National Day Awards 2026
Five SUTD faculty and staff have been honoured with the National Day Awards this year.
(From left to right) Dr Lee Chee Huei; Professor Mohan Rajesh Elara; Professor Tai Lee Siang; Dr Pang Yang Huei; and Professor Li Xiaoli.
Professor Tai Lee Siang
The Public Service Medal
Lee Siang was nominated by the Ministry of Health and awarded the prestigious The Public Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat). As a Board member of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Chairman of the HSA’s Building Development Committee since 2012, Lee Siang contributed his expertise in architecture, design, sustainability and organisational leadership to HSA’s strategic governance. His professional perspective supported the Authority’s efforts to develop resilient, sustainable and user-centred healthcare infrastructure, strengthening HSA’s ability to fulfil its public-health and regulatory responsibilities under the Ministry of Health.
Professor Mohan Rajesh Elara
The Public Administration Medal (Bronze)
Mohan is a leading robotics researcher and entrepreneur whose work has advanced robotics innovation, real-world deployment, and talent development. He pioneered Tiling Robotics and Robot Ergonomics, built a highly cited research programme with over 6,600 citations and more than SGD30 million in funding, and co-founded four robotics start-ups, including LionsBot, which has deployed over 4,000 autonomous cleaning robots across 30 countries. He has also made major contributions to education and mentorship, supporting researchers and students while growing SUTD’s RoboRoarZ competition into a major regional STEAM initiative.
Dr Lee Chee Huei
The Commendation Medal
Chee Huei is an exceptional SUTD educator known for engaging, hands-on teaching that helps students turn theory into practical learning. He leads Freshmore Physics activities and project-based learning, supports outreach and competitions for younger students, champions technology-enhanced learning, and has contributed to the initiative of Beverage Container Return Scheme via a citizen workgroup. His impact is reflected in three SUTD Excellence in Teaching Awards and his continued leadership in strengthening the university’s educational ecosystem.
Dr Pang Yang Huei
The Commendation Medal
Yang Huei has shown outstanding dedication, leadership, and efficiency across curriculum development, programme restructuring, admissions support, and departmental operations. He led the successful revamp and pilot of the Freshmore DTP/2D curriculum, contributed to new HASS tracks under DAI 2.0, supported AI and design initiatives, and previously founded a strong communication-skills programme through the Centre for Writing and Rhetoric.
Professor Li Xiaoli and Dr Pang Yang Huei
The Long Service Medal
Xiaoli and Yang Huei have dedicated their time and commitment to the development of Singapore and SUTD. The Long Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Setia) is presented to individuals who have demonstrated dedicated and exemplary service over an extended period in the public sector or related organisations.
The annual Singapore National Day Awards (NDA) recognises outstanding merit and service to the nation. At the NDA investiture ceremony, both Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans are honoured for their exceptional contributions to civil or military service, social and community work, or outstanding achievements in their respective fields.