2022 National Day Awards Investiture Citations (English)
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
[Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang]
1. MR GOPINATH PILLAI
Former Chairman
Indian Heritage Centre Advisory Board
CITATION
Former Ambassador-at-Large Mr Gopinath Pillai served Singapore with distinction over more than three decades, both at home and abroad.
Mr Pillai contributed significantly to Singapore’s relations with South Asia. With India, he deepened our bilateral business links. He became our Special Envoy to Andhra Pradesh, and in that role advised the state government on the development of its new capital city, and at the same time explored opportunities for Singapore companies to invest in the state. As Chairman of the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS), he nurtured greater understanding of the sub-continent, including spearheading the inaugural South Asian Diaspora Convention.
Mr Pillai also served as Non-Resident Ambassador to Iran, and Non-Resident High Commissioner to Pakistan.
At home, Mr Pillai was a pillar of the Indian Singaporean community. He was instrumental in establishing the Indian Heritage Centre, which became a focal point for the Indian community. As Chairman of the Hindu Advisory Board, he advised the Government on matters of importance to Hindus. A prominent and highly respected member of Singapore’s small Malayalee community, he helped set up tertiary scholarships for young Malayalees and promoted the Malayalam language.
Mr Pillai’s social service extended beyond the Indian community. He contributed to the labour movement, and was the Founding Chairman of NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Limited. He also served as Vice-Chairman of Ang Mo Kio-Thye Hua Kwan Hospital.
For his numerous contributions to Singapore, Mr Gopinath Pillai is awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
[Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang]
2. MR LEE TZU YANG
Chairman, Public Service Commission
CITATION
Mr Lee Tzu Yang chairs the Public Service Commission (PSC); the Board of Trustees of the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD); the Board of The Esplanade Co Ltd; and the Founders’ Memorial Steering Committee. Mr Lee is also the Vice President of the Legal Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission.
Mr Lee has led the PSC to refresh its approach to sourcing and selecting talent for the Public Service. Under his leadership, the PSC has considered scholarship candidates from a wider range of pre-tertiary institutions as well as mature students from the universities. The PSC has also revised selection tools to identify critical traits for a high-performing and more diverse Public Service.
Mr Lee oversaw SUTD’s growth into a university with strong research networks, industry collaboration, and graduate employment outcomes. He played a leading role in the development of Singapore’s arts and culture sector, chairing and steering the Esplanade since 2015 to become one of the world’s busiest arts venues. Mr Lee also guided the development of the Founders’ Memorial, ensuring that it will reflect our values and ideals, and that when completed, it will serve to unify and inspire Singaporeans.
For his manifold contributions to public service, education, and the arts, Mr Lee Tzu Yang is awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
[Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang]
3. PROF TAN CHORH CHUAN
Chief Health Scientist
Ministry of Health
Executive Director, MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation
CITATION
As Chief Health Scientist, Chair of the Human Health & Potential Exco, and Chair of the Committee of Government Scientific Advisors, Prof Tan Chorh Chuan played a key role in shaping the growth of a vibrant biomedical science research and innovation ecosystem. He guided the establishment of various national research programmes for pandemic preparedness and vaccine development. Prof Tan has also played a key role in the transformation of our healthcare system. This includes the design and implementation of major enhancements from primary care to acute care, and innovations in care models.
Prof Tan served as President of the NUS from 2008 to 2017, during which time the University made great strides in the areas of education, research and entrepreneurship. Earlier, as the inaugural Chief Executive of the National University Health System, he brought the NUS Medical and Dental Schools and the National University Hospital under a single governance, to achieve synergies across clinical practice, research and education.
Prof Tan was Director of Medical Services between 2000 and 2004. During his term, he ably led the national public health response to the SARS epidemic, and introduced several impactful initiatives in our healthcare system.
For his many significant contributions to Singapore, Prof Tan Chorh Chuan is awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
[Pingat Jasa Gemilang]
4. MR CHAN YENG KIT
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health
CITATION
As Permanent Secretary for Health, Mr Chan Yeng Kit played a significant role in ensuring accessible and affordable public healthcare and health insurance. He also led the Whole-of-Government effort to formulate and coordinate plans for COVID-19 Safe Management Measures and the roadmap to a COVID New Normal. His efforts helped enable economic and social activities to return to normal, while preventing the healthcare system from being overwhelmed.
As Permanent Secretary for Defence (2012-2019), Mr Chan made a significant contribution in enhancing defence relations with key partners and developing new defence capabilities, particularly in the digital and information domain. As Permanent Secretary for Information, Communications & the Arts (2008-2012), and founding Chairman of Infocomm Media Development Authority, Mr Chan helped ensure a leading-edge national infocomm infrastructure for Singapore, enabling the country to become a leading digital economy.
For his significant contributions to Singapore, Mr Chan Yeng Kit is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
[Pingat Jasa Gemilang]
5. DR ANDREW PHANG BOON LEONG
Justice of the Court of Appeal
CITATION
Justice Andrew Phang Boon Leong has contributed immensely to legal scholarship in Singapore over the past 40 years. He spent 23 years in academia before joining the Bench in 2005 as Judicial Commissioner. He was appointed a Judge of the High Court in the same year and then in 2006, a Judge of Appeal. He has been Vice-President of the Court of Appeal since 2017.
As an academic, Justice Phang published prolifically. And as a judge, he has written some of the most important and influential judgements, particularly in the area of private obligations. His writings have been widely studied in Singapore and internationally.
Justice Phang has served since 2005 as Vice-President of the Singapore Academy of Law’s Senate. Under his direction, the Singapore Law Reports (Reissue) – an 84-volume compendium of the leading Singapore judgments issued since Independence – was published.
For his significant and wide-ranging contributions to Singapore legal scholarship, Justice Andrew Phang Boon Leong is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
[Pingat Jasa Gemilang]
6. MR SEAH MOON MING
Chairman, SMRT Corporation Ltd
CITATION
As Chairman of SMRT since 2017, Mr Seah Moon Ming has been instrumental in SMRT achieving a best-in-class standard of reliability. He helped to deepen SMRT’s rail engineering capabilities, enhance its operations and maintenance, and introduced innovations which improved station services.
Mr Seah strengthened SMRT’s collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Land Transport Authority and pioneered the joint regulator-operator board forum to engender a common approach to solving complex engineering issues. He contributed significantly to the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System project.
As Chairman of the Board of Governors of NUS High School, Mr Seah led the school to nurture its students with an international outlook. He helped the school establish partnerships with industry, which enabled students to gain authentic experiences.
For his significant contributions to the reliability of our public rail system, as well as to the education sector, Mr Seah Moon Ming is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
[Pingat Jasa Gemilang]
7. MR DAVID WONG CHEONG FOOK
Chairman, Republic Polytechnic
CITATION
Mr David Wong Cheong Fook has served as Chair of the External Review Panel for the Autonomous Universities Quality Assurance Framework and Chair of the Board of Governors of Republic Polytechnic since 2014.
Mr Wong has led the validation of the six autonomous universities with distinction over the last eight years. His stewardship of the quality assurance process has contributed significantly to the continued development and improvement of our publicly-funded universities.
Under Mr Wong’s leadership, Republic Polytechnic has established itself as a reputable life-long learning institution, with strong partnerships with industry and the community. Mr Wong has been an effective advocate for greater student support, including for students with special education needs and in the area of mental health.
For his strong contributions to higher education, Mr David Wong Cheong Fook is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (BAR)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (Lintang)]
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat]
CITATION
It is often by small deeds that we show our concern for our country and our fellow citizens. And it is the cumulation of many such small deeds that makes a difference in society. We cannot reward materially all those who have so contributed. However, we can and do recognise their contributions by conferring on them the awards of the Public Service Star (Bar) and the Public Service Star.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD) (BAR)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas) (Lintang)]
8. MS SURIYIACALA JENNIFER MARIE
Former Deputy Presiding Judge
Presiding Judge’s Office
State Courts
CITATION
Ms Suriyiacala Jennifer Marie was the Deputy Presiding Judge of the State Courts, prior to retiring in 2022. In her 11 years at the courts, she led many key initiatives, on areas ranging from internal governance to access to justice. She also oversaw the construction of the State Courts Towers. From 2021 to 2022, she chaired the International Consortium of Court Excellence (of which the State Courts is a founding member), raising the Singapore judiciary’s international stature.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
9. MR JOSEPH LEONG WENG KEONG
PS (Communications and Information) / PS (Cybersecurity), PMO / PS (Smart Nation and Digital Government), PMO
Ministry of Communications and Information
CITATION
As Permanent Secretary (Defence Development), Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Mr Joseph Leong was instrumental in driving MINDEF’s digital transformation efforts and the development of the Defence Technology Community (DTC) 2040 plan. He led the transformation of resource planning and governance as well as MINDEF’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19. In his current capacities as Permanent Secretary (Communications and Information) and Permanent Secretary (Cybersecurity), he leads the Government’s cyber and digital strategies.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
10. MR LIM HOCK YU
Chief Executive Director
People’s Association
CITATION
Mr Lim Hock Yu made significant contributions in driving the coordination of Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19 through the delivery of last-mile efforts, focusing on public health and safety and strengthening social resilience. He led People’s Association in reaching out and rallying community together during the pandemic and charted directions for the Community 2025 Masterplan in preparing ahead for post-COVID community building efforts for a more concerted WOG public service delivery.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
11. MR LAI CHUNG HAN
Permanent Secretary (Education)
MOE HQ
Ministry of Education
CITATION
As Permanent Secretary (Education), Mr Lai Chung Han has provided strategic oversight on major policy reviews of Singapore’s education system. This includes helping to shape an ecosystem for lifelong learning that will strengthen the career resilience of our workforce. He has also made significant contributions to enhance the Home Team’s Science & Technology capabilities to safeguard Singapore’s safety and security. For his significant contributions across the Public Service, Mr Lai Chung Han is awarded the Public Administration Medal (Gold).
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
12. MRS CHIA-TERN HUEY MIN
Deputy Commissioner
Int, Inv & Indirect Taxes
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
CITATION
Mrs Chia-Tern Huey Min is instrumental in advancing and safeguarding Singapore’s interests internationally in the areas of tax transparency and Base Erosion and Profit Shifting. She plays a key role in strengthening the administration of the Goods & Services Tax. Mrs Chia helped to deliver effective rental support schemes for businesses during Covid-19 and steered Property Tax administration to greater innovation and productivity. Under her decisive leadership, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore significantly strengthened its ability to combat tax crimes.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
13. PROF YEOH KHAY GUAN
Chief Executive Officer
National University Health System
Senior Consultant, Department of Gastroenterology
National University Hospital
Ministry of Health
CITATION
Professor Yeoh Khay Guan’s contributions span healthcare leadership, research and academia. Under his leadership as Chief Executive, the National University Health System launched several innovations which helped overcome the COVID-constrained environment. NUHS also provided strong support to national efforts to manage the pandemic and care for COVID-19 patients. As Dean of the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (2011-2018), he spearheaded transformative changes and the School was recognized as Asia’s top medical school.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
14. SAC NG SER SONG
Director
Central Narcotics Bureau
Ministry of Home Affairs
CITATION
Mr Ng Ser Song served 34 years in the Ministry of Home Affairs and helmed several senior appointments. Under his leadership, the Central Narcotics Bureau achieved many operational successes against drug traffickers, built long-term intelligence capabilities, and strengthened drug prevention educational efforts. Many significant legislative amendments were made during his tenure, including enhancements to Singapore’s drug rehabilitation regime. These and many other initiatives he championed have improved recidivism among drug abusers, and helped keep Singapore relatively drug-free.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
15. MR TAN MENG DUI
Chief Executive Officer
Management
Housing & Development Board
CITATION
Mr Tan Meng Dui has made significant contributions to the development of the infrastructure and environment sector in Singapore. As Chief Executive Officer of the Housing & Development Board, he provided strong leadership to the planning and development of affordable, quality housing within the inclusive and thriving communities in our towns. He was instrumental in shaping policies, plans and programmes that contributed to a clean and sustainable environment in his former capacity as Chief Executive Officer of the National Environment Agency.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
16. MR TAY TIANG GUAN
1 Deputy Director-General / Chief Risk Officer
Cluster Heads and Group Heads Office
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
CITATION
Mr Tay Tiang Guan has made significant contributions in advancing Singapore’s civil aviation interests and establishing the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) as a global and regional leader. He played a pivotal role in growing CAAS’s capabilities to build a strong aviation ecosystem, bolster industry development and raise safety standards. He demonstrated exemplary leadership in managing the COVID-19 crisis and mitigating its severe impact on the Singapore aviation sector in the last two years.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
17. MR EDWARD SURENDRAN ROBINSON
Deputy Managing Director (Economic Policy) & Chief Economist
Managing Director's Office
Monetary Authority of Singapore
CITATION
Mr Edward Surendran Robinson has built up the Economic Policy Group at the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a strong and credible research outfit for applied macroeconomics in Singapore. He has led the group to conduct high-quality macroeconomic surveillance and formulate sound exchange rate policy recommendations, which have helped to support non-inflationary economic growth. Mr Robinson has also played a key role in providing rigorous economic analysis to inter-agency deliberations on various economic policy issues.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD) (MILITARY)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas) (Tentera)]
18. BG KELVIN FAN SUI SIONG, PPA(P)
Chief of Staff (Joint Staff)
Office of Chief of Defence Force
Singapore Armed Forces
CITATION
BG Kelvin Fan Sui Siong has excelled in a range of key appointments throughout his Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) career. As Chief of Staff (Joint Staff), he led the SAF’s capability development efforts, including master planning of the SAF’s next generation warfighting concepts and organisation structure. BG Fan was also the Ministry of Defence/SAF’s founding Chief Sustainability Officer who charted the SAF’s sustainability plan. As Director (Policy), BG Fan engaged international partners to enhance diplomatic relations and safeguard Singapore’s defence interest.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (SILVER) (BAR)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Perak) (Lintang)]
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (SILVER)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Perak)]
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (SILVER) (MILITARY)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Perak) (Tentera)]
CITATION
Middle managers in the public services, both civilian and military, play the crucial role of translating policy decisions into effective implementation. Throughout the public services, many middle managers discharge demanding tasks with drive and imagination, producing excellent results. Those men and women are honoured today by the award of the Public Administration Medal (Silver).
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (BRONZE) (BAR)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Gangsa) (Lintang)]
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (BRONZE)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Gangsa)]
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (BRONZE) (MILITARY)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Gangsa) (Tentera)]
CITATION
The successful implementation of government policies depends on the personal dedication and hard work of each and every member of the public services. The Singapore Public Service is fortunate in having within its ranks, many men and women who have consistently striven to give their best. In recognition of their unstinting service, they are awarded the Public Administration Medal (Bronze).