Highlights reveal the ex-Chairman of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) leading the recipients of the 2025 National Day Awards.
Prominent Singaporean Figure Tan Gee Paw Honoured for Contributions to Nation's Development
Tan Gee Paw, a distinguished Singaporean, has been recognised for his significant contributions to the nation, particularly in the fields of engineering and infrastructure. He is one of the recipients of this year's National Day Awards, which honours 7,210 individuals for their service to Singapore [1][4].
Tan Gee Paw's most notable achievement was his tenure as the chairman of Changi Airport Group (CAG) from October 2020 to March 2025. During this period, he played a crucial role in augmenting Singapore's air hub competitiveness and enhancing the airport's operational efficiency [5].
Under his leadership, CAG advanced its innovation and sustainability efforts, making significant infrastructure upgrades. Tan Gee Paw was instrumental in the design of Terminal 5 and the Changi East project [5]. His efforts were key to enabling Changi Airport to quickly achieve full traffic recovery post-pandemic [3].
Besides his work with CAG, Tan Gee Paw also served in advisory roles for the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Ministry of Transport, providing guidance to resolve complex technical issues on rail projects [2].
Prior to his tenure at CAG, Tan Gee Paw served as the chairman of PUB, Singapore's national water agency, from 2001 to 2017. He made significant strides in enhancing Singapore's water security through initiatives such as NEWater and long-term water infrastructure projects, including the Marina Barrage [4].
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has cited Tan Gee Paw's contributions in advancing Singapore's development on multiple fronts, including water security and rail reliability [6].
In recognition of his valuable service to the nation, Tan Gee Paw has been conferred one of Singapore's top honours, the Order of Nila Utama, which was instituted in 1975 and is accorded by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister [6].
Tan Gee Paw is not only a distinguished public servant but also an educator. He is an Adjunct Professor at the National University of Singapore’s College of Design and Engineering, where he continues to mentor future generations of engineers and professionals [3][5].
In addition to Tan Gee Paw, two other individuals will be conferred the Distinguished Service Order in this year's National Day Awards: defence scientist Lui Pao Chuen and late artist Lim Tze Peng [1].
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, Tan Gee Paw kept Changi Airport Group focused on its core mission as an air hub, demonstrating his commitment to the nation's connectivity and economic growth [3].
References:
- Straits Times
- Channel NewsAsia
- Today Online
- The Edge Singapore
- CNA Lifestyle
- Channel NewsAsia
Tan Gee Paw's leadership at Changi Airport Group (CAG) extended to the realm of finance as he successfully guided the organization through the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the airport's continued role in Singapore's economic growth. Furthermore, Tan Gee Paw's tenure with PUB, the national water agency, demonstrates his influence in the industry sector, notably through his contributions to water security and infrastructure projects.
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