Seventeen members of the College of Design and Engineering (CDE) community have been recognised at this year’s National Day Awards for their significant contributions to Singapore. Their achievements span leadership, research, teaching, and steadfast dedication to public service.
Top national honours for CDE-affiliated leaders
Adjunct Professor Tan Gee Paw from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering was awarded the Order of Nila Utama (Darjah Utama Nila Utama), one of the nation’s most prestigious honours, accorded by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Adj Prof Tan has contributed to Singapore’s development on multiple fronts, from enhancing the nation’s air hub competitiveness to strengthening water security and improving rail reliability. As Chairman of Changi Airport Group from 2020 to 2025, he steered the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring a swift recovery in air traffic and progress on long-term projects such as the Changi East development and Terminal 5.
From 2001 to 2017, he had served as Chairman of PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, leading key initiatives such as NEWater and the Marina Barrage. He has also advised the Land Transport Authority and the Ministry of Transport on complex technical and organisational issues for rail projects. His decades of public service reflect a rare blend of technical expertise, strategic foresight, and commitment to national progress.
He was conferred the NUS Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award in 2011.
Professor Lui Pao Chuen, Temasek Defence Professor at the Temasek Defence Systems Institute, was conferred the Distinguished Service Order (Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang) for exceptional and distinguished service to the nation.
Prof Lui served in the Ministry of Defence for 41 years, including 22 years as Singapore’s first Chief Defence Scientist. A pioneering advocate of systems thinking, he has played a pivotal role in advancing Singapore’s capabilities in areas such as national security, water sustainability, underground development, and space technology. Beyond his government career, he continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through his academic work and advisory roles.
Commendation for exemplary service
The Commendation Medal, instituted in 1996, is awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves through commendable performance and conduct, or through significant efficiency, competence, and devotion to duty. This year, Mdm He Jian, Senior Laboratory Executive at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, received this honour for her exemplary contributions.
Recognising exceptional efficiency
The Efficiency Medal, instituted in 1969 and awarded for exceptional efficiency, exceptional devotion to duty, or for work of special significance, was presented to Mr Tan Chee Siong, Assistant Manager, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who was also awarded the Long Service Medal.
Recognising long and dedicated service
In addition, 13 CDE faculty and staff members were awarded the Long Service Medal, instituted in 1962 and given to persons of irreproachable character who have completed at least 25 years of service. These colleagues, representing a wide range of academic and administrative roles, have been a vital part of CDE’s growth and success:
- Mdm Tan Xiaolan, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Mr Chun See Chong, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Ms Lum Mei Peng Sharon, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Mdm Ng Ai Mei, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Mdm Umah Mageshwary d/o G Pillai, Dean’s Office
- Ms Ang Mei Ling, Dean’s Office
- Mr Cheah Kok Keong, PBM, Dean’s Office
- Mdm Loh Fong Leong, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mr Tan Chee Siong, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mdm Leena d/o Nakulan, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Assoc Prof Gurusamy Mohan, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Assoc Prof Ng Kien Ming, Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management
- Assoc Prof Chen Peter Chao Yu, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Mr Chen Qun, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Their years of service have been instrumental in shaping CDE’s teaching, research, and operations, and in supporting generations of students.
A community in service to the nation
Prof Teo Kie Leong, Dean at CDE, congratulated all award recipients. He added, “These awards are a testament to the dedication and passion of our CDE community. Each recipient, through their own expertise and commitment, has played a part in building a better Singapore and in strengthening our university’s mission.”
CDE takes pride in the achievements of our colleagues and alumni, whose service and leadership continue to inspire and make a difference.
