30 alumni honoured for shaping global industries and public service

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) honoured outstanding alumni at the 2026 Nanyang Alumni Awards, recognising their achievements across industries and their contributions to the University, community and society.

Taking this year’s highest honours, the Nanyang Distinguished Alumni Award, were Senior Minister of State for Energy, Trade and Industry and Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Low Yen Ling, and Western Digital Chief Executive Officer, Mr Irving Tan.

From government leaders and corporate executives to creative talents, this year’s awardees showcased the immense breadth of NTU alumni excellence.

Their collective achievements include driving advances in artificial intelligence and technology, shaping Singapore’s built environment and economic development, and delivering dedicated service to the community.

NTU President Professor Ho Teck Hua said: “This year’s awardees are all leaders of distinction. They have shaped public policy, driven global technology and communication, broken boundaries in aviation and sports, maintained our ecosystems, and worked with vulnerable members of society. They are trailblazers in their fields and have illuminated a path forward to help the next generation of NTU graduates make their own mark on the world.”

This year's 30 laureates span four award categories, standing as testaments to those who have made significant, lasting contributions to others.

Launched in 2005, the Nanyang Alumni Awards celebrate alumni who have brought honour to the University through exemplary accomplishments in their respective fields at the national, regional or international level.

Two worthy recipients of the Nanyang Distinguished Alumni Award

Ms Low Yen Ling is a respected national leader whose contributions have strengthened Singapore’s economic development, social resilience and community well-being. She graduated from Nanyang Business School with a Bachelor of Business in 1996.

Ms Low’s leadership journey reflects her belief that economic progress and social advancement must go hand in hand. Drawing on her experience in financial institutions, start-ups and the Singapore Economic Development Board, she has contributed to strengthening Singapore’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and professional services sector.

As Chief Executive Officer of Business China, she also championed bilingualism, biculturalism and stronger business and people-to-people ties between Singapore and China, nurturing future leaders and creating opportunities for greater collaboration.

In public service, Ms Low, who is also Mayor of the South West District, has held various appointments across multiple ministries, supporting initiatives to strengthen Singapore’s economic competitiveness and social resilience.

A longstanding member of the NTU Singapore community, she has contributed to the university through her service on the Nanyang Business School Alumni Advisory Board and support for innovation and entrepreneurship.

On the same vein, Mr Irving Tan is a distinguished global technology leader whose influence extends across some of the world’s most important enterprises in data infrastructure, digital transformation and advanced technology.

Mr Tan graduated from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with a Bachelor of Engineering in 1995 and subsequently from Nanyang Business School with a Master of Business Administration in 2000.

With a career spanning over three decades, he has led global technology companies through organisational transformation, operational change and business growth.

Currently, he is steering Western Digital’s growth and innovation as demand for data infrastructure expands with artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital connectivity. Previously, as Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Western Digital, he oversaw manufacturing, supply chain, procurement and information technology across a global workforce of more than 40,000 employees, strengthening the company’s operational capabilities and competitiveness.

Beyond his executive leadership responsibilities, Mr Tan has made significant contributions through governance and industry leadership. As Chairman of SATS and a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S.-Japan Business Council, he provides strategic guidance to organisations navigating change, productivity enhancement and sustainable growth.

Honouring top NTU Alumni achievers

A total of eight winners were honoured with the Nanyang Alumni Achievement Award for their outstanding and sustained achievements in their professional career.

Ms Ang Yeong Hwa Feon, Asia Pacific Managing Director and Vice President of Global Sales Solutions of LinkedIn, was recognised for her vital influence extending across technology, talent development and professional empowerment.

From leading the Talent Solutions business in Asia to driving the global Sales Solutions business, she has contributed to helping professionals connect, learn and advance their careers. Under her leadership, LinkedIn has strengthened its position in Asia Pacific as the platform of choice for professionals seeking to build skills, expand networks and access new opportunities.

Another recipient under the same category is Mr Yam Kum Weng, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group.

From his early years with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore to his leadership roles at Changi Airport Group, Mr Yam’s experience spans airport management, commercial development, aviation policy and air hub planning.

Equally important is Mr Yam's commitment to developing the next generation of aviation professionals. Through internship opportunities, graduate recruitment and industry engagement initiatives, he has supported the growth of future aviation professionals while strengthening connections between industry and academia.

He has also actively supported NTU Singapore through student development and alumni engagement.

Another recipient of the Nanyang Alumni Achievement Award is Mr Chua Chee Seong, President and Managing Director of Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific.

Mr Chua oversees a regional organisation spanning sales, research and development, manufacturing, supply chain and corporate functions.

Mr Chua has devoted considerable effort to nurturing future engineering talent and strengthening industry capabilities. Through his leadership in the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association and support for education and outreach initiatives, he has helped strengthen industry awareness, develop future engineering talent and create meaningful opportunities for students and young professionals.

Celebrating the next generation of achievers: Young Alumni Award

Among the eight Nanyang Outstanding Young Alumni Award winners is Mr Lee Tse Peng Gavin Joshua, Head Coach of the Singapore Men’s National Football Team.

Mr Gavin Lee was recognised for leading Singapore to qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, the nation’s first appearance at the tournament since 1984. He also returns to the NIE as a guest lecturer, sharing his insights on youth development through sport.

He said: “I’m very grateful to receive this award. I see it as a recognition of the people who have been part of my journey, rather than something I’ve achieved on my own. My time at NTU was an important part of my foundation as it helped shape how I approach learning, challenges and the people around me. I’m proud that NTU is part of my story.”

Ms Sam Shu Qin was recognised for her relentless efforts to build public awareness of and participation in marine conservation in Singapore.

As Co-Founder of Our Blue Spaces and Our Singapore Reefs, she has inspired individuals, communities and organisations to take an active role in safeguarding Singapore’s natural heritage. She has also worked closely with NTU students, including through coral restoration workshops and marine debris clean-ups with the NTU Scuba Diving Club.

Joining her is Ms Oh Yu Shi, a Mediacorp artiste who rose to prominence through Star Search 2019 and won the Asian Academy Creative Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in Singapore for her lead role in Cash on Delivery. She has also used her platform to support people with disabilities, social service professionals and vulnerable groups.

Another recipient, whose work is transforming industrial automation through robotics innovation, helping manufacturers adopt smarter and more accessible automation technologies is Mr Rahul Nambiar, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Botsync.

Mr Nambiar has been recognised in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (Industry, Manufacturing and Energy) and Botsync was named among Forbes Asia's 100 to Watch in 2024.

The awards also recognised 12 NTU alumni with the Nanyang Alumni Service Awards for their dedicated volunteer work in strengthening alumni bonds and extending the alumni community’s reach worldwide.

See the Annex below for the full list of 2026 Nanyang Alumni Awards winners.

NTU today has 331,000 alumni based in 174 countries. To better engage and connect with its global alumni community, the University has established 86 Alumni Associations in Singapore and overseas.

ANNEX

Nanyang Alumni Awards 2026

Nanyang Distinguished Alumni Award
1. Ms Low Yen Ling
2. Mr Irving Tan

Nanyang Alumni Achievement Award
1. Ms Ang Yeong Hwa Feon
2. Mr Chang Sau Sheong
3. Mr Chua Chee Seong
4. Er Jee Yi Yng
5. Mr Li Zhichen
6. Mr Sam Liew
7. Mr Ow Fook Chuen
8. Mr Yam Kum Weng

Nanyang Outstanding Young Alumni Award
1. Dr Chen Yanyun
2. Ms Hoo Quee Lian Priscilla
3. Mr Lee Tse Peng Gavin Joshua
4. Dr Liu Hongjie
5. Ms Oh Yu Shi
6. Mr Rahul Nambiar
7. Ms Sam Shu Qin
8. Mr Tan Xun Yi Toby

Nanyang Alumni Service Award
1. Mr Ang Teck Lih
2. Mr Chen Dong
3. Mr Foo Chee Yong
4. Mr Hanky Bayugiri Taufan Guruh
5. Mr Hong Jianwei
6. Mr Lee Wee Keng Daren
7. Mr Sai Chang Kung
8. Mr Sim Teong Chuan
9. Ms Tan Cheryl
10. Mr Tan Soon Liang
11. Mdm Teh Bee Gek Susan
12. Mr Teo Tian Leng Marcus