2021 National Day Awards Investiture Citations (English)
THE ORDER OF NILA UTAMA (WITH DISTINCTION)
[Darjah Utama Nila Utama (Dengan Kepujian)]
1. MR PETER SEAH LIM HUAT
Chairman, DBS Group Holdings & DBS Bank Ltd
Chairman, LASALLE College of the Arts Ltd
Chairman, National Wages Council
Chairman, Singapore Airlines Ltd
Member, Council of Presidential Advisers
CITATION
Mr Peter Seah Lim Huat is the Chairman of the National Wages Council (NWC), DBS Group Holdings, Singapore Airlines (SIA), and LASALLE College of the Arts (LASALLE). He is also a member of the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA), a Director on the Board of the GIC Private Limited, and was formerly Chairman of Singapore Health Services (SingHealth).
As SingHealth’s Chairman from 2009 to 2021, Mr Seah oversaw a major expansion of its services. SingHealth developed into an Academic Medical Centre as well as a Regional Health System, providing Singaporeans with affordable, accessible and quality healthcare.
The NWC, under Mr Seah’s leadership since 2015, has led productivity-driven wage growth, flexible wage structures, and the uplifting of lower-wage workers. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provided vital guidance to employers to sustain businesses and save jobs.
At DBS and SIA, Mr Seah has overseen both organisations’ transformation to become digital innovators, with DBS named the “World’s Best Bank”. Under his leadership, LASALLE has grown into an internationally reputable tertiary arts education institution.
Mr Seah has brought his keen business insights and acumen to the numerous roles he has played in both the public and private sectors.
For his remarkable contributions to the NWC, CPA and GIC, and in such a wide range of sectors -- from healthcare to finance, from aviation to education -- Mr Peter Seah Lim Huat is awarded The Order of Nila Utama with Distinction.
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
[Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang]
2. MR BENNY LIM SIANG HOE
Chairman, National Parks Board
CITATION
Mr Benny Lim has had an illustrious career in the Public Service, rising to key leadership positions in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). But the list of his appointments alone cannot convey the exceptional breadth and quality of his contributions to Singapore. His practical wisdom, personal touch and resourcefulness have enriched many policies and programmes and enlivened the work of many public servants.
Mr Lim spent much of his career in the Home Team. He began as a Police Constable, straight out of school, and rose to become Permanent Secretary of MHA. Nobody before or after Mr Lim has repeated this singular trajectory. He helped grow a stronger and more cohesive Home Team; established the Home Team Academy; and was instrumental in developing counter-terrorism programmes like the Religious Rehabilitation Group and the Community Engagement Programme, the precursor of SG Secure. He worked tirelessly with community leaders and actively supported inter-faith initiatives. He was instrumental in enhancing Singapore’s national security capabilities and social resilience after Sept 11.
At PMO, Mr Lim coordinated national security as well as public engagement initiatives like “Our Singapore Conversation”. At MND, he ensured that in developing vibrant living environments, the Ministry stayed focused on building cohesive communities and serving the needs of the residents. And at National Parks Board (NParks), where he was appointed Chairman in 2018 after his retirement, he continues to drive efforts to make Singapore a “City in Nature”.
For his exceptional contributions to Singapore’s national security and development, Mr Benny Lim is awarded The Distinguished Service Order.
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
[Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang]
3. MR RICHARD MAGNUS
Chairman, Public Transport Council
CITATION
Mr Richard Magnus retired as Chief District Judge after a distinguished career in the Singapore Legal Service. Before and since, he has contributed to public service in remarkably varied ways.
Mr Magnus is the founding Chairman of Temasek Foundation Cares and Deputy Chairman of Temasek Foundation. In these positions, he has led initiatives benefitting more than 62,000 Singaporeans and COVID-related initiatives that have touched every household in Singapore.
As Chairman of the Public Transport Council, Mr Magnus led its re-constitution in 2016. He spearheaded major reviews of the fare formulae and has expanded public transport concession schemes. He also chairs a multi-agency committee to foster a more caring commuting culture.
Mr Magnus chairs the Bioethics Advisory Committee and is Singapore’s first Representative to the ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights, and the first Singaporean to be elected Vice-Chairman of UNESCO’s International Bioethics Committee.
Mr Magnus was the founding Chairman of the Casino Regulatory Authority and continues to serve on the Evaluation Panel on Integrated Resorts. He was the first Chairman of the Public Guardian Board and a member of the Public Service Commission from 2009 to 2020.
Mr Magnus ably chaired the Committee of Inquiry on the 2018 SingHealth Cyberattack which made recommendations to strengthen the healthcare sector’s resilience against cyberattacks.
For his extensive and multi-faceted contributions to Singapore, Mr Richard Magnus is awarded The Distinguished Service Order.
THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
[Pingat Jasa Gemilang]
4. MRS SANTHA BHASKAR
Artistic Director, Bhaskar's Arts Academy
CITATION
Mrs Santha Bhaskar is a highly respected artist and dancer. Long the Artistic Director of Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, she is also the Advisor to Nrityalaya Aesthetics Society and Resident Choreographer for Indian dance at the Centre for the Arts, National University of Singapore. Known for incorporating cross-cultural interdisciplinary elements in her works, Mrs Bhaskar has dedicated her life to enriching our country’s arts heritage.
Mrs Bhaskar has been awarded the Cultural Medallion (1990) and Public Service Star (2016). Recently, she was inducted into the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO)’s Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame. Mrs Bhaskar is currently a Panel Member of the National Heritage Board’s Stewards of Intangible Cultural Heritage Award.
For her extraordinary contributions to Indian dance here, both as a performer and an educator, and for being such a strong advocate of multiculturalism in the arts, Mrs Santha Bhaskar is awarded The Meritorious Service Medal.
THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL (MILITARY)
[Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera)]
5. LG MELVYN ONG SU KIAT, PPA(E), PPA(P), PBS
Chief of Defence Force
Singapore Armed Forces
CITATION
Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong Su Kiat has been an exemplary leader throughout his military career. As Chief of Defence Force, he led the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to achieve a high level of operational readiness. Under his leadership, the SAF conducted security missions round-the-clock to safeguard Singapore’s sovereignty, and undertook training exercises and technology developments to raise our defence capabilities. LG Ong set in place strategies for the transformation of the SAF as it adopted new and advanced fighting concepts, more effective human capital development and deployment, and sustainable development. LG Ong has also been instrumental in fostering good defence relations with foreign militaries, raising the SAF’s international standing, and positioning it as a valuable defence partner, regionally and internationally.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (BAR)
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (Lintang)]
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR
[Bintang Bakti Masyarakat]
CITATION
The Public Service Star (Bar) and the Public Service Star are awarded to those who have contributed to the good of their fellow citizens. They showed care for the well-being of their community, and their public service has helped make Singapore a better society.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD) (BAR)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas) (Lintang)]
6. MR CLARENCE YEO GEK LEONG
Senior Advisor (Special Duties)
Ministry of Home Affairs
CITATION
Mr Clarence Yeo served 41 years in the Civil Service, of which 31 were at the Ministry of Home Affairs. As Commissioner, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), he transformed ICA, introducing innovative technological solutions for border security and traveller identification, and user-friendly electronic platforms for the public to apply for immigration facilities. He also served as Chief Executive, Home Team Academy, and helped make it a leading training institute in homefront safety and security.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD) (BAR)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas) (Lintang)]
7. MR ONG CHONG TEE
Former Deputy Managing Director (Financial Supervision)
Monetary Authority of Singapore
CITATION
Mr Ong Chong Tee demonstrated strong commitment and leadership in the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). As Deputy Managing Director, he oversaw several key MAS functions. He oversaw the management of MAS’ reserve portfolio, conduct of monetary policy, and promotion of the financial sector. He also headed MAS’ financial supervision function and oversaw the introduction of digital banking licenses and the strengthening of supervision of risks relating to money laundering, cybersecurity and payment services. He was an active member in many international regulatory forums.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
8. MS DAPHNE HONG FAN SIN
Director-General
International Affairs Division
Attorney-General's Chambers
CITATION
As the Director-General of the International Affairs Division of the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Ms Daphne Hong has made substantial contributions to significant legal matters concerning Singapore’s relations with foreign states. She has advised on many international law issues of critical importance to Singapore and was instrumental in key international negotiations and dispute resolution, including the Pedra Branca case. She has also built capacity in emerging areas of international law and developed the next generation of international lawyers.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
9. MR SANTA MARIA KEVIN JOHN
Director
Ministry of Defence
CITATION
Mr Kevin Santa Maria’s exceptional leadership has been critical to the transformation and development of MINDEF. He has led and strengthened the organisation in fundamental ways in the areas of operations, planning, risk management, policy formulation and people development. For his contributions in ensuring MINDEF’s ability to fulfil its mission effectively, Mr Kevin Santa Maria is awarded The Public Administration Medal (Gold).
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
10. PROF CHONG TOW CHONG
President
Singapore University of Technology and Design
Ministry of Education
CITATION
Prof Chong Tow Chong has played an instrumental role in shaping key higher education and research institutions in Singapore. He has been the President of the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) since April 2018, and was the founding Provost of SUTD from 2010 to 2018. Under his strong leadership, SUTD has grown into an internationally well-regarded university within a short span of 12 years.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
11. PROF FONG KOK YONG
Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer
Medical & Clinical Services
Singapore Health Services
Senior Consultant, Rheumatology & Immunology
Singapore General Hospital
Ministry of Health
CITATION
As Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer in Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), Prof Fong displayed exemplary leadership in propelling SingHealth and Singapore’s public healthcare to greater heights. Respected as a clinician and an educator, his achievements ranged from clinical strategy and practice to optimising public healthcare capacity and care integration. In the nation’s fight against COVID-19, he oversaw operations in Community Care Facilities and contributed to the assessment of vaccines for use in Singapore. For his stellar contributions to Singapore’s healthcare, Prof Fong Kok Yong is awarded The Public Administration Medal (Gold).
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
12. MR RAJA KUMAR S/O THAMBY RAJAH
Senior Advisor (International)
Ministry of Home Affairs
CITATION
Mr Raja Kumar served 36 years in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). He rose to become Deputy Commissioner in the Singapore Police Force, and helped build it into the highly regarded Force it is today. He set up the Casino Regulatory Authority, and was its first Chief Executive. As Deputy Secretary, MHA, he strengthened MHA’s international networks to advance Singapore’s interests in countering transnational crimes and drugs, among other things.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
13. MR HARRY SEAH
Deputy Chief Executive (Operations)
Chairman's / Chief Executive's Office
PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency
CITATION
Mr Harry Seah has contributed significantly to enhancing Singapore’s water security. As Deputy Chief Executive (Operations), he has made significant contributions to ensure the operational effectiveness and efficiency of PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency. He was one of the pioneers in implementing NEWater and led PUB’s continuous exploration, research and development of water technologies. He actively engaged the industry to deploy and commercialise new water technologies.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
14. MR LEE CHUAN TECK
Permanent Secretary (Development)
Ministry of Trade and Industry
CITATION
As Permanent Secretary (Development), Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Mr Lee Chuan Teck oversees new economic activities, Singapore-based enterprises, the tourism sector, the utilities sector, and competition and consumer issues. On the international trade front, he focuses on uncovering new markets for Singapore companies. Prior to MTI, Mr Lee was Deputy Secretary (Land & Corporate), Ministry of Transport, where he led the restructuring of the public bus and rail sector and spearheaded the deployment of autonomous vehicles in Singapore.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
15. MS ONG TOON HUI
Deputy Secretary (Leadership) and Dean (CSC)
Public Service Division
Civil Service College
CITATION
As Deputy Secretary (Leadership), Public Service Division (PSD) and Dean/CEO, Civil Service College (CSC), Ms Ong Toon Hui has been exemplary in leading transformation in PSD and CSC. At PSD, she made significant contributions in developing leadership capabilities in the Public Service and broadening the leadership pipeline. At CSC, Ms Ong spearheaded initiatives to deepen the capabilities of public officers and ready them for the future.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas)]
16. MR CHAN CHEOW HOE
Deputy Chief Executive
Smart Nation and Digital Government Office
Government Technology Agency
CITATION
Mr Chan Cheow Hoe, Government Chief Digital Technology Officer, heads the Government’s Info-Comm Technology & Smart Systems function, and serves concurrently as Government Technology Agency’s Deputy CE. He helped to rebuild the public sector’s capabilities in digital technology, which enabled citizen-centric digital services and prompt responses to COVID-19. He also exercised thought leadership to champion knowledge-sharing on digitalisation among governments globally.
THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDAL (GOLD) (MILITARY)
[Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas) (Tentera)]
17. MG GOH SI HOU, PPA(G)
Chief of Army
Singapore Armed Forces
CITATION
MG Goh Si Hou has displayed exemplary leadership qualities throughout his SAF career. As Chief of Army, he strengthened the Army’s ability to respond to a broad spectrum of operations and drove the development of its next generation transformation plans. He also led the Army’s support of Singapore’s fight against COVID-19, and fostered good defence relations with foreign military defence partners, raising the Army’s regional and international standing.
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
Officers of middle management level, not often seen in the public eye, form an essential link between the formulation of policy and its implementation. Their drive and dedication motivate their staff to achieve organisational goals and provide public service of the highest standards. The Public Administration Medal (Silver) is awarded to those who have performed such duties with distinction.
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 ultimate success of any government policy lies in its effective implementation. Officers operating on the ground must have the competence, courage and skills to implement these policies. They must show flexibility and understanding in implementation, with no compromise in standards of excellence. The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) is awarded to such officers in recognition of their services.