Celebrating excellence at SUTD: 6 National Day Awards 2025 recipients

The annual Singapore National Day Awards (NDA) serve as a platform to recognise 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.

Six esteemed individuals at SUTD have been awarded the nation’s highest honours this year:

The Public Administration Medal (Bronze)

Professor Tony Quek
Associate Provost, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation
Head of Pillar, Information Systems Technology and Design
Director, Future Communications Research and Development Programme

A global thought leader in wireless communications, Prof Tony Quek has been instrumental in propelling SUTD to the global forefront of telecommunications research. His leadership helped SUTD achieve the #5 global ranking in telecommunications research (Clarivate Analytics, 2017) — the only non-US institution in the top 10.

Now leading Singapore’s national Future Communications Research and Development Programme (FCP), Prof Quek is shaping the nation’s future in 6G technologies, including the launch of ASEAN’S first Open Testing and Integration Centre (OTIC). His work continues to strengthen Singapore’s status as a leading global tech hub.

The Commendation Medal

Dr Oka Kurniawan
Senior Lecturer, Information Systems Technology and Design

With over a decade of unwavering dedication to teaching, Dr Oka Kurniawan is a true champion of educational innovation. He has led cutting-edge curriculum design, creating project-based, hands-on courses that embody SUTD’s distinctive pedagogy. He has also been pivotal in reimagining cyber-physical learning (CPL) environments, being actively engaged in CPL initiatives at SUTD.

Dr Kurniawan’s influence also extends nationally. As a regular speaker at MOE’s computing education summits, he plays a critical role in shaping how computing is taught across schools in Singapore.

Ms Eileen Lim
Associate Head Registry Services, Office of Student Experience and Transformation

With 14 years of devoted service, Ms Eileen Lim is the engine behind many of SUTD’s student administration innovations. Her calm, compassionate leadership came to the fore during COVID-19, when she spearheaded health tracking, international student support, and contact tracing — all with a lean team and unwavering commitment.

Beyond crisis response, Eileen has led major digital transformations, from refining existing students’ services portal to co-developing a new platform that captures each student’s innovation journey — helping them stand out to employers and investors.

The Efficiency Medal

Ms Esther Peh
Manager, Office of International Relations

For over a decade, Ms Esther Peh has gone above and beyond her role as a personal assistant, seamlessly managing complex portfolios across academic, research, and administrative functions.

Her efficiency and adaptability have made her an indispensable part of the team — from launching the PhD programme platform, to supporting multiple leadership roles across departments, managing graduate student committees, coordinating international engagements, and supporting research teams and outreach initiatives like STEAMunity.

The Long Service Medal

Ms Angelvin Parma
Head, Career Development Centre, Office of Student Experience and Transformation

Ms Shavonne Tee
Deputy Manager, Office of International Relations

Angelvin and Shavonne receive The Long Service Medal for their dedicated and exemplary service, and commitment to the development of Singapore and SUTD.