NDR 2022: 'Covid-19 Resilience Medal' to be given to those directly involved in fighting pandemic

SINGAPORE — To recognise the public's sacrifices and spirit, the Government will present a new award called the Covid-19 Resilience Medal to all individuals and teams who were directly involved in fighting the pandemic, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Sunday (Aug 21).

In addition to the new award, those who made exceptional contributions will receive existing state awards such as the Commendation Medal, the Public Service Medal and the Public Administration Medal.

The medals will have "a special indication" to show that they were "presented for service fighting Covid-19 — maybe two red lines on the ribbon", Mr Lee said during his National Day Rally speech at the Institute of Technical Education headquarters in Ang Mo Kio.

The two red lines Mr Lee suggested in jest were in reference to the lines on an antigen rapid test kit.

He noted that as part of Singapore’s national response, many went beyond their call of duty, including healthcare workers, public officers, private companies, non-governmental organisations and "countless individuals from all walks of life".

He cited several examples of people who went out of their way to help others during the pandemic:

• Madam Alice Chua, a vaccination centre volunteer whose ability to speak Malay and Chinese dialects bridged language gaps and provided reassurance and comfort to seniors receiving jabs
• Madam Ruku Pakirisamy, a Yishun resident who cooked and distributed meals for her older neighbours who were afraid to go out during the pandemic
• Mr Razali Puasa from Toa Payoh who voluntarily disinfected a playground near the housing block where he lived

“Amid the darkness of the pandemic, through these personal acts of kindness, courage and concern, the Singapore spirit shone brightly,” Mr Lee said.

The awards list will be announced at the end of the year, with the presentation ceremonies to be held next year.

The prime minister had begun his speech by noting that Singapore has come a long way in its fight against Covid-19, and how collective efforts have saved many lives.

He said that the high level of trust in the society has been key to Singapore's success. 

People trusted the Government and "patiently endured rounds of easing and tightening despite the inconvenience", Mr Lee added.

"The Government upheld your trust by being open and transparent. We spoke directly to you, shared information readily, and gave you the full facts even when things did not look good," he said.

"Above all, there was trust among Singaporeans that we would each do the right thing and have each other’s back."