National award for Mr Quek Gim Pew

Singapore’s top minds in science and technology were conferred the highest honours at a ceremony at the Istana. From left, Dr Chang Guoqing, Dr Qiu Cheng-Wei, Mr Quek Gim Pew, Dr Soujanya Poria and Dr Tan Yong Zi. Image credit: National Research Foundation, Singapore

Mr Quek Gim Pew, a champion of quantum technologies, has been awarded the President’s Science & Technology Medal (PSTM). It is one of Singapore's highest accolades for research scientists and engineers.  

The Medal was presented at the President’s Science & Technology Awards on 20 October, organised by the National Research Foundation, alongside the President's Science Award and Young Scientist Awards. The five winners received their awards from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Istana.

The PSTM is awarded to individuals who have “made distinguished, sustained and exceptional contributions, and played a strategic role in advancing Singapore’s development through promotion and management of science and technology (S&T).” 

Mr Quek, who served as Governing Board Chair of CQT from 2016 to 2022, is recognised for his outstanding contributions in shaping Singapore’s Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) ecosystem. These include developing local capabilities in science and technology, particularly in space technology, quantum engineering, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing, and championing STEM-related initiatives to nurture the next-generation of scientists and engineers.

“We want to build sovereign capabilities in quantum computing. We want to elevate our local ecosystems to tap into the future potential of quantum,” says Mr Quek in a video by the National Research Foundation on the award winners where they share more about their work and research.

Over four decades of dedicated service within the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Mr Quek, who is now Senior R&D Consultant, MINDEF, spearheaded defence research and development, fostered the growth of essential strategic capabilities, and fortified partnerships with international organisations.  

During his tenure as Chair at CQT, he orchestrated a shift from a primarily fundamental science-focused approach to a nationwide initiative on quantum research. Mr Quek actively fostered partnerships with local and international entities, pooling resources for collective quantum research endeavours. His efforts accelerated the growth of Singapore's quantum capabilities and solidified the nation's reputation as a globally recognised hub for quantum research.

“Gim Pew is a wonderful person. His common sense, his long-term vision, his deep intelligence has been instrumental to make CQT a leading institution in quantum technologies in the world,” says CQT Director José Ignacio Ignacio Latorre.

In September, Mr Quek was also honoured by the National University of Singapore for his outstanding service.

Mr Quek now Co-Chairs the National Quantum Steering Committee (NQSC). He is also Deputy Chair of the Office for Space Technology & Industry, and sits on various boards of agencies, organisations, and Institutes of Higher Learning.