441 receive National Day Awards

President Tony Tan Keng Yam presented this year's top National Day Award - the Distinguished Service Order - to Mr Chua Thian Poh, chairman and chief executive of public-listed Ho Bee Land at last night's National Day Awards Investiture.

Mr Chua, 66, was honoured for his leading role in the Chinese community and contributing to its diverse groups, from business and social services to medical and clan organisations.

Six others received the Meritorious Service Medal: Competition Commission of Singapore chairman Lam Chuan Leong; Esplanade chairman Theresa Foo; former director of medical services in the Health Ministry Satkunanantham Kandiah; Legal Service Commission member Lee Tzu Yang; former Community Chest chairman Jennie Chua; and Council of Presidential Advisers member Po'ad Shaik Abu Bakar Mattar.

They were among the 441 people who received awards at last night's event, which was held at the National University of Singapore's University Cultural Centre.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Ministers Teo Chee Hean and Tharman Shanmugaratnam were among Cabinet ministers and other dignitaries at the investiture.

There were, in all, more than 3,300 recipients of National Day Awards this year.

They included military personnel, public servants, community and grassroots leaders, and educators.

This article was first published on Nov 24, 2014.
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