CDE celebrates twenty-four CDE community members who received National Day Awards in recognition of their dedicated leadership and service to the University and Singapore.
Among those recognised for contributions to the University in service, education and research are:
Public Administration Medal
The Public Administration Medal (Gold, Silver, Bronze), instituted in 1963, is awarded to individuals who have outstanding efficiency, competence and industry.
Professor Teo Kie Leong, CDE Dean, was awarded The Public Administration Medal (Silver).
Prof Teo has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to academic leadership and institutional growth. Prior to becoming CDE Dean in April 2024, he held several key roles, including Deputy Dean (Academic Affairs and Education) at CDE, Deputy Dean and Vice Dean (Research & Technology) at the former Faculty of Engineering, before the merger of FoE and the School of Design and Environment.
His leadership has also extended to numerous university-level committees, including chairing management boards for corporate laboratories and research centres, and serving on research review committees of the National Research Foundation and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.
He has been pivotal in transforming CDE’s graduate programmes strengthening the College's educational impact on working adults in Singapore. Other notable achievements include improving undergraduate intake quality, recruiting top academic talent, enhancing curricula for future industry needs, and advancing research excellence.
Professor Lim Chwee Teck, from the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Director at the Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, was awarded The Public Administration Medal (Bronze).
Prof Lim has been instrumental in driving Singapore’s health technology ecosystem, actively engaging with government bodies, healthcare institutions, and the business community to build a formidable reputation for NUS and Singapore in medtech innovation, both locally and internationally.
His profound scientific contributions have been recognised with the highest honours including receiving the President’s Science Award in 2025 and being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and an International Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
As Director of the Institute for Health Innovation & Technology (iHealthtech) he led efforts to advance translational research and foster interdisciplinary collaboration with the goal of addressing unmet clinical needs.
Associate Professor Chai Kai Hin from the Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management, was awarded The Public Administration Medal (Bronze).
Assoc Prof Chai Kah Hin is the Dean of the School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) since 1 October 2025, and served in several key administrative appointments over the past years including as Director of Continuing Education and Training (CET) at the former Faculty of Engineering, Vice Dean (Office of Graduate Programmes) at CDE, and Associate Provost (Masters' Programmes & Lifelong Education
As CDE Vice Dean Graduate Programmes (2022 – 2025) he spearheaded the review and launch of several successful Masters’ programme, and championed initiatives to enhance student diversity, such as the CDE Global Fellowship and the NUS Youth Fellowship Programme, doubling PhD applications and increasing representation from underrepresented countries.
As Associate Provost (2023-2025), he contributed significantly to NUS’ non-credit short courses and micro-credentials and has been instrumental in tackling complex university-wide challenges.
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, Ms Wong Foong Foong, Associate Director, Department of Architecture and Dr Yen Shi-Cheng, Director, Engineering Design and Innovation Centre, received this honour for their exemplary contributions.
The Efficiency Medal, instituted in 1969 and awarded for exceptional efficiency, exceptional devotion to duty, or for work of special significance, was presented to Ms Lee Swee Fong, Assistant Manager, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
In addition, 12 CDE faculty and staff members were awarded the Long Service Medal, instituted in 1962 and is awarded to individuals of irreproachable character who have rendered at least 25 years of service. Spanning diverse academic and administrative appointments, these award recipients have each made enduring contributions to the College and played an important role in shaping CDE’s development over the years.
- Assoc Prof Fu Yuming, Department of Architecture
- Prof Tong Yen Wah, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Assoc Prof Lakshminarayanan Samavedham, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Mdm Li Fengmei, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Ms Lee Leng Leng, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Assoc Prof Motani Mehul, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mr Tang Han Kiang, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Ms Xiao Yun, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Assoc Prof Yang Wenming, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Mr Thian Chen Hai Stanley, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Mdm Chin Teck Fong, Dean's Office (Office of Graduate Programmes)
- Ms Toh Chew Ling, Dean's Office (Office of Student Life)
Through their dedication and years of service, these colleagues have made lasting contributions to CDE’s teaching, research, and operations, while supporting generations of students along the way.
Among those recognised for contributions beyond the University:
The Public Service Star, instituted in 1963, is awarded to individuals who have rendered valuable public service to the people of Singapore or have distinguished themselves in the field of arts and letters, sports, the sciences, business, the professions and the labour movement. The Public Service Star (Bar) is a subsequent add-on honour (a silver-gilt bar attached to the ribbon) given to an existing BBM recipient who continues to render exceptional and sustained service.
The Public Service Star (Bar)
Emeritus Professor Ong Say Leong BBM
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Prof Ong was recognised for his contributions as Chairperson, PUB Operational Audit Panel. A recognised expert in water and wastewater treatment system and water quality management, he has been active in professional circles and servies in several environmental engineering committees. He previously held key professional and public service roles, including Deputy Director of the NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI).
- Mr Chua Chong Kheng, BBM, PPA(E) (Engineering ’85, MSc MOT ’95), Chairman, Whampoa CCC, Jalan Besar GRC
The Public Service Star
- Mr Chin Sau Ho, PBM (Engineering ’90), Member, South East CDC, South East CDC
- Dr Kwoh Chee Keong, PBM (Engineering ’87, MSc ISE ’91), Chairman, Keat Hong CCC, Chua Chu Kang GRC
- Mr Tang Kok Seng, PBM (Engineering ’89), Patron, Changi Simei CCC, East Coast GRC
The Public Administration Medal (Gold), instituted in 1963, is awarded to individuals for outstanding efficiency, competence and industry to any person who is or has been a public officer; an officer employed by any statutory authority (other than a Town Council); in the service of any organisation, association or body rendering services in the field of education; employed in any company which is wholly-owned by the Government and which is carrying on business mainly as an agent or instrumentality of the Government; or employed as a member of the personal staff of the President.
- Mr Jimmy Toh Yong Leng (Engineering ’95), Chief Executive Director, PA, (posted to People's Association), Ministry of Digital Development and Information
CDE congratulates all members of our community who have been recognised at this year’s National Day Awards.
Their accomplishments reflect a shared spirit of excellence, leadership and service, a reminder of the many ways the CDE community continues to contribute to Singapore’s progress and future.
