Singapore Civil Defence Force Overseas Service Medal to Sichuan Earthquake 2008

Famous for her puerh tea that I enjoys drinking daily, China Sichuan province has unfortunately been hit by 2 major earthquakes in recent years. The latest earthquake happened 2 days ago on 20 Apr 2013.

Four years ago, in Apr 2008:

Singapore Civil Defence Force Overseas Rescue Effort 

Sichuan Earthquake (2008)

A massive earthquake hit Eastern Sichuan, China on 12 May 2008. According to “The Straits Times” (24 June 2008), the quake resulted in nearly 70,000 dead, 18,000 missing and 375,000 injured. About 5 million were also rendered homeless. Following this 7.8-magnitude quake, SCDF deployed its overseas Lionheart Contingent to China on 16 May 2008. Its mission was to assist local authorities in search and rescue efforts at the quake-hit region. The contingent departed Paya Lebar Airbase on 16 May 2008 via 2 Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) C-130 military aircrafts.

Led by LTC Fracis Ng How Juah, Commander of 4th Civil Defence Division, the 55-member contingent included experienced officers from SCDF’s Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) which specialized in carrying out complex rescue missions. The contingent was equipped with a host of search and rescue equipment such as fibre-optic scopes, life detector systems and hydraulic cutters and spreaders. The contingent also brought along 4 search dogs for the mission. The contingent was self-sufficient in terms of food, fuel and equipment.

The SCDF contingent was based in Hongbai Township in Shifang city as part of international humanitarian assistance to quake victims in the area. The Singapore team was 1 of 4 foreign rescue teams deployed after the May 12 Sichuan quake to provide relief efforts. The other foreign rescuers came from Japan, Russia and Republic of Korea.

In its 5-day Sichuan Earthquake mission, the contingent conducted search operations at over a dozen sites of collapsed buildings. 5 bodies were uncovered and extricated from the collapsed structures and rubbles. The rescuers also rendered other forms of assistance to the locals affected by the disastrous aftermath of the quake and its many aftershocks. This included the construction of a makeshift link bridge on 19 May 2008 at an area hit by a massive landslide. But as operations in Hongbai town shifted to the “recovery” phase, arrangements were made for the contingent’s return to Singapore.

Prior to the contingent’s departure, a simple appreciation ceremony was hosted by the Vice Governor of Sichuan, Huang Yanrong to thank the rescuers. A banner was presented to the Contingent Commander.

The first batch of 39 rescuers touched down at Paya Lebar Airbase on 22 May in 2 SAF aircrafts. They were received by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, and Mdm Zhang Xiao Kang, PRC Ambassador to Singapore. The remaining 16 rescuers left China for home on 23 May 2008 on a commercial flight.

SCDF Overseas Service Medal, bar CHINA 2008

The 55-member contingent was awarded the SCDF Overseas Service Medal, bar CHINA 2008.

Obverse

Reverse

Bar Engraving

Medal Presentation Box

This medal was instituted in 2007. The design of the medal is described below:

(1) The Medal shall consist of a triangle upon a circular medal in 925 sterling silver and shall measure 34 mm in width and 3 mm in thickness.

(2) The obverse side of the Medal shall bear the Singapore Coat-of-Arms encircled by the inscriptions ‘‘CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE’’ above the Coat-of-Arms and ‘‘SINGAPORE’’ beneath the Coat-of-Arms.

(3) The reverse side of the Medal shall bear a map of Southeast Asia and Australia with the inscription ‘‘OVERSEAS SERVICE’’. 

Let us hope that there will be minimal casualties in this earthquake.

Orders and Medals Awarded to Mr Hon Sui Sen, Ex-Singapore Finance Minister

Benedict Hon Sui Sen (b. 16 April 1916, Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia - d. 14 October 1983, Singapore) was the Minister of Finance from 1970 to 1983, the first Chairman and President of the Development Bank of Singapore, the first Chairman of Economic Development Board, and Member of Parliament for Havelock constituency. He was one of the pioneers responsible for shaping Singapore's economic development soon after independence.

Awards
1962 : Meritorious Service Medal
1967 : Distinguished Service Medal
1969 : Conferred the nonorary deegree of Doctor of Letters by the University of Singapore
1982 : Named Economy Minister of the Year by Euromoney magazine.
1984 : Posthumously awarded The Order of Temasek for distinguished service

Additional Information: http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_817_2005-01-22.html

1962 : Meritorious Service Medal

1967 : Distinguished Service Medal

1967 : Distinguished Service Medal

1984 : Posthumously awarded The Order of Temasek for distinguished service

1984 : Posthumously awarded The Order of Temasek for distinguished service

Related Posts: 

Mr S. Rajaratnam Contribution to Singapore Honours and Award.

Singapore The Encyclopedia and The Certificate of Honour

British Victoria Cross (VC) Awarded Gallantry in Afghanistan and Singapore Star of Temasek

Victoria Cross awarded this year (2013) for gallantry in Afghanistan.

The action in Afghanistan leading to the award:

Lance Corporal Ashworth and his platoon from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards were inserted into Nahr-e Saraj on 13 June 2012 in order to engage an insurgent sharpshooter team. They came under fire as soon as they landed, prompting Lance Corporal Ashworth to lead his fire team in a 300-metre charge to the heart of the enemy position in a local village.

Two insurgents were killed in this initial attack, but a follow-up assault by Afghan police stalled when a patrolman was shot and killed as the enemy fled.

With no regard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Ashworth again led from the front of his team, advancing on an insurgent compound and using grenades to drive the final remaining enemy to an outbuilding. The insurgents were now being supported by fire from several positions, with the enemy desperate to protect their sharpshooter team.

The immediate priority for Lance Corporal Ashworth’s team was now to neutralise the final sharpshooter and extract as soon as possible. Seeking to break the stalemate using his final grenade, Lance Corporal Ashworth dropped to the floor and crawled behind a knee-high wall that ran parallel to the front of the outbuilding. With just enough cover to conceal his prostrate form, he inched forward on his belly.

Bullets flew over his head as he edged forward and the enemy continued to engage the rest of his team. When he was within 5 metres of the insurgent position Lance Corporal Ashworth was desperate to make his last grenade count. He deliberately crawled out from behind the wall, exposing himself to fire to get a better angle for his throw.

Lance Corporal Ashworth was now in full view of the enemy just metres away, with rounds hitting the floor just centimetres from him. He was preparing to throw the grenade when he was tragically hit by enemy fire.

The citation for Lance Corporal Ashworth’s VC underlines the exceptional bravery he showed:

Despite the ferocity of the insurgent’s resistance, Ashworth refused to be beaten. His total disregard for his own safety in ensuring that the last grenade was posted accurately was the gallant last action of a soldier who had willingly placed himself in the line of fire on numerous occasions earlier in the attack. This supremely courageous and inspiring action deserves the highest recognition.

The Victoria Cross

 History of the Victoria Cross.

The Victoria Cross ranks as the nation's highest award for gallantry, along with the George Cross, and was set up by Queen Victoria in 1856.

The honour is awarded for "most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy".

The medal is made up of a bronze cross with a crimson ribbon which bears the inscription "For Valour".

It is cast from the metal of Russian guns captured at the siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War, the campaign in which the first medals were awarded.

The Victoria Cross may be awarded to all ranks of the services - and also to civilians - to recognise gallantry in the presence of the enemy.

The medal has been awarded 1,356 times.

The most recent recipient was a posthumous award to Corporal Bryan Budd, of the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, for acts of "inspirational leadership and the greatest valour" in southern Afghanistan in 2006.

Only 13 Victoria Cross medals have been awarded since the Second World War, nine to members of the British Army and four to the Australian Army.

L/Cpl Ashworth's is just the fifth to have been awarded since the Falklands conflict, and all but one have been posthumous.

Recent Sale of The Boer (Africa) War VC Group for approx. S$400,000 to S$500,000.

The Star of Temasek (Bintag Temasek)

Singapore equivalent of the Victoria Cross is The Star of Temasek. The Star has not been awarded.

The Star of Temasek (Bintang Temasek) 1996 onwards

S'pore Government Gazette

Criteria for the Award

Badge of the Certificate of Honour 'Federated Malay States'. GV issue (Patrick De Zilwa, J.P.)

Few days ago, I wrote about the Singapore's Badge of the Certificate of Honour, coincidentally, this medal was recently sold by UK medal dealer - Aberdeen Medals. The full description of the medal and recipient is reproduced below:

Certificate of Honour 'Federated Malay States'. GV issue 

Obverse

Reverse

Important: The recipient was decorated with his award on June 1932 



Note: The award is officially engraved with the recipient details, and the badge fitted with a full-length neck cravat riband, of the type specificed for non-african colonys



Established in 1926, the Badges of the Certificate of Honour - that conferred with it the use of the post nominal title M.C.H. - were awarded non-Europeans only who had resided in the Federated Malay States for at least 15 years. A maximum of only six awards could be made in any one year - and the allocation was not always utilised. All awards were published in the annual King's Birthday Honours List for the Federated Malay States, and on the death of the recipient the insignia was returnable to the issuing authority. There are numerous mentions / references to 'Pat De Zilwa' in the local FMS and Straits Settlements english speaking newspapers of the inter-war years. The below following biography on the recipient was published in The Straits Times edition of 2 July, 1935;

Quote,

Fine Record of Service

 Mr Pat Zilwa Retires 

30 Years With Bank

(From our own correpondent)

Kuala Lumpur, June 28.
 Tomorrow sees the conclusion of Mr Pat Zilwa's long and honourable service with the Chartered Bank in Kuala Lumpur. For over twenty-six years has he been on the bank's staff in the Federal Capital, rising to the position of Chief Clerk, and his earlier service in Colombo makes a total of over thirty years. Now he is retiring - and, with characteristic energy, starting a business of his own. A notable feature of his life here has been his enthusiasm for public work, usually in capacities calling for great organising ability, and much sacrifice of time. It has been rewarded by his appointment as a Justice of the Peace and the confernment upon him of the Malayan Certificate of Honour. As indicating its extent, a summary of his services may be given.



War Work.



Though a Ceylonese himself, at the outbreak of the Great War he organised the Indian Relief War Fund in Selangor, being the hon. secretary. A sum of nearly a hundred thousand rupees was raised, and remitted to the Viceroy for the assistance of wounded Indian soldiers and their dependents. He also assembled a body of men locally and offered it for the purpose of local defence, a service which earned him an official expression of thanks from the Government. Since then he has been actively associated with such events as "Our Day" celebrations, the Peace celebrations, the entertainment of the crew of H.M.S. Malaya, and the visits of the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Gloucester.

He has been on the Poppy Day Committee since its inception, and has organized bazaars, fetes, football matches, boxing tournaments and other events in aid of various charities.

He has also been mainly responsible for the arrangements for a number of public functions, such as receptions or farewells to High Commissioners, Chief Secretaries, and other prominent personages.



Flood Relief.



Following the disastrous inundations of December, 1926, he was hon. secretary of and a tremendous worker for the Malayan Flood Relief Fund, for which over $400,000 was collected - and incidentally I learn that here remains a balance in hand for which suitable use may soon be found.



Here are a few of his honorary appointments;



Visiting Justice of the Prisons, Assessor of the Supreme Court, trustee of The Chartered Bank (F.M.S.) Provident Fund, chairman of the F.M.S. Benevlopment Association, president of the Selangor Recreation Club, vice-president of the Selangor Boy Scouts' Association, hon. treasurer of the Kuala Lumpur Jubilee Fund, hon. secretary of the Malayan Flood Relief Fund, member of the St. Mary's Church Committee, member of the executive committees of the Selangor Asiatic Unemployment Fund, the King George V Memorial Jubilee Fund, the Malayan Agri-Horticultural Association and the Selangor Poppy Day Fund, member of the committee of the Selangor Boxing Association, hon. steward of the Selangor Turf Club, and member of the Community Service Committee of the Kuala Lumpur Rotary Club.



Respected By All.



Among other offices which he has held in the past may be mentioned those of Chairman of the Mercantile Cooperative Thrift and Loan Society, Ltd, vice-president of the Mutual Provident Fund, hon. treasurer of the Kuala Lumpur Rotary Club, hon. treasuer of the St. Mary's School, hon. secretary of the F.M.S. Benefit Society, hon. secretary and treasurer of the Selangor Boxing Association, and hon, secretary of the Indian War Relef Fund.

Such a record is immensely creditable, and rivalled by few public men. Mr. Zilwa has by his great and capable service earned the true respect of all communities in Kuala Lumpur.

 Unquote.



An extremely rare item of colonial insignia, and of considerable Malaysian interest.

Singapore The Encyclopedia and The Certificate of Honour

The book “Singapore The Encyclopedia” (ISBN 981-4155-63-2 by Editions Didier Millet and the National Heritage Board) contained some very important information on our country National Day Honours. In addition the book also listed the award recipients, both locals and foreigners, of some of our country highest honours. Such information was rarely published and not readily available. Therefore, to have all the award recipients since 1962 listed in a single book surely made this encyclopedia an extremely useful reference for those who are interested in Singapore Honours.

The following five Orders and Decoration and some of the recipients were:

The Order of Temasek has been awarded to 15 recipients since 1962, of whom 9 were foreigners and 6 were Singapore citizens (see Table 1). In 2007, Mr S. Dhanabalan (Chairman, Temasek Holding Pte Ltd) was awarded The Order of Temasek (2nd Class) and Mr Chan Sek Keong (Chief Justice Supreme Court) was awarded the same Order in 2008. The latest 2 recipients were not included in the book.

  

The Order of Nila Utama has been awarded to 10 recipients, of whom 1 was a foreigner and 9 were Singapore citizens. All 10 recipients were awarded on the same year in 1990, although the Order was instituted in 1975 (see Table 2). After  a duration of 16 years, the Order was awarded to Philip Yeo and Lim Siong Guan on 9 Aug 2006, Dr Andrew Chew Guan Khuan (Chairman, Public Service Commission) in 2008,  and Mr Joseph Yuvaraj Pillay (Chairman, Council of Presidential Advisers) latest 4 recipients were not included in the book

The book also listed the 36 recipients of The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) from 1963 till 2003, of which 4 of the recipients were foreign Inspector-General or Commissioner of Police. The complete list of recipients for the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) from 1962 to 2005 was also listed.

The information I found most fascinating was on the Certificate of Honour (instituted in 1962 and revised in 1996, see Gazette below), because so far I have not come across any document which state that this Decoration has been awarded. Thus, I have always assumed that no Singaporean has ever been awarded. An extract from the book is as follows:

Badge of the Certificate of Honour (1962 to 1996)

“National Day award instituted in 1962. It is fourth in the hierarchy of award. It consists of a scroll bearing Singapore’s Coat of Arms and the signature and seal of the President. Recipients are entitled to wear a silver badge known as the Badge of Honour. The Certificate has been awarded to only three people, all in 1962. Lim Hak Tai, the principle of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts; Wong Peng Soon, the badminton player and Zubir Said, the composer.”

Lim Hak Tai

Zubir Said

Wong Peng Soon

Wong Peng Soon was the undisputed badminton singles champion in Singapore and Malaya during his period, and was the first Asian to win the All England Championships (see picture). Zubir Said composed Singapore’s National Anthem, Majulah Singapura.

The original Certificate of Honour dated back to the colonial British era in the 1920s. It was meant to be awarded to chiefs and other non-Europeans dignitaries of the Empire for loyal and valuable service. Recipients of the Certificate were also awarded a badge (ie. The Badge of Honour). There were of two general types:

1. African (instituted in 1922), for British colony or protectorate in Africa, like Uganda, Swaziland and Tanganyika.

2. Non-African (instituted in 1926), for colonies like Hong Kong, N. Borneo, Sarawak, Singapore, Straits Settlements, Federated Malay States and Fiji.

According to the Medal Yearbook, “… these awards appear to have been in abeyance since the early 1980s.” That is, former colonies of Great Britain that instituted the same award after their independences have not awarded this decoration for the past 25 years, as in the case of Singapore. The reason, I guessed, is because most countries have instituted other types of Orders, Decorations or Medals have served similar as the Certificate of Honour. For example, swimmer Joscelin Yeo was awarded The Meritorious Servive Medal (MSM) this year for her sporting achievements; while the Cultural Medallion was awarded to Singaporeans to honour major contributions by artist in various fields. In a sense, The Certificate of Honour has no or limited purpose these days and can be taken out of our National Day Honours permanently.

Singapore The Encyclopedia has provided Singapore medal and history enthusiasts a valuable source of information. The only regret is that it did not contained any information or recipients of The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, or The Medal of Valor. Recipients of these medals had made great sacrifices for our country and certainly their contributions need to be recorded in this great book.

Recipients of The Order of Temasek

Lim Kim San (3 Jun 1962)

Ahmed Bin Bella (11 Jul 1963)

Lieutenant-Colonel Gamal Abdul Nasser (20 Jan 1964)

Eisaku Satu (25 Sep 1967)

Prince Norodom Sihanouk (Dec 1967)

Queen Elizabeth (18 Feb 1972)

Prince Philip (18 Feb 1972)

Ferdinand Marcos (16 Jan 1974)

Suharto (29 Aug 1974)

Hon Sui Seng (9 Aug 1984, awarded posthumously, also awarded DSO on 9 Aug 1967)

Goh Keng Swee (9 Aug 1985, 1^st Class)

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah (12 Feb 1990, 1^st Class)

S. Rajaratnam (9 Aug 1990, 1^st Class)

Wee Kim Wee (3 Nov 1993, 1^st Class)

Yong Pung How (9 Aug 1999, 1^st Class, also awarded DSO on 9 Aug 1989)

Recipients of The Order of Nila Utama

Prince Jefri Bolkiah (12 Feb 1990, 1^st Class)

Toh Chin Chye (9 Aug 1990, 1^st Class)

Ong Pang Boon (9 Aug 1990, 1^st Class)

E.W. Barker (9 Aug 1990, 1^st Class)

Yong Nyuk Lin (9 Aug 1990, 2^nd Class)

Jek Yuen Lin (9 Aug 1990, 2^nd Class)

Othman Wok (9 Aug 1990, 2^nd Class)

Chua Sian Chin (9 Aug 1990, 2^nd Class)

Michael Fam (9 Aug 1990, 1^st Class, also awarded DSO on 9 Aug 1983)

Ee Peng Liang (9 Aug 1990, 2^nd Class, also awarded DSO on 9 Aug 1985)

Certificate of Honour 1962 to 1996

Certificate of Honour 1962 to 1996

Certificate of Honour 1996 onwards

Related Post: Mr S. Rajaratnam Contributions to S'pore Honours and Awards; Badge of the Certificate of Honour, Federate Malay States.

Vigilante Corps Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

PINGAT BAKTI SETIA PASOKAN PENGAWAS SINGAPURA –

Vigilante Corps Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

History of the Vigilante Corps

After separation from Malaysia on 9 Aug 1965, an urgent priority for Singapore was to build up its own defence capability. By 1966, the Singapore Government had decided to transform the Singapore Armed Forces from a small force of regulars backed by volunteer reservists into a large citizen army based on conscription and long term compulsory reservist service. On 21 Feb 1967, the Government introduced National Service. All 18 year old male Singapore citizens and permanent residents as well as civil servants and students would be called up for National Service. 10% would be called up for full-time training and after their full-time service they return to civilian life but placed in the Reserve Service. The remainder would be called up for part-time service with the People's Defence Force (PDF), the Special Constabulary (SC) and the Vigilante Corps (VC).  Thus, the Vigilante Corps was formed.

In addition to the part-time National Servicemen, the Vigilante Corps also consisted of volunteers. The Corps was affiliated to the Police Force but members of the Corps were not police officers. The function of the VC was to assist the Police Force in the maintenance of law and order, preservation of public peace, prevention and detection of crime and the apprehension of offenders.

In 1981 the Vigilante Corps was disbanded, and its members were assigned to units of the newly established Civil Defence Force

Vigilante Corps Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

The institution of the medal was approved by the President on 22 October 1974, as a reward for long and meritorious service to any member of the Vigilante Corps who, on or after 22 September 1967, has served without remuneration for nine years, either continuously or in aggregate, and who is certified by the Commissioner of Police as willing and competent to perform his duties. No period of service as s full-time member of the permanent staff of the Vigilante Corps may count towards the qualifying period. A clasp (or bar) may be awarded after each further period of qualifying service.

The design of the medal is circular and of silver, and is suspended from its ribbon by a ring. The obverse of the medal depicts the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Singapore encircled by the inscription “PINGAT BAKTI SETIA” and by laurel leaves. The reverse show the crest of the Vigilante Corps encircled by the inscription “PASOKAN PENGAWAS SINGAPURA” and laurel leaves. The ribbon is in the colours of maroon, yellow and green, from right and left to the middle of the ribbon.

This medal was superseded by The S’pore Police Service Good Service Medal on 1^st Apr 1994.

Singapore National Cadet Corps (NCC) Medals

For the next few posts in this blog, I would like to write about some of the lesser known official Singapore medals. Some of these medals were obsolete, while others are still being awarded. The 1^st two medals are the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Service Medal and the Long Service Medal. The medals were instituted on 11 Nov 1977, almost 30 years ago.

For the NCC Service Medal, it may be awarded to any officer in recognition of his good and efficient service in the Corps; who, on or after 1 Jan 1978, has completed 5 years’ continuous service or periods of service amounting in the aggregate to not less than 5 years. The Medal is bronze, 35mm in diameter, the obverse depicted the coat of arms of the Ministry of Education, and the reverse depicted the words “NATIONAL CADET CORPS” and “FOR SERVICE” within the laurel. The design of the ribbon is as depicted in the picture.

For the NCC Long Service Medal, it may be awarded to any officer in recognition of his good and dedicated service in the Corps; and in this case for 12 years’ service. A Clasp may be awarded for each further 6 year period of qualifying service; and for each Clasp awarded, a small silver star may be added to the ribbon. The Medal is silver, 35mm in diameter, the obverse is similar to the Service Medal, and the reverse depicted the words “FOR LONG SERVICE”. The design of the ribbon is as depicted in the picture.

MR S. RAJARATNAM CONTRIBUTIONS TO SINGAPORE HONOURS AND AWARDS

“The designs of the original Order of Temasek and the first five medals were in fact produced be me in 1960 when I was serving with the R.A.F. at Seletar, this at the specific invitation of the then Minister of Culture, Mr Rajaratnam. The Minister subsequently made some minor changes in the Malay inscriptions on the recommendation of a leading Malay scholar”. This article by Wing Commander EAMONN O’TOOLE was published in the Summer 1979 issue of the United Kingdom’s The Order and Medal Research Society (OMRS) journal.

The Singapore medals mentioned by Wing Commander O’TOOLE which were instituted on 16 April 1960 were:

1. The Order of Temasek
2. The Certificate of Honour
3. The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
4. The Distinguished Service Medal
5. The Meritorious Service Medal
6. The Long Service Medal

The late Mr S. Rajaratnam contributions to the Singapore’s Foreign Service as Minister for Foreign Affairs were widely published and well-known. However, not many people knew about his contributions as Minister for Culture from 1959 to 1965 in the area of Singapore Honours and Awards, if not for this article by Wing Commander O’TOOLE. As Singapore’s first Minister for Culture, the late Mr S. Rajaratnam was the pioneer in the creation of Singapore medals. Although not stated in any other OMRS articles, Mr Rajaratnam probably also created the regulations pertaining to the award of these medals. Five other medals were also created during Mr Rajaratnam term as Culture Minister. These medals are:

1.              The Public Service Star, instituted on 31 May 1963

2.              The Public Administration Medal (Gold), instituted on 31 May 1963

3.              The Public Administration Medal (Silver), instituted on 31 May 1963

4.              The Public Administration Medal (Bronze), instituted on 31 May 1963

5.              The Uniformed Services Malaysia Medal, instituted on 11 Sep 1964

Majority of these early Singapore medals were replaced on 2 August 1996 with the current Singapore medals. It is most befitting and heartwarming that the late Mr S. Rajaratnam was himself awarded The Order of Temasek (First Class) on 9 Aug 1990 for his immense contributions to the development of Singapore. The Order of Temasek that he was awarded was the first and the original deigned Order that he had created for Singapore.