
For his exceptional contributions to Singapore’s successful management of COVID-19, Mr Pang Kin Keong is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (COVID-19).
THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL (COVID-19)
[Pingat Jasa Gemilang (COVID-19)]
3. TAN CHONG MENG
Lead for Community Care Facilities Taskforce,
Temasek COVID-19 Workgroup
Group Chief Executive Officer,
PSA International
CITATION
As Group Chief Executive Officer of PSA International, Mr Tan Chong Meng played a critical role in ensuring that Singapore’s supply chains withstood the numerous global and local disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He revamped PSA’s cargo operations so that supply chains remained open. He also led the set-up of several emergency health facilities at the beginning of the pandemic, including the Community Care Facility at Changi Expo and the floating accommodation vessels at Tanjong Pagar Terminal. And he led PSA to facilitate the safe inflow of migrant workers for critical sectors.
In addition, Mr Tan co-chaired the Emerging Stronger Taskforce with Minister for National Development Mr Desmond Lee. The Taskforce was set up to identify the major trends triggered by COVID-19 and prepare Singapore for eventual economic and social recovery.
For his crucial contributions on so many fronts to Singapore’s pandemic response, Mr Tan Chong Meng is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (COVID-19).
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
4. JANADAS DEVAN
Former Chief of Government Communications,
Ministry of Communications and Information
Senior Advisor (Government Communications),
Ministry of Communications and Information
Deputy Secretary,
Prime Minister’s Office
CITATION
Mr Janadas Devan played an instrumental role in leading Whole-of-Government communications during the COVID-19 pandemic. He led the Ministry of Communications and Information’s Information Group to sense-make and provide tailored and timely communications across various media platforms in multiple languages, to nudge appropriate behaviour during the pandemic. The timeliness and transparency of public communications during the crisis contributed to the public’s trust and confidence in the Government’s COVID-19 responses.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
5. SEET UEI LIM
Former Commander,
Joint Task Force (Assurance),
Singapore Armed Forces
Commander,
Digital Defence Command,
Singapore Armed Forces
CITATION
BG Seet Uei Lim ably led the Joint Task Force (Assurance). Comprised of officers from the Ministry of Defence / Singapore Armed Forces, the Home Team, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Manpower and other public agencies, the task force was instrumental in keeping migrant workers safe during the pandemic. BG Seet’s teams assessed the situation at the migrant workers’ dormitories, promptly mobilised resources, and provided essential healthcare and other services and support to over 100,000 affected workers.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
6. DINESH VASU DASH
Group Director (Crisis Strategy and Operations),
Ministry of Health
CITATION
Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash led the operations for all non-clinical aspects of COVID-19 case management through many waves of the pandemic, overseeing critical functions from contact tracing to quarantine, testing and isolation to home recovery. He was central in conceptualising and operationalising the national COVID-19 vaccination programme. He helped to implement various innovative concepts and technologies, including bringing telemedical services into the mainstream.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
7. FONG KOK YONG
Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer,
Medical and Clinical Services,
Singapore Health Services
CITATION
Professor Fong Kok Yong ensured SingHealth’s patients had continued access to critical care even as it was in the frontlines combating COVID-19. As Chairman of the Medical Board for MOH Community Care Facilities, and Chairman of the Health Sciences Authority Medicine Advisory Committee, he led multi-agency COVID-19 efforts in clinical governance and policy. He formulated clinical practices and innovations to ensure high standards of patient care and staff safety.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
8. IVY NG SWEE LIAN
Group Chief Executive Officer,
Singapore Health Services
CITATION
As SingHealth Group Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the SingHealth Disease Outbreak Taskforce, Professor Ivy Ng Swee Lian provided leadership and guidance in formulating and directing the strategies, policies, and operations of SingHealth during the pandemic. She inspired and galvanised SingHealth institutions and staff, and mobilised its clinical, operational, manpower and infrastructural resources to support the Government’s COVID-19 efforts.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
9. LEO YEE-SIN
Executive Director,
National Centre for Infectious Diseases,
National Healthcare Group
CITATION
Professor Leo Yee-Sin provided inspirational leadership to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. The Centre was at the forefront of Singapore’s management of COVID-19, helping the Ministry of Health make evidence-based policy decisions to protect Singaporeans during the pandemic. She ensured strong collaboration among the clinical, public health, research, and training teams. She chaired the COVID-19 Research Workgroup, which made significant advances in understanding the disease. This was critical for developing treatments and vaccines.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
10. ONG KIAN CHUNG BENJAMIN
Chairman,
Health Sciences Authority
Senior Advisor to Ministry of Health for COVID-19 Pandemic
Senior Vice President (Health Education & Resources),
National University of Singapore
Senior Consultant,
Division of Neurology,
National University Hospital,
National University Health System
CITATION
Professor Ong Kian Chung Benjamin was a key member of the COVID-19 leadership team in the Ministry of Health. He chaired the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination, which developed the recommendations that shaped Singapore’s national vaccination and booster strategy. He also played a key role as the leading expert in various other COVID-19 planning groups – including groups that examined testing, vaccines, therapeutics, protection of the elderly, Safe Management Measures and exit strategies.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
11. PHILIP CHOO WEE JIN
Group Chief Executive Officer,
National Healthcare Group (Headquarters)
CITATION
Professor Philip Choo Wee Jin played a sterling role in organising the National Healthcare Group’s resources to support the Multi-Ministry Taskforce. He worked with various institutions to provide medical support to migrant workers in dormitories. He oversaw the development of the first COVID-19 Treatment Facility (CTF), which became the model and blueprint for subsequent CTFs. Prof Choo inspired the staff and put in place many initiatives to support them physically and mentally.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
12. TAN CHORH CHUAN
Chief Health Scientist,
Ministry of Health
Executive Director,
MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation
CITATION
As the Ministry of Health’s Chief Health Scientist, Professor Tan Chorh Chuan coordinated the national research that informed public health policies during the pandemic. The research efforts spanned epidemiology, transmission, infection- and vaccine-induced immunity, the accelerated development of diagnostic tests, and the clinical trials of therapeutics and vaccines. He coordinated research projects to better understand and counter the virus, as well as to identify better diagnostic tests, vaccines and therapeutics in the fight against COVID-19.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
13. TAN HEE TECK
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer,
Resorts World at Sentosa Pte Ltd
CITATION
Mr Tan Hee Teck led the Resorts World team in operationalising and managing the first-of-its-kind Community Care Facilities at Singapore Expo. The rapid ramp-up in care capacity was critical in managing the escalating outbreak in dormitories and preventing hospitals from being overwhelmed. His resourcefulness, foresight and leadership were instrumental in helping Singapore ride through the worst of the pandemic. His work also set the template for other such facilities.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
14. VERNON LEE JIAN MING
Senior Director (Communicable Diseases Division),
Ministry of Health
CITATION
Professor Vernon Lee Jian Ming was a key advisor and pillar of support to the Cabinet, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce and numerous Government agencies throughout the pandemic. He played a key role in Singapore’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic, including developing case management protocols, contact tracing and quarantine systems, as well as community and vaccination-differentiated Safe Management Measures. He advised agencies on the safe management and re-opening of various sectors.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
15. WONG HEANG FINE
Former Group Chief Executive Officer,
Surbana Jurong Consultants Pte Ltd
CITATION
Mr Wong Heang Fine led the team which set up Community Care Facilities at the Singapore Expo and Big Box. They worked against a challenging backdrop of fewer migrant workers, supply chain disruptions and time constraints. Mr Wong’s resourcefulness enabled the team to build the first-of-its-kind facility, which became instrumental in dealing with the outbreak in the dormitories.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
16. YEOH KHAY GUAN
Chief Executive,
National University Health System
Senior Consultant,
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
National University Hospital,
National University Health System,
Ministry of Health
CITATION
Under Professor Yeoh Khay Guan’s leadership, the National University Health System (NUHS) provided strong support for national efforts to manage the pandemic. NUHS’ Community Care Facilities greatly expanded capacity for patient care. NUHS boosted national COVID-19 testing capacity, and launched innovations in healthcare delivery to overcome pandemic constraints. As Chief Executive, Prof Yeoh ensured staff safety, welfare, and morale throughout the crisis, and eased the transition to an endemic COVID-19 normal.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
17. SIM WAI MENG MARVIN
Commissioner,
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority,
Ministry of Home Affairs
CITATION
Mr Sim Wai Meng Marvin led the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in managing complex border policies and operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. ICA had to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 importation into Singapore, while facilitating essential travel and the flow of essential supplies. Mr Sim also played a pivotal role in driving several major COVID-19 measures to safeguard public health — such as the Stay-Home Notice Regime and Safe Travel Office — which had significant nation-wide impact.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
18. TEE CHONG FUI SAM
Former Alternate Secretary,
Homefront Crisis Executive Group
Former Senior Director,
Joint Operations Group,
Ministry of Home Affairs
Director,
Central Narcotics Bureau,
Ministry of Home Affairs
CITATION
Mr Tee Chong Fui Sam ably led the Homefront Crisis Executive Group (HCEG) Secretariat to support the HCEG and the Multi-Ministry Taskforce. The Secretariat played a crucial role in coordinating the Whole-of-Government response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included working with many agencies to plan and monitor the implementation of COVID-19 policies, and ironing out operational issues. Mr Tee was the glue that connected and held everything together.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
19. PATRICK ANG PENG KOON
Managing Partner,
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP
CITATION
Mr Patrick Ang Peng Koon showed exemplary care for the well-being of the community and led major efforts in the legal sector that contributed significantly to Singapore’s fight against COVID-19. He provided invaluable expertise and guidance in the drafting of unprecedented legislation, including the Rental Relief Framework which provided relief to businesses and individuals whose livelihoods were affected by the pandemic.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
20. SUSHIL NAIR
Deputy Chief Executive Officer,
Drew & Napier LLC
CITATION
Mr Sushil Nair demonstrated exemplary care for the well-being of the community during the fight against COVID-19. He provided invaluable guidance and suggestions on emergency legislation to provide relief to businesses affected by the pandemic. These legislations — such as for the temporary relief against enforcement of contractual obligations and the Rental Relief Framework — helped to stabilise businesses and preserve jobs and livelihoods.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
21. CHAM HUI FONG
Deputy Secretary-General,
National Trades Union Congress
CITATION
Ms Cham Hui Fong led her team to work with the Ministry of Manpower and Singapore National Employers Federation on new workplace measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. She provided leadership and guidance for unions and workers, and ensured that tripartite policy positions were fair to workers and employers alike. She secured ground support for these policy positions, so unions and employers were able to work together to ensure business sustainability as well as livelihoods.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
22. SIM GIM GUAN
Executive Director,
Singapore National Employers Federation
CITATION
Mr Sim Gim Guan led the Singapore National Employers Federation team in working with the Ministry of Manpower and National Trades Union Congress on numerous new workplace measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. He ensured that tripartite policy positions addressed employers’ manpower concerns and encouraged cooperation between employers and employees. His leadership was instrumental in rallying employers to support tripartite positions, so employers and employees were able to work together to sustain livelihoods during the pandemic.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
23. ANITA FAM SIU PING
President,
National Council of Social Service
CITATION
Ms Anita Fam Siu Ping led the National Council of Social Service’s efforts to support the social service sector during the pandemic. She initiated The Invictus Fund, which helped more than 90 social services agencies maintain business continuity and yet transform their operations to deliver critical services to those in need. Ms Fam also led the Beyond COVID-19 Taskforce to strengthen the resilience of the social services sector in post-pandemic Singapore.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
24. PHILLIP TAN ENG SEONG
Former Chairman,
Community Chest
Advisor,
Community Chest
CITATION
Former Chairman of Community Chest (ComChest) Mr Phillip Tan Eng Seong rallied donors and partners to aid social service causes during the pandemic. In 2020, he led ComChest to raise a record $87 million, of which $31 million was dedicated to COVID-related causes. These included The Invictus Fund, which supported the business continuity of over 90 social service agencies, and The Courage Fund, which supported more than 42,000 lower-income households, and healthcare and frontline workers affected by COVID-19.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
25. SYED FIDAH BIN ISMAIL ALSAGOFF
Joint Head,
Enterprise Development Group (Singapore) &
Head, Life Sciences,
Temasek International Pte Ltd
CITATION
As Temasek’s Head of Life Sciences and Joint Head of the Enterprise Development Group, Dr Syed Fidah Bin Ismail Alsagoff coordinated Temasek’s efforts to support Singapore’s battle against COVID-19. He worked closely with key stakeholders and partners across the public, private and people sectors to ensure that Temasek’s initiatives in testing and diagnosis, containment and contact tracing, care and treatment, protection and prevention, and enablement, helped our community during the pandemic.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
26. LEE SEOW HIANG
Chief Executive Officer,
Changi Airport Group
CITATION
Mr Lee Seow Hiang led airport-wide efforts to cope with COVID-19, which had severely affected the aviation sector. Under his leadership, the Changi Airport Group adjusted airport operations and processes to adapt to stringent public health and border measures. His strong partnership with the airport community and the unions was crucial in galvanising support, while ensuring that the airport remained open for essential air services and travel.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
27. LIEW KIAH ENG MARY
General Secretary,
Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union
President,
National Trades Union Congress
CITATION
Ms Liew Kiah Eng Mary was instrumental in lobbying union members to support COVID-19 policies – especially the Singapore Shipping Tripartite Alliance Resilience Fund Taskforce’s initiatives such as the audit of quarantine facilities and the vaccination of seafarers. She brought in international organisations such as the International Transport Workers’ Federation and the International Maritime Employers’ Council to garner industry support for arrangements in the quarantining of seafarers.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
28. YANG YUEN TSYR, CAROLINE
Chairperson,
Singapore Shipping Tripartite Alliance Resilience Fund Taskforce
President,
Singapore Shipping Association
CITATION
Ms Yang Yuen Tsyr, Caroline led the Singapore Shipping Tripartite Alliance Resilience Fund Taskforce to support countries in adopting best practices for crew change. She deployed the Singapore Shipping Association and industry resources to execute the initiatives, including the audit of quarantine facilities, formulating protocol for seafarer crew change and the vaccination of seafarers. Her leadership garnered recognition for Singapore as a leader in the global shipping community during this trying period.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
29. SAMUEL NAG TSIEN
Former Group Chief Executive Officer,
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Bank
Former Chairman,
The Association of Banks in Singapore
CITATION
As Chairman of the Association of Banks in Singapore from 2019 to 2021, Mr Samuel Nag Tsien led the association to provide crucial support for Government and financial industry relief measures, which helped ease the financial strain on individuals and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
30. CHONG WEE CHEONG
Patron,
Chua Chu Kang Citizens’ Consultative Committee
CITATION
Mr Chong Wee Cheong worked closely with merchants during the pandemic to facilitate the implementation of Safe Management Measures at markets in Chua Chu Kang. He played a pivotal role in initiating the temporary re-location of market stalls, which allowed for business continuity while keeping market-goers and stall-holders safe. He encouraged merchants to adopt digital payment options, such as Community Development Council Vouchers.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
31. CHUA KIAN MENG, JP
Chairman,
Potong Pasir Citizens’ Consultative Committee
CITATION
Mr Chua Kian Meng, Chairman of the Potong Pasir Citizens’ Consultative Committee since 2002, served residents in various ways throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This included initiating house visits to encourage seniors to get vaccinated, delivering groceries to residents serving quarantine, and reaching out to residents to check in on their physical and mental well-being.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
32. KENNY SIM MONG KEANG
Chairman,
Bukit Timah Citizens’ Consultative Committee
CITATION
Dr Kenny Sim Mong Keang, a grassroots leader of deep experience, led several key initiatives to support and care for the community during the pandemic. These included the distribution of meals, care packs, hand sanitisers and masks to vulnerable residents, hawkers, and foreign workers. He helped seniors who required assistance, including making funeral arrangements for those without family members.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
33. QUAH POH KENG, DON
Patron,
Kembangan-Chai Chee Citizens’ Consultative Committee
CITATION
Mr Quah Poh Keng, Don, a grassroots leader who has served the community since 2005, helped to support lower-income families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. He was actively involved in regular distributions of care packages to more than 1,000 households affected by COVID-19 in Kembangan-Chai Chee and other areas.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
34. TAN MENG, JP
Honorary Chairman,
Nee Soon East Citizens’ Consultative Committee
CITATION
Mr Tan Meng, a veteran grassroots leader, coordinated and implemented national and local initiatives for Nee Soon East residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. These included supplying healthcare essentials to vulnerable residents, a sustained six-month effort to provide hand sanitisers in lifts for 163 HDB blocks, paying regular house visits to seniors to encourage them to go for vaccination, and providing timely financial assistance to those who lost their jobs.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (COVID-19)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (COVID-19)]
35. TOH KOK WEE
Chairman,
Teck Ghee Community Club Management Committee
CITATION
Mr Toh Kok Wee, Co-Chairman of the Teck Ghee Care Task Force, played a key role in coordinating Teck Ghee Division’s efforts to ensure residents’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. He led initiatives to provide hand sanitisers in HDB lifts and distribute meals to seniors residing in rental blocks. He also worked closely with stakeholders to increase residents’ awareness of vaccination and provide updates on the COVID-19 situation.