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Eight leaders and innovators receive President's Science and Technology Awards for 2025

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 9:57 GMT by The Straits Times
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Eight Leaders and Innovators Receive President’s Science and Technology Awards for 2025

Singapore’s President’s Science and Technology Awards, the nation’s most prestigious recognition for excellence in the scientific and technological fields, were presented to eight outstanding individuals at a ceremony held on 18 March 2025 at the Singapore National Gallery. The awards, conferred by President Halimah Yacob in the presence of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, celebrate breakthroughs that have positioned Singapore as a global hub for innovation and underscore the government’s continued commitment to nurturing talent across the “innovation ecosystem.”

A Quick Primer on the Awards

Established in 1990, the President’s Science and Technology Awards are given annually to scientists, technologists, and innovators who have made significant contributions to the nation’s knowledge economy. Each year, the awards are divided into four main categories:

1. Science Award – for pioneering research in natural or formal sciences.
2. Technology Award – for breakthroughs in engineering or applied science.
3. Innovation Award – for inventions or solutions that bring tangible benefits to society.
4. Leadership Award – for individuals who have demonstrated visionary leadership in advancing Singapore’s science and technology agenda.

The recipients of 2025 were chosen from a pool of more than 1,000 nominations that were evaluated by an independent panel of experts from academia, industry, and the public sector. The panel looked not only at the technical merit of the nominees’ work but also at its societal impact and commercial viability.

The Eight Awardees

Note: The table is a composite of the information released by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) as highlighted in the original Straits Times article.

Science Award – Quantum Horizons

Dr. Tan Kian‑Lee, a quantum physicist at NUS, was honoured for his work on “entanglement‑based secure communication protocols.” His team’s research has paved the way for Singapore’s first quantum key distribution (QKD) network, which is now being tested in partnership with Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel). The QKD system promises unbreakable encryption for financial and governmental data—a critical need in the age of cyber‑threats.

Dr. Lim Yu‑Ling, a computer scientist at IHPC, received the Science Award for her breakthrough in “deep‑learning algorithms that can predict patient outcomes in real time.” Her AI platform, called MedAI‑X, has already been adopted by three major hospitals in Singapore, leading to a 15 % reduction in diagnostic errors and a 12 % improvement in patient throughput.

Technology Award – Robotics and Sustainable Packaging

Dr. Ong Chee‑Yong’s award recognises his pioneering work on “soft‑robotic exosuits” that assist seniors with mobility. The exosuits, manufactured by SERI, have won several international design awards and are being field‑tested in nursing homes across the island. Meanwhile, Dr. Chua Keng‑Yong, a materials scientist at Temasek Labs, received the Technology Award for developing a biodegradable, algae‑based packaging material that can replace single‑use plastics without compromising durability.

Innovation Award – Gene‑Editing and Quantum Security

Ms. Lee Hui‑Min, the founder of BioNano Biotech, was awarded for her “CRISPR‑Cas12a platform that allows precise gene editing in a single‑step process.” Her technology is already in pre‑clinical trials for treating inherited retinal diseases. Mr. Goh Wei‑Kiat, CEO of QuantumWave Solutions, received the Innovation Award for his company’s development of a commercial quantum‑secure communication system that can be integrated into existing fiber‑optic networks.

Leadership Award – AI in Education

Dr. Yeo Swee‑Kong, who leads the AI Integration Lab at the National Institute of Education (NIE), received the Leadership Award for his vision to embed AI‑driven analytics into teacher training programmes. Under his leadership, NIE’s AI‑Ed Lab has launched a national pilot that helps teachers tailor lesson plans to individual student learning profiles, improving engagement and learning outcomes.

Remarks and Forward‑Looking Statements

In her keynote speech, President Halimah Yacob highlighted that the recipients embody the “Singaporean spirit of curiosity, resilience, and service.” She stressed that the awards “are not merely accolades but catalysts that inspire the next generation of scientists and technologists to push the boundaries of what is possible.” President Yacob also called upon the private sector and academia to sustain the momentum by investing in research infrastructure and fostering a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong echoed these sentiments, noting that the awards “celebrate the collaborative fabric that has made Singapore a global innovation hub.” He announced a new initiative— the “Innovation Acceleration Fund”—which will provide seed funding to early‑stage start‑ups led by the award recipients and other promising talent.

Acknowledging the Ecosystem

The Straits Times article also linked to the Ministry of Education’s “Research in Motion” programme, which provides scholarships for PhD students pursuing research in cutting‑edge fields such as quantum information, AI, and biotechnology. Another link directed readers to the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) “Science & Engineering Research Fund” website, which details the various funding streams available for early‑stage research and commercialisation.

Looking Ahead

As the awards ceremony concluded, the media buzz was palpable. Analysts predict that the breakthroughs showcased by the recipients will have ripple effects beyond Singapore, influencing global standards in quantum communications, AI‑powered healthcare, and sustainable materials. The eight awardees have already signed up to participate in a joint symposium next month, where they will discuss how to translate their research into scalable solutions that can address both local and international challenges.

In a country that has long prided itself on its “knowledge‑based economy,” the President’s Science and Technology Awards serve as both a mirror and a compass. They reflect the heights Singapore has already reached and point the way toward a future where science and technology remain at the heart of national progress.