Mr Quek Gim Pew wins university award for outstanding service

The six awardees honoured at the NUS University Awards. From left to right: Assistant Professor Koh Ming Joo; Professor Patrick Tan Boon Ooi; Professor Barry Halliwell; Mr Quek Gim Pew; Associate Professor Lee Kooi Cheng; and Professor Qu Hsueh Ming.

At the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) University Awards 2023 on 8 September, former CQT Governing Board (GB) Chair Mr Quek Gim Pew received the Outstanding Service Award. He was one of six award recipients honoured at the ceremony. 

Throughout his 42-year career, Mr Quek, Senior R&D Consultant, Ministry of Defence, has contributed to enhancing Singapore’s capabilities in a wide range of advanced technologies. In his role as CQT’s GB Chair from 2016 to 2022, he oversaw the transformation of Singapore’s approach to quantum research, shifting the country’s primary focus on fundamental research to a nationwide initiative that harnesses quantum technology to support economic and national imperatives. 

“Gim Pew quickly grasped the implications of this emerging field across various sectors,” said CQT Director José Ignacio Latorre, reading from a citation at the ceremony. “Bringing his negotiation skills, experience, and connections to the table, he succeeded in uniting different parties in a joint effort to ensure Singapore remains at the forefront of quantum technologies.” 

As the Co-Chair of the National Quantum Steering Committee, Mr Quek continues to play a key role in Singapore’s quantum ecosystem. The Committee guides Singapore’s National Quantum Office (NQO), which is defining a national quantum strategy for the country. 

His other appointments include Chairman of the National Supercomputing Centre Steering Committee and Deputy Chairman of the Office for Space Technology and Industry. 

Mr Quek has previously received awards recognising his service to the University and nation. These include the NUS Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award in 2014, and the Public Administration Medal (Gold, 2007; Silver, 1999; Bronze, 1992). 

Mr Quek said, “NUS has nurtured generations of talents over the years and contributed much to the success story of Singapore. It is my fervent wish that NUS will continue to spearhead our country’s growth and development through its leadership, excellence and dynamism.”