Patrick Ang, Managing Partner of Rajah & Tann Singapore, has been conferred the Public Service Star (COVID-19) by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for his contributions towards Singapore’s fight against the pandemic.
The Public Service Star (COVID-19) is the second highest honour of The National Awards (COVID-19) and “is awarded to individuals who contributed valuable public service for the good of the people of Singapore amid the pandemic. They showed care for the well- being of their community and led major efforts that contributed significantly to the successful management of the impact of COVID-19 on Singapore,” according to the PMO.
A total of 32 individuals were recognised for the Public Service Star (Covid 19) award, and they are among 9,500 individuals and 480 teams receiving awards in nine categories.
Mr Ang sat on the Committee that conceptualised the framework and drafted the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill which was instrumental in ensuring the government could provide emergency legislative relief to businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic. Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam noted in April 2020 that the Bill was put together very quickly as the government saw that the situation was deteriorating. The experience and wisdom of Committee members from the private sector was invaluable in the process. “They attended meetings almost daily, gave their comments. Their views helped shaped key points in the Bill.”
The Minister singled out Mr Ang and another lawyer, and said they were among the leading experts in their fields, and together with the Attorney-General, the government was “fortunate to have the three of them helping us, almost full time throughout the process.”
Commenting on his award, Mr Ang said: “It was my privilege to be able to contribute my experience and expertise to my country in a time of great need. To be recognised for it with a state award is a double honour.
“I was especially inspired by the leadership and dedication shown by our public servants and especially by the whole-of-government effort that went into tackling the pandemic. I have never been more proud of being a Singaporean having seen how everyone came together in a most selfless manner to get our country safe and sound through the global pandemic.”
R&T is one of the largest full-service law firms in Southeast Asia, with market-leading corporate and dispute resolution practices. It is a member of Rajah & Tann Asia, one of the largest legal networks in Southeast Asia with over 800 fee earners. It is among the region’s most highly regarded law firms with international legal journals and surveys consistently rating the firm and many of its lawyers as among the best in their practice areas.
