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SINGAPORE : A former politician, a social service sector stalwart and a late unionist.
They are the 3,824 Singaporeans who have been named in this year's National Day Awards.
1441 of those honoured are women, about 400 more than last year.
And many who spoke to our reporter attributed their success to their supporters.
Receiving the highest honour - The Order of Temasek (Second Class) - is Mr S Dhanabalan.
A political veteran, he held several heavyweight positions in the cabinet, including Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Trade and Industry.
But he is now more well known as the Chairman of Temasek Holdings managing Singapore's investments.
In an email statement, Mr Dhanabalan said he was humbled and honoured by the accolade.
He attributed the award to the highly motivated and creative people working with him, who have really been behind the results he'd achieved.
Therefore, the award is recognition for them too.
Among other recipients in this year's National Day Awards is Mr Gerard Ee, who was conferred the Meritorious Service Medal.
Mr Ee is a man who wears many hats, the most prominent of which is chairman of National Kidney Foundation.
He took on that role in 2005, just days after he officially retired as an accountant.
But Mr Ee was quick to play down his role at the new NKF.
The 58-year-old will be getting his third National Day Award, having previously been honoured with Public Service Medals.
He, too, thanks his loved ones for the award.
Mr Ee said: "Every day there are only 24 hours, so every hour that you spend out of voluntary work, you are away from the family. So your family members must be understanding and understand what makes you tick, and why is it that you want to spend so much time out there, with voluntary work rather than at home.
"And then your parents who act as the inspiration, the values that they pass on to you, that make you see things differently, to see the community as part of your family that is worthwhile you giving up effort to work with the community."
Also receiving the Meritorious Service Medal is Mr Lee Hsien Yang, former Chief Executive Officer of SingTel.
A Public Service Star will be conferred posthumously on the late unionist Mr Nithiah Nandan for his lifetime devotion to the plight of low-wage workers. - CNA/ch
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