Indian civilian honour for Tommy Koh

Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-At-Large with Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Rector of Tembusu College, received India’s Padma Shri Award on 25 January for distinguished service in the field of public affairs.

Prof Koh plays an instrumental role in Singapore’s bilateral relations with India, and has co-chaired the India-Singapore strategic dialogue for the past 10 years. Prof Koh was also the chief negotiator for the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement and a member of the legal team that helped Singapore win its claim to Pedra Branca at the International Court of Justice.

Presented annually, the Awards are among the highest honours for civilians. This year, recipients of the Padma Shri Award included awardees from the 10 ASEAN countries, a move to celebrate the silver jubilee of the India-ASEAN partnership.

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