For their outstanding efforts in their respective fields, scientists, engineers and soldiers stationed overseas were given due recognition yesterday.

Among the scientists, professor Chong Tow Chong received the most prestigious award of all – the President’s Science and Technology Medal – for helping to grow the data storage industry in Singapore during his 12 years at the helm of the Data Storage Institute at A*Star.

And in his other appointment as executive director of A*Star’s Science and Engineering Research Council, he was commended for his efforts to ensure that scientific research stays relevant to industry.

Professor Wong Tien Yin, director of the Singapore Eye Research Institute, National University of Singapore, received a President’s Science Awards for his working ascertaining the possibility of heart disease, stroke or diabetes developing in a patient through an eye check.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang disclosed that a $16 billion fund would ensure that more research projects can be developed into commercial products over the next five years.

On the security front, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean presented the Overseas Service Medal to 39 Singapore Armed Forces personnel who served in SAF missions in Afghanistan and Timor Leste.

Singapore is committed to playing its part in international security operations even as the defence of Singapore remains our primary mission, said Mr Teo. In today’s interconnected world, he said, concerted multinational cooperation is vital.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dinesh Vasu Dash, who was the commander in charge of the SAF medical team and weapons location radar team in Oruzgan, Afghanistan, rocket attacks and extreme weather conditions were all part of an experience he and his contingent will never forget.

“You see what a true combat element is all about – you have to be alert 24/7. These are the kind o gthings you can’t get during training,” he said.