The Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Science for polytechnics is awarded to the top Technology or Computer Science graduates in each of the polytechnics. This Award is funded by an honorarium that the late founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew received from various speaking engagements and funds raised from a special edition of his memoirs. The Award was first presented at the 1993 Temasek Polytechnic graduation ceremony.
Recipients:
Once labelled as an "outstanding student" for always standing outside the classroom as punishment, Jun Yang's path to success was anything but conventional. Today, he stands out for a different reason — as a turnaround kid, who despite facing multiple rejections for his diploma applications and numerous encounters with disciplinary issues, has achieved academic success.
Jun Yang had dreamed of pursuing a diploma in Big Data & Analytics, after discovering the infinite world of data through online videos. The turning point came when Jun Yang stepped into his first class at Temasek Polytechnic (TP). Surrounded by many self-driven peers and reminded of his parents' tireless sacrifices which he had taken for granted, Jun Yang made a choice to rewrite his story. From then on, he started living by a quote that defined his view towards life:
"You can't choose the cards you're dealt with in life, but you can choose what to do with them."
Jun Yang worked hard to earn his spot on the Director's List and was awarded the TP Scholarship for three consecutive years, emerging as the top student in the School of Informatics & IT. He also won multiple awards from hackathons and competitions such as the Tableau + Movies Hackathon 2023, and secured Gold at the SUSS Advanced Analytics Competition. Jun Yang's internship at Oracle provided a breakthrough experience, where he participated in building an analytics application used across the Asia Pacific region. This built his confidence in the real-world impact of his skills and spurred him on to do more. Jun Yang also collaborated with the Halogen Foundation to conduct office tours for secondary school students at Oracle.
Beyond campus, he volunteers with the Singapore Computer Society to help seniors bridge the digital divide, supports grassroots efforts to aid displaced individuals, distributes essentials to residents through Community Centre Volunteering and participates in Big Data & Analytics Student Interest Group's inclusive events like the Mooncake Festival with SG Enable.
Today, Jun Yang aspires to harness the power of data to create social impact. No longer the boy standing outside his class, Jun Yang now stands tall as an outstanding inspiration to others.
For Xu Cong, Formula 1 isn't just about speed — it's about the science behind it. His dream is to engineer the cars of tomorrow: faster, safer, and more sustainable. At home, he lives out this passion through racing simulations, where he fine-tunes car setups and tests race strategies, turning a personal interest into a hands-on engineering experience.
But his journey didn't begin on the fast track. Xu Cong once struggled with chemistry until a dedicated teacher sparked a curiosity that led him to Temasek Polytechnic's (TP) Chemical Engineering course. There, he found his stride, excelling in both the scientific and mathematical rigour of the programme.Learning for Xu Cong went far beyond the classroom. From operating a chemical pilot plant, to interning in aircraft component repairs and lab testing, he thrived in hands-on environments — all while fuelling his long-term ambition of applying these skills to motorsports.
Outside academics, Xu Cong is a leader with heart. His leadership is most evident in his extensive community service efforts. As President of the Applied Science Studies Club, Xu Cong spearheaded numerous initiatives, bringing students together to serve the wider community. He led a successful collaboration for the Applied Science (ASC) Healthy Lifestyle Week with TP's Informatics & IT Studies Club and SōngHè. The partnership resulted in a donation of 490kg of rice to the charity Food from the Heart.
One of his proudest achievements was facilitating ASCares 2025. The large-scale community outreach event was instrumental in engaging 1,200 residents in Punggol through science-based workshops and physical challenges aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle. In addition, he oversaw the ASC A-Guides Camp and Open House 2025, managing over 100 student volunteers effectively.
Leadership did not come naturally for Xu Cong. He faced moments of self-doubt and uncertainty, however, with the support of mentors and peers, he learnt to lead with authenticity, built trust, and guided others with confidence. In recognition of his contributions, Xu Cong has received several accolades, including the CCA Merit Award for Leadership, the Daisy Phay TP Foundation Scholarship, and the ACI (Singapore Chapter) Scholarship.
Xu Cong's journey exemplifies how passion for learning can go hand-in-hand with social impact. He plans to pursue a Chemical Engineering degree, with his sights set on the motorsport sector, particularly in developing lightweight, recyclable materials that enhance race car performance and reduce environmental impact.
For Theodora, information technology (IT) was not her first love —but she grew to embrace it with passion and purpose. When she did not qualify for the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) following her GCE 'N' levels, Theodora had to forgo her aspiration to pursue a business course and found herself choosing between Engineering and IT at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).
With no background nor inclination for the subject, Theodora took it on with humility and grit. Motivated by the support from her lecturers and peers, she began to uncover the power of IT solutions in addressing real-world challenges. This revelation sparked a hidden passion that culminated in her decision to pursue a Diploma in Information Technology at Temasek Polytechnic. She counts being awarded the Temasek Polytechnic Scholarship for three consecutive years among her proudest achievements — a testament of her academic excellence and exemplary character, and something she never imagined possible when she first began her journey.
Encouraging more women to step into the world of IT is something Theodora cares deeply about. She was a member of the Outreach Committee for the Girls-in-Tech (Cross-Polytechnic) student group, where she spearheaded engagement sessions with secondary schools to encourage more young women to explore opportunities in tech. She also served as President of the Information Technology Student Interest Group (ITSIG) which participated in meaningful initiatives, such as a volunteering programme at Willing Hearts to support low-income families. Her active involvement in student life has honed her leadership and interpersonal skills.
Securing an internship at DBS' cybersecurity department further cemented her goal to build a career in the tech industry. She aspires to pursue a role that blends technology with business, where she can create innovative and user-centric solutions.
Beyond academic fulfilment, TP's caring yet dynamic environment has empowered Theodora's inquisitive nature. She has learnt to approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset, and to assess opportunities that align with her personal growth and societal contribution. With Theodora's determination and deep belief in technology's transformative potential, she stands ready to make meaningful contributions to both the industry and the broader community.
From his early days of self-taught programming to entering the dynamic learning environment at Temasek Polytechnic (TP), Titus never failed to impress those around him with his drive and relentless pursuit of growth. This is reflected in his accolades of excelling at 13 competitions, 24 out of 24 distinctions in his coursework, and his service as President of the Engineering Makers Club.
Solving real-world problems through his innovative thinking is what motivates Titus the most. He successfully led his team to develop the "MRI Prep Simulator" for a local hospital. This multi-year, cross-disciplinary project eventually progressed to the testing and evaluation stages to demonstrate its potential for real-world application in improving patient care and experience.
Beyond campus, Titus represented TP and Singapore in regional and national competitions. He was part of the team that won Gold at the Shell Eco-marathon Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Race in Indonesia with a hydrogen fuel cell-powered car. At the HTX Singapore HacX 2024 Competition, his team stood out as the only Polytechnic team among the Top 10 finalists - earning him an internship offer with HTX's Human Factors and Simulation Centre of Expertise. With a strong belief in empowering the next generation, he conducted STEM workshops, mentored secondary school students through outreach programmes. He took the initiative to coach his peers and juniors to gear them for engineering competitions such as Lockheed Martin's Code Quest.
Titus' deep interest in embedded systems, digital electronics, and AI was further developed during his AI Engineering internship at the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), where he previously received the prestigious DSTA Polytechnic Digital Scholarship. He plans to further his studies in integrated circuits, computer systems, and cross-disciplinary scientific research and development.
As he looks to the future, his aspiration is clear: To push the frontiers of technology, creating solutions that are not only cutting-edge but purposeful — guided by the belief that success is measured not just by outcomes, but by the journey and the growth it enables.
The Lee Foundation Award is awarded to the top non-Science and Technology graduates. The Lee Foundation has sponsored the awards in honour of Mr Lee Kong Chian, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, who established the Lee Foundation in 1952 to aid the advancement of education and help the poor, among others.
Recipients:
Felicia's journey at Temasek Polytechnic (TP) is defined by her drive to make financial literacy accessible and impactful. As a top student from the Diploma in Accountancy and Finance, she channelled her passion for numbers into real-world applications, to benefit both her peers and the wider community.
Recognising that financial literacy goes beyond money management to also serve as a vital foundation for independence and a peace of mind, Felicia set out to make it accessible for others. She led her capstone project team to develop a fully functional app aimed at helping millennials prepare for elderhood.
Passionate about financial literacy and education, Felicia actively contributed content for “Smart Money Moves,” a podcast produced under CNA Campus by CNA938. She simplified complex financial concepts into engaging, bite-sized segments for public broadcast. What began as a passion grew into a personal mission - to help others build confidence in managing their finances. She has also conducted engaging, game-based financial literacy sessions in secondary schools under the TP Smart Financial Literacy Initiative, a cause that is close to her heart, having lacked such education herself.
As the President of the Temasek Polytechnic Entrepreneurship Group, Felicia took on the responsibility of leading initiatives to inspire and engage members. She also participated in prestigious competitions, such as the ASEAN Green Entrepreneurship Hackathon and the PolyFinTech100 API Hackathon. Juggling a demanding academic load with competitions and volunteer work was no easy feat, but for Felicia, overcoming these challenges counts as one of her proudest achievements. Felicia was awarded various accolades including the KPMG Prize, OCBC Bank Prize, RSM Singapore Prize and CIMA Singapore Prize.
Through these experiences, Felicia exemplifies how a strong foundation in accountancy and finance, paired with purpose and initiative, can create a lasting impact. She hopes to continue her journey in higher education and build her own enterprise to make financial literacy more accessible to the next generation.
Through Temasek Polytechnic (TP)'s Diploma in Interior Architecture & Design, Nathaniel found the freedom to explore his creative interests and deepen his understanding of the built environment. At TP, he discovered how architecture can drive social change through adaptive reuse and human-centred design.
This philosophy came to life in projects such as Project Revitalise, where he reimagined public housing in mature estates such as Jalan Dua, to better support the homeless and vulnerable. His internship at the Nang Loeng Community Lab in Bangkok further sharpened this perspective. There, he saw first-hand how something as basic as natural light could be scarce in certain communities, fuelling his aspiration to create spaces that directly address human needs.
Nathaniel's final-year project, Transitional Thresholds, exemplified this vision. He conceptualised the transformation of the old Kallang Airport into a hub for sustainable food practices, preserving its historic grandeur while creating a space for responsible consumption. Outside the classroom, Nathaniel’s volunteer work enriched his approach to design. From supporting Thai students with disabilities in the Art for All campaign, to assisting families in need, these experiences reinforced his commitment to shaping spaces that serve diverse communities.
As Vice President of the Interior Architecture Interest Group and Training Head of TP's Adventure Club, Nathaniel honed his leadership skills and made a tangible impact on the campus community. His dedication to both personal growth and creative excellence earned him numerous accolades, including the TP Scholarship, multiple placements on the Director’s List, and international recognition from the BLT Built Design Awards and IDA International Design Awards.
What truly sets Nathaniel apart is his relentless drive to grow. He stepped up to speak at notable events like the Harvard Business Mentorship Programme and Young Architects Meet. What began at TP — where he was empowered to create the future, has become a lifelong mission to design a better, more inclusive world.
Having worked with the vulnerable and special needs community, Xin Ping realised the importance of creating an inclusive environment, where everyone, regardless of their abilities, could thrive. Her journey began at SpedGrow, a start-up incubated at the Temasek Launchpad, where she first worked as a facilitator conducting financial literacy workshops for individuals with special needs.
One of Xin Ping's most significant achievements was her final year project in collaboration with KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH). Together with her team, she developed 31 VR-based scenarios to teach adolescents with special needs essential social skills - ranging from understanding humour to reading body language. Such tailored approaches that blend psychology-based insights with immersive VR experiences, allowed individuals to engage in realistic social scenarios that gradually built their confidence and abilities to respond.
Her desire to create meaningful impact goes beyond the classroom. Since 2022, Xin Ping regularly volunteers at the Nee Soon South Youth Network's Homework Café where she and her team spearheaded structured tuition programmes to help underprivileged children strengthen their English and Maths foundation. She also rallied a tight-knit volunteer team to mentor students from less privileged backgrounds.
As an active member of the Nee Soon South Youth Network, Xin Ping also co-led and planned “Escape Your CC!”, an Amazing Race-style event that engaged over 50 residents through community bonding and family-friendly challenges, while overseeing publicity efforts for other major community events such as the Nee Soon Pets Fiesta 2024, achieving an attendance of up to 5000 participants.
Her dedication to service and learning is matched by a strong academic track record, having placed on the Director's List for both AY2022 and AY2023, and awarded the Edusave Certificate of Academic Achievement in 2023 and 2024.
Xin Ping's achievements are a testament to her resilience, compassion, and a clear sense of purpose. While balancing multiple commitments, she continues to push forward with heart. As she sets her sights on further studies in psychology, specialising in education, Xin Ping is ready to shine even brighter and make a lasting impact in the social service sector.
In 1994, the Tay Eng Soon Scholarship Fund was established in memory of the late Senior Minister of State for Education, Dr Tay Eng Soon, who played a pivotal role in the development of polytechnic and technical education. From the fund, the Tay Eng Soon Gold Medal is awarded annually to outstanding graduates from each of the polytechnics, who graduated from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) prior to their studies at the polytechnic. The Medal was first presented at the 1995 Temasek Polytechnic graduation ceremony.
Recipient:
It best encapsulates his academic journey, especially after failing to qualify for the Polytechnic Foundation Programme after N-Levels. Disheartened yet not defeated, it was a wake-up call for Wilson that set him on a path towards success.
Encouraged by his lecturer at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Wilson's journey took a transformative turn — he pushed himself not only academically but also nurtured his strengths in public speaking and leadership skills. His hard work paid off when he emerged as the Top Graduate in the School of Electronics and Info-Comm Technology.
Having found his footing in computer engineering, he thrived in Temasek Polytechnic (TP). Fuelled by his two personal “gives” - to give his all academically and to give back to society, he seized every opportunity to grow. With the guidance of dedicated mentors, Wilson grew both in confidence and capability, deepening his mastery of computer engineering through the rigorous coursework and competitions.
One breakthrough was the “Rehabilitation Support Exerciser” (RSE) project, an innovative system developed to support elderly individuals undergoing knee rehabilitation. It features a 3D-printed knee brace loaded with sensors and AI, mobile app game, and a web portal. Recognising the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, Wilson and his team set out to create a more empowering rehabilitation experience that encouraged seniors to continue exercising. The project garnered national acclaim, winning multiple competitions including the Lee Hsien Loong IDM Smart Nation Award 2024
Outside of school, Wilson carries the same resolve with him in his volunteer work through the PA-TP Community Leadership Programme. He collaborated with fellow members to initiate and organise a welfare pack distribution programme for students, spreading TP’s culture of care during exam seasons. From academic setbacks to creating real-world solutions, Wilson's journey is proof that with the right mindset and support, failure can be a powerful opportunity for growth.
The Pan Pacific Award for All-Round Excellence gives commendation and recognition to graduates who excel in their studies and has outstanding co-curricular activities achievements / contributions in areas of Arts, Sports, Community Service, Clubs etc. The Award is sponsored by Pan Pacific Hotels Group, a global hospitality company that owns and/or manages hotels, resorts and serviced suites across three brands – Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, and PARKROYAL in more than 30 cities across Asia Pacific, North America and Europe.
Recipients:
Courageous and driven by a deep sense of service, K-Ron saved a grandmother's life during a fire while serving his National Service — an act that earned him the SCDF Community Lifesaver Award. It is this strong drive and determination that fuels his academic and community pursuits.
Having previously struggled academically, K-Ron now draws motivation from those early setbacks, determined to grow, and reclaim lost time. Upon joining TP, K-Ron embraced the rigour and diversity of his course. His decision to enrol in the Diploma in Business Process & System Engineering was influenced by its unique structure, offering multi-disciplinary skill sets in technical, business, and analytical thinking – all of which would prepare him for an increasingly complex and evolving job market.
K-Ron was a TP Scholar (Engineering), consistently placed on Director's List, and was the champion of TP's Engineering Public Speaking Competition 2023. His accolades extend beyond the campus. He was also awarded the Outstanding Delegate award at the 2024 Singapore Model United Nations’ Conference. His passion for learning and development also opened the door to a wide range of opportunities, including the ENGenius Programme, the Temasek LEAD Excel Global Engagement Study Trip, and as a youth leader promoting social cohesion.
Within the TP community, K-Ron has been a familiar face in both student leadership and interest groups. He served as Managing Editor of the Engineering Studies Club (ESC), and Vice-President of the Business Process & Systems Engineering Interest Group. Under his leadership, ESC executed several key initiatives — from adapting school-wide policies on green sustainability to co-organising charity events with Tampines Changkat Community Club.
K-Ron's diverse efforts are guided by a larger aspiration — to positively impact Singapore through public service and inclusive policymaking. Upon graduation, he intends to pursue further studies before joining the Singapore Police Force under a uniformed scholarship awarded by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Portia's journey is one of grit, grace, and relentless drive. Once an academically struggling student in primary and secondary school, she now graduates as the Valedictorian of Temasek Polytechnic's Class of 2025 (Diploma in Business) and by the age of 20, had already founded two ventures.
Driven by a passion for entrepreneurship, Portia co-founded Resurrack, a vintage clothing business during her time at TP. What began as a weekend side hustle evolved into a physical store and, eventually, a bustling weekend marketplace where Gen Zs and millennials shop, connect, and co-create. Resurrack is now incubated at the Temasek Launchpad where it receives support, mentorship and guidance.
Portia's entrepreneurial spark was further ignited during a six-month internship in Vietnam, where she joined a travel start-up under the Global Entrepreneurial Internship Programme. Through such TP experiences, she honed her skills in business development, marketing, and people management. This inspired her to co-found Elevents, a youth-focused event agency that transforms underutilised spaces into vibrant, purposeful experiences, which helped scale Resurrack into the thriving marketplace it is today.
Despite juggling multiple ventures, Portia consistently earned a place on the Director’s List Her stellar performance was recognised with accolades including the Max Lewis Scholarship, the PERSOLKELLY Course Silver Medal, the Singapore Yolanda Prize, as well as the honour of being named Valedictorian of her cohort.
Outside the classroom, Portia leads with rhythm and heart. As Head of the Hip Hop Division in TP’s Dance Ensemble (TPDE), she played a central role in major events — as dancer, choreographer, and organiser. This includes the TPDE Induction Camp, Tapestry MOVE Dance Concert, TP Open House 2023, and GEM 2023 Concert. As Dance Captain of the TPDE's Super 24 team, she led them through rigorous training to clinch victory at the nationwide dance championship.
The Ngee Ann Kongsi Most Outstanding Overcomer Award gives recognition to a graduate who has demonstrated strong perseverance in overcoming the odds and setbacks in life to complete the course of study with good academic records, and is exemplary in his or her conduct. It is named after the renowned charitable foundation, The Ngee Ann Kongsi, in honour of its generous contribution to TP.
Recipient:
At Temasek Polytechnic (TP), Raphael experienced more than academic accommodations; he was embraced by a supportive community that believed in him. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus, he was given practical support such as extended examination time and enlarged fonts, but it was the consistent encouragement from the TP community that made a lasting impact.
TP's culture of care empowered Raphael to thrive. His lecturers from the School of Business checked in regularly, helping Raphael navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom. When he failed the subject, Business Statistics, Raphael and his lecturer did not give up but worked hard during the school holidays to rebuild his understanding of the subject, turning an F into a C. This experience, coupled with peer support, allowed Raphael to embrace the challenges he faced and grow beyond them.
Even seemingly simple tasks presented uphill battles. Through relentless training, which included walking over 17 kilometres and completing more than 1,000 assisted pull-ups, Raphael built his strength. One of his proudest milestones came when he successfully carried a tray of canned drinks without toppling them - a feat he once thought impossible. Raphael's drive extended beyond personal achievements. He worked with TP's Estate Management Team to improve campus accessibility, recommending enhancements such as yellow safety strips on kerbs and stair edges.
That same determination powered his internship at Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions, where he contributed to global marketing strategies, and supported brand growth across the Asia-Pacific region. His work not only contributed to the company's marketing efforts but also honed his communication skills, which he had first developed through Toastmasters.
Raphael also represented TP in several speech competitions and won the 2025 Area S4 International Speech Contest. Despite the challenges of public speaking with visual impairments, Raphael has consistently stepped out of his comfort zone and refined his oratory skills to inspire others and actively assists his peers in improving their public speaking skills.
