Four executives of multinational companies were awarded the Public Service Star and Public Service Medals for their contributions toward Singapore’s economy.

Singapore President S R Nathan conferred the Public Service Star (Distinguished Friends of Singapore) and Public Service Medal (Friends of Singapore) on four senior business executives for their outstanding contributions toward the development of Singapore’s economy.

Dr Rob J Routs, former Executive Director, Downstream, Royal Dutch Shell Plc received the Public Service Star, while Vyomesh Joshi, Executive Vice President, Imaging and Printing Group, Hewlett-Packard Company (HP); John K Woodworth, Senior Vice President, Corporate Supply Chain Operations, 3M Company; and Dr Patrick Y Yang, Head, Pharma Global Technical Operations, Roche, received the Public Service Medals for their contributions.

Initiated by the Singapore Economic Development Board in 1998, the Public Service Star and Public Service Medal recognise senior executives for their significant contributions to the economic growth of Singapore. Beyond corporate responsibilities, these leaders have also displayed strong initiative to promote Singapore's growth and interests.

Deepening Relationships
For the recipients, many of whom have gone on to other endeavours, the DFS and the FOS Awards are a big honour and validation of their commitment to their work in Singapore.

“I am honoured and proud to receive the Public Service Star from the State of Singapore,” said Dr Routs. “This award is also recognition for the long-standing relationship between Singapore and Shell which has since led to major new and successful business programmes.”

He added, “Singapore is committed to help businesses succeed by developing win-win solutions and these collaborations between industry and the government is stronger than what I have seen elsewhere in the world.” The other recipients also showed their appreciation for their awards. “HP has a long history with Singapore and it has been a partnership that has helped us strengthen and grow together,” said Joshi, adding, “We share Singapore’s vision of becoming a global hub for the world’s top technology companies.”

Dr Yang accepted his award on behalf of the teams and individuals in three companies, with whom he has collaborated with over the years: Merck, Genentech and Roche. “I am pleased that Singapore, with its strengths in business, manufacturing and technology, is a part of our mission to provide new medical treatments to the people who need them,” said Dr Yang. Woodworth remarked that “3M and Singapore share many common goals, such as innovation, productivity and growth, and this is one manufacturing and research and development.”

A Public-Private Partnership for Singapore’s Economy
At the ceremony, Leo Yip, Chairman, EDB, congratulated the four executives on their awards, which are two of Singapore’s most prestigious awards for international business leaders.

“We are grateful to have the strong support and friendship of these four global business leaders. Their contributions have enabled Singapore to build deep capabilities in multiple industries and thus enhance our position as a competitive location for global and Asian businesses,” said Yip.