NUS Community Recognized with National Day Awards on Singapore’s 60th Anniversary
Several members of the National University of Singapore (NUS) community received recognition at the National Day Awards, which coincided with Singapore’s 60th anniversary. Mr. Tan Gee Paw, an Adjunct Professor at the NUS College of Design and Engineering and former Chairman of Changi Airport Group, was awarded the Order of Nila Utama. This recognition acknowledges his significant contributions to Singapore, particularly in areas such as aviation, rail transport, and water security. Professor Lui Pao Chuen, who is the Temasek Defence Professor at the Temasek Defence Systems Institute and Chairman of the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute, received the Distinguished Service Order for his extensive impacts in various domains, including education, technology, and infrastructure.
Recognition of NUS Members
Both Mr. Tan and Professor Lui were part of a larger group of nearly 200 individuals recognized from the NUS community. The National Day Awards honored a total of approximately 7,210 people. Mr. Tan, who led Changi Airport Group from October 2020 to March 2025, received recognition for his leadership during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in advocating for operational efficiency and overseeing infrastructure advancements. His tenure included major initiatives such as the development of Terminal 5 and the Changi East airport expansion.
Contributions of Professor Lui
Professor Lui has made significant contributions to enhancing Singapore’s research and technological capabilities across multiple fields, including nuclear science and urban sustainability. His career in the Ministry of Defence spanned over 40 years, where he served notably as Chief Defence Scientist. In recognition of his scholarly contributions, he was reappointed as Temasek Defence Professor in 2024, reinforcing his ongoing role in fostering research at NUS.
Other Distinguished Recipients
The awards also celebrated numerous other distinguished members of the NUS community in various categories. Notable recipients included NUS Pro-Chancellor Mr. Gautam Banerjee, awarded the Public Service Star, and Mr. Tan Chong Meng, who received the Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership in healthcare and infrastructure organizations. Additionally, Ms. Lim Wan Yong, a Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, was honored with the Long Service Medal.
Significance of the Event
This event underscores the contributions of the NUS community to Singapore’s development and recognizes excellence across multiple sectors within the country.
(Source: news.nus.edu.sg)
