2020 National Day Awards Investiture Citations (English)

The Order of Temasek (With High Distinction)

[Darjah Utama Temasek (Dengan Kepujian Tinggi)]

1. PROF S JAYAKUMAR
Senior Legal Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs

CITATION

Prof S Jayakumar has given his entire adult life to the service ofSingapore. He served in the cabinets of all three of Singapore’s Prime Ministers, as Home Affairs Minister (1985-1994), Law Minister (1988-2008), Foreign Minister (1994-2004), Deputy Prime Minister (2004-2009), Coordinating Minister for National Security (2005-2010), and Senior Minister (2009-2011).

Uniquely among public servants, Prof Jayakumar brought an exceptionally keen legal mind to bear on a considerable range of issues, from national security and foreign policy to political and constitutional developments.

Domestically, he oversaw fundamental constitutional and legislative changes, including the landmark Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, as well as the creation of non-constituency MPs, nominated MPs, and the elected President.

Internationally, he made the rule of law the centrepiece of Singapore’s approach to foreign relations. He not only articulated a compelling vision of how the rule of law can secure Singapore’s interest and peaceful relations between nations, but also led international legal negotiations and adjudications himself. He was Singapore’s leading diplomat, building rapport with counterparts near and far, and at the same time our chief advocate and counsel.

In ASEAN particularly, Prof Jayakumar developed a wide network of friends. He served on the Eminent Persons Group for the ASEAN Charter. The trust that he enjoyed helped greatly in tackling difficult problems.

The nation will long be indebted to him for his role in important negotiations with our neighbours. He negotiated the Defence Cooperation Agreement and Extradition Treaty with Indonesia. He worked on the dispute with Malaysia over Pedra Branca for 40 years, culminating in the successful case before the International Court of Justice in 2007, and Malaysia’s withdrawal of its applications made a decade later to revise and to interpret the original Judgment.

Long after retiring as a Minister, Prof Jayakumar continues to apply his rich experience to some of our most sensitive foreign policy issues, as Senior Legal Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

For his wide-ranging, invaluable, and unique contributions to the wellbeing and security of Singapore, Prof S Jayakumar is awarded The Order of Temasek (With High Distinction).

The Distinguished Service Order

[Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang]

2. MR KOH CHOON HUI
Chairman, Singapore Children’s Society

CITATION

A visionary stalwart of the social sector for over four decades, Mr Koh Choon Hui has nurtured several social service agencies in Singapore. His work has benefitted many Singaporeans.

Mr Koh has been Singapore Children’s Society’s (SCS) Chairman since 1978, and has pioneered many new services and programmes such as the Latchkey Child Development Centre in 1979 and Tinkle Friend helpline in 1984. In 2004, it launched its Bully-Free Programme to address school bullying. Under Mr Koh’s stewardship, SCS has reached out to many children, youth and families in need over the years, and the society has won many regional and national awards.

As Vice-President of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) from 1994 to 2000, he initiated a review of social service sector salaries. The review laid the groundwork for the sector to recruit and retain talented staff.

Mr Koh was Chairman of the Juvenile Homes Community Link Committee under the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports from 2000 to 2004. He initiated the community’s involvement in the rehabilitation of wayward juveniles by providing each of them with a trained volunteer mentor.

Mr Koh has been serving on many boards, including currently as Chairman of Singapore Pools and iShine Cloud Ltd. He is also the Singapore Government Representative at the ASEAN Commission on Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children.

For his contributions to Singapore’s social service sector, Mr Koh Choon Hui is awarded .

The Distinguished Service Order

[Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang]

3. PROF WANG GUNGWU
Former Chairman, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Former Chairman, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
Former Chairman, East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore

CITATION

Professor Wang Gungwu is the founding Chairman of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, and the former Chairman of both the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS) and the East Asian Institute.

Professor Wang was instrumental in strengthening the research capabilities of the three institutes and growing them into internationally reputable centers of excellence. A distinguished scholar, Professor Wang helped to strengthen Singapore’s intellectual leadership on issues pertaining to China, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.

As one of the world’s foremost historians, Professor Wang has made seminal contributions to the study of the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia and Singapore. His publications, lectures and articles on a variety of subjects, especially contemporary China, have provided valuable insights for policymakers and academics.

For his distinguished scholarship and leadership role in developing world class research institutions in Singapore, Professor Wang Gungwu is awarded .

The Meritorious Service Medal

[Pingat Jasa Gemilang]

4. MS CHAN LAI FUNG
Permanent Secretary, National Research & Development
Permanent Secretary, Public Sector Science & Technology Policy and Plans Office
Chairman, A*STAR

CITATION

Ms Chan Lai Fung has made significant contributions over 34 years of public service.

As Permanent Secretary (Law) and later as Permanent Secretary (Finance)(Performance), Ms Chan drove significant improvements in areas such as e-Government and procurement.

As Permanent Secretary (Education), she oversaw fundamental changes to education policies, including Subject-Based Banding, PSLE and Secondary 1 posting, pre-school education and the inclusion of special needs students under the Compulsory Education framework. She also oversaw the establishment of the Singapore University of Social Sciences as an Autonomous University.

As Permanent Secretary (National Research and Development) and Permanent Secretary (Science & Technology Policy and Plans Office), she guided the development of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan. She synergised the work of various research organisations to build stronger public sector science and technology capabilities.

For her outstanding contributions, Ms Chan Lai Fung is awarded The Meritorious Service Medal.

The Meritorious Service Medal

[Pingat Jasa Gemilang]

5. ASSOC PROF BENJAMIN ONG KIAN CHUNG
Immediate Past Director of Medical Services

CITATION

Associate Professor Benjamin Ong has served with distinction in public healthcare for over 30 years. As Director of Medical Services in the Ministry of Health (2014-2020), he played a pivotal role in significant improvements to Singapore’s healthcare system.

Associate Professor Ong oversaw the opening of new public healthcare facilities to increase capacity, pushed for the transformation of our care models to meet the needs of an ageing population, and expanded our preventive health, primary care and community-based senior care efforts. He also strengthened our healthcare regulatory and health technology assessment capabilities. His foresight in fortifying our infectious disease management capabilities placed Singapore in good stead to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.

For his contributions to Singapore’s healthcare system, Associate Professor Benjamin Ong is awarded The Meritorious Service Medal.

The Public Service Star (Bar)

[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (Lintang)]

The Public Service Star

[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat]

CITATION

We honour today those who have volunteered to serve the community and make better the lives of others. A number of such persons are awarded The Public Service Star (Bar) and The Public Service Star, to recognise the efforts of all those who have helped to make Singapore a better place. A grateful Nation thanks them for their selflessness and contributions.

The Public Administration Medal (Gold) (Bar)

[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas) (Lintang)]

6. MR DAVID CHONG GEK SIAN
Chief Counsel
Civil Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers

CITATION

As Chief Counsel and head of the Civil Division of the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), Senior Counsel David Chong Gek Sian is an exemplary leader. An astute and experienced litigator, Mr Chong helped to secure successful outcomes for the Government in many complex court cases. He uplifted the standards of advocacy and knowledge management in AGC. Under his leadership, AGC’s sound and practical legal advice helped to safeguard the Government’s interests and achieve the Government’s objectives.

The Public Administration Medal (Gold)

[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]

7. MR CHEONG CHEE HOO
Chief Executive Officer
DSO National Laboratories
Ministry of Defence

CITATION

As Chief Executive Officer of DSO National Laboratories (DSO), Singapore’s national defence R&D organisation, Cheong Chee Hoo has positioned DSO to deliver strategic capabilities and systems which contribute significantly to the technology edge of the Singapore Armed Forces, and supports Singapore’s wider national security needs. He has overseen the development and operationalisation of technologies in critical capability areas, and was instrumental in breaking new ground.

The Public Administration Medal (Gold)

[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]

8. MDM LIM YEN CHING
Deputy Director-General of Education (Professional Development) and Executive Director, Academy of Singapore Teachers Directorate
Ministry of Education

CITATION

Mdm Lim Yen Ching has made significant contributions in propelling the Singapore teaching fraternity to become an exemplary model of professional excellence. An inspiring educator and education leader, she has also contributed to policy formulation and programme development in curriculum development and school management, particularly for disadvantaged students. For her
invaluable contributions, Mdm Lim is awarded The Public Administration Medal (Gold).

The Public Administration Medal (Gold)

[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]

9. PROF CHEONG HEE KIAT
President
Office of the President, Singapore University of Social Sciences
Ministry of Education

CITATION

Professor Cheong Hee Kiat has made significant contributions to the development of Singapore’s university education system in the last 35 years. Professor Cheong was in the pioneering leadership team when Nanyang Technological University was established in 1991. He was appointed the founding President of SIM University in 2005, and was instrumental in building up its programmes for mature learners. SIM University became the Singapore University of Social Sciences in 2017, our sixth Autonomous University.

The Public Administration Medal (Gold)

[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]

10. MR NG WAI CHOONG
Commissioner of Inland Revenue /
Chief Executive Officer, IRAS Inland
Revenue Authority of Singapore

CITATION

Mr Ng Wai Choong has helped to position the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) as a leading tax authority globally. Under Mr Ng’s leadership, IRAS has fostered international tax co-operation and provided thought leadership in the OECD’s Forum on Tax Administration. He played a pivotal role in fostering a competitive tax environment and enhancing taxpayers’ experience by leveraging analytics and digitalisation. For his significant contributions to the economic and social landscape of Singapore, Mr Ng Wai Choong is awarded The Public Administration Medal (Gold).

The Public Administration Medal (Gold)

[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]

11. COMMISSIONER DESMOND CHIN KIM THAM
Commissioner of Prisons
Singapore Prison Service
Ministry of Home Affairs

CITATION

Mr Desmond Chin has contributed more than 30 years to the Singapore Prison Service (SPS). Under his exemplary leadership as the Commissioner of Prisons from October 2016 to September 2020, he transformed SPS, leveraging technology and community partners, to even more effectively carry out its twin mission of custody of inmates and their rehabilitation and re-integration into society. Today, SPS is well-regarded locally and internationally as a progressive and an inspiring correctional service.

The Public Administration Medal (Gold)

[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]

12. MR PETER NG JOO HEE
Chief Executive, PUB
PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency

CITATION

As Chief Executive (PUB), Mr Peter Ng Joo Hee has made significant contributions in ensuring a sustainable and secure water supply, effective drainage infrastructure and establishing PUB as the national coastal protection authority to safeguard against rising sea levels. He also spearheaded sustainability efforts such as the Tuas Nexus to maximise energy and resource recovery, and the deployment of floating solar photovoltaic systems at reservoirs.

The Public Administration Medal (Gold)

[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]

13. MR GABRIEL LIM MENG LIANG
Permanent Secretary (Trade and Industry)
Ministry of Trade and Industry

CITATION

As the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Mr Gabriel Lim led the Ministry’s efforts to support the growth of the Singapore economy, the creation of jobs for Singaporeans, and development of our enterprises. This year, Mr Lim led the MTI family’s contributions to our national battle against COVID-19. Prior to MTI, Mr Lim was Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information, where he developed the Digital Economy Blueprint.

The Public Administration Medal (Gold)

[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]

14. MR PNG CHEONG BOON
Chief Executive Officer
Enterprise Singapore

CITATION

As the founding Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Singapore, Mr Png Cheong Boon oversaw the successful integration of the functions across Spring Singapore and International Enterprise Singapore. He ably led the organisation’s work in enterprise development and internationalisation; industry transformation; promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship; and trade development. Under Mr Png’s leadership, Enterprise Singapore has played an important role in supporting economic development and creating good jobs for Singaporeans.

The Public Administration Medal (Gold)

[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]

15. MS TAN BENG TEE
Asst Chief Executive (Devt)
Chairman / CE’s Office
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

CITATION

For her pivotal role in shaping Singapore into a top International Maritime Centre; elevating Singapore to be the world’s top shipping center among 43 global shipping hubs in the Xinhua-Baltic Exchange Shipping Centre Development Index, which we have maintained for 7 consecutive years; earning Singapore the accolade of world’s top maritime capital for the fourth consecutive time in the “Leading Maritime Capitals of the World” international benchmarking study, Ms Tan Beng Tee is awarded The Public Administration Medal (Gold).

The Public Administration Medal (Gold) (Military)

[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas) (Tentera)]

16. MAJOR GENERAL (MG) KELVIN KHONG BOON LEONG, PPA(P)
Chief of Air Force
Republic of Singapore Air Force

CITATION

MG Kelvin Khong Boon Leong has made many important contributions in his military career. As Chief of Air Force, MG Khong strengthened the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) readiness and oversaw the development of new capabilities. He also drove the next generation transformation plans for the RSAF, including new fighting concepts and organisational structures. MG Khong fostered good defence relations with foreign air forces and partner countries, and raised the regard that other air forces have for the RSAF and Singapore.

The Public Administration Medal (Gold) (Military)

[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas) (Tentera)]

17. BRIGADIER GENERAL (BG) NG CHAD-SON, PPA(G), PBS
Director Military Intelligence/ Chief C4I
Joint Intelligence Directorate
Singapore Armed Forces

CITATION

BG Ng Chad-Son has played a leading role in the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) and Intelligence functions. As Chief C4I and Director Military Intelligence, he built capabilities and supervised critical operations. He drove the development of cyber defence in the SAF, as well as the Regional Military Counter-terrorism Information Facility. BG Ng also fostered good defence relations with foreign defence partners and raised the international standing of the SAF.

The Public Administration Medal (Gold) (Military)

[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas) (Tentera)]

18. BRIGADIER GENERAL (BG) TAN CHEE WEE, PPA(P), PBS
Chief of Staff (Joint Staff)
Office of Chief of Defence Force
Singapore Armed Forces

CITATION

BG Tan Chee Wee has held a variety of key appointments in his Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) career. As Chief of Staff (Joint Staff), he led the SAF’s capability development efforts, including master planning the SAF’s next generation warfighting concepts and forms of organisation. He was instrumental in Ministry of Defence/SAF’s digital transformation efforts. Concurrently as the SAF Inspector-General, BG Tan established the SAF Safety Inspectorate and enhanced safety governance to strengthen safety management and culture in the SAF.

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

A vital part in public administration is the link between the formulation of policy and its implementation. Middle level managers in the public service play this essential role of translating policies into action and processing feedback into useful recommendations. Those who have applied themselves with drive, imagination and dedication to produce outstanding results 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 most well-conceived government policies can fail if public servants who are charged with their implementation falter. Working with neither fear nor favour, dedicated frontline public servants who have consistently given of their best are recognised today with the award of The Public Administration Medal (Bronze).

The President's Certificate of Commendation

[Sijil Kepujian Presiden]

General Citation for Contributions to Singapore Bicentennial Commemoration

The Singapore Bicentennial Office executed with distinction the commemoration of the Bicentennial of Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival in Singapore in 1819. The commemoration presented a more holistic picture of Singapore’s history stretching back 700 years.

The year-long commemoration consisted of more than 200 events, art installations, special edition festivals and exhibitions, involving more than 300 partners from the public, people and private sectors across diverse communities. More than 9 million people participated in the commemoration of the Singapore Bicentennial.

The centerpiece was the From Singapore to Singaporean: The Bicentennial Experience held at Fort Canning Park. This multisensory immersive experience broke new ground in presenting Singapore’s history and attracted more than 760,000 visitors, a record for limited-period exhibitions in Singapore. The exhibition was extended by three months due to overwhelming popular demand.

The Singapore Bicentennial prompted many participants to reflect on the key traits that defined Singapore throughout its history – Openness, Multiculturalism, and Self-Determination.

The President's Certificate of Commendation

[Sijil Kepujian Presiden]

General Citation for Contributions towards organising the Singapore Convention Signing Ceremony And Conference

The Singapore Convention on Mediation is the first United Nations treaty named after Singapore. The Singapore Convention Signing Ceremony and Conference on 6 – 7 August 2019 was a historic event. The negotiation of the Convention and the organisation of the event involved over 10 government agencies, 30 legal and educational institutions, and 100 student volunteers. 11 teams are recognised for their significant contributions to the event:

• The Ministry of Law drove Singapore’s involvement in the Convention and led the organisation of the event.

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors-at-Large Professor Chan Heng Chee, Professor Tommy Koh, Mr Ong Keng Yong, Ambassador Thambynathan Jasudasen and former Ambassador-at-Large Mr Bilahari Kausikan supported the promotion of the Convention internationally.

• The Land Transport Authority and Singapore Police Force ensured that the event took place smoothly and without security incidents.

• Maxwell Chambers organised a key related event which enhanced Singapore’s status as an international legal hub.

• The Ministry of Communications and Information supported the media strategy and operations for the event.

• The National Parks Board supported the naming of a specially created hybrid orchid after the Convention.

• The National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University and Singapore University of Social Sciences law schools, and 13 schools, coordinated the involvement of student volunteers and academics in the event.

The efforts of all these organisations and individuals put Singapore on the world map, advanced Singapore’s interests, and instilled pride amongst Singaporeans.