The University gave me an education, not in terms of a string of degrees but in terms of being able to cope with life without compromising on human values.
It also gave me a sense of achievement in being part of a great institution. Though it is more than half a century since I graduated,
I have continued my close association with the University. I count this as one of my blessings.
”
Ambassador Gopinath PILLAI
BA (University of Malaya)
Chairman, NUS Institute of South Asian Studies
Ambassador-at-Large and Special Envoy to Andhra Pradesh, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
Chairman, Gateway Distriparks Limited and Snowman Logistics Limited, two public listed companies in India
Vice Chairman, Ang Mo Kio-Thye Hua Kwan Hospital
Advisor, Singapore Malayalee Association and Singapore Malayalee Hindu Samajam
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- Contributed significantly to Singapore through his work as a diplomat for more than 25 years
- Past and continuing involvement in a number of organisations,
including NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Limited, Ang Mo Kio-Thye Hua Kwan Hospital, Hindu Advisory Board,
Indian Heritage Centre and the National University of Singapore Society, has impacted the social development of Singapore
- Played a leading role in fostering Singapore-India relations both as an investor in India as well as by building up
deep knowledge on India through the Institute of South Asian Studies which benefits the business community, academia, government agencies and any
other interested Singaporeans
- Padma Shri, Government of India (2012)
- Public Service Star (Bar), Government of Singapore (2009)
- Distinguished Alumni Service Award, NUS (2009)
- Friend of IT, Singapore Computer Society (2001)
- Public Service Star, Government of Singapore (1999)
- Friend of MCD, Ministry of Community Development, Singapore (1998)
- Meritorious Service Award, National Trades Union Congress, Singapore (1990)
- Friend of Labour Award, National Trades Union Congress, Singapore (1987)
"It is my prayer that when I finally 'shuffle off this mortal coil', I will leave behind a little more than my skeletal remains."