SINGAPORE – Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon and former chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA) Eddie Teo will receive the Republic’s highest civilian honour for their years of service to the nation.
Both Menon, 62, and Teo, 79, will be accorded the Order of Temasek (With Distinction) at the 2026 National Day Awards.
They were among 7,491 individuals who are receiving National Day honours this year.
Menon, who will step down as head of the judiciary on Feb 26, 2027, has been in the role for 14 years since November 2012.
Under his leadership, he modernised the administration of justice, strengthened the institutional foundations of the courts and reinforced public confidence in the rule of law.
During his tenure, the judiciary underwent significant transformation, including digitalisation, the establishment of the Appellate Division of the High Court and the creation of the Singapore International Commercial Court.
Menon also spearheaded a therapeutic justice approach in the Family Justice Courts and Youth Courts, and established the Singapore Judicial College to improve judicial education.
In a statement, Menon said he was deeply grateful to be conferred the award, describing his time leading the judiciary as the “greatest privilege and honour” of his professional life.
“Throughout its history as a nation, Singapore has remained steadfast in its commitment to the rule of law,” he said. “The development of a world-class legal system has been the work of many hands.”
He added that the Government’s commitment to the rule of law has been a defining feature of Singapore’s governance since independence, laying the foundation for the opportunities the nation enjoys today.
Menon also expressed his appreciation for the judges, court officers, staff and members of the legal profession who have dedicated themselves to upholding the justice system.
“This award therefore honours all who have worked tirelessly to strengthen the judiciary and sustain public confidence in the administration of justice,” he said, noting that the recognition is especially meaningful as it coincides with the bicentennial of Singapore’s legal and judicial system.
Teo told The Straits Times that receiving the honour was a “great privilege” and meant a lot to know that his decades in public service were appreciated.
He retired in 2018 as chief of the Public Service Commission after close to five decades in the public service, during which he held pivotal leadership roles.
Later that year, he was appointed to the CPA and became its chairman, a role he held till June 2026.
A President’s Scholar who began his career in 1970 with the Ministry of Defence’s Security and Intelligence Division, Teo became its director at age 31, leading the agency from 1979 to 1994.
He went on to serve as permanent secretary for defence from 1994 to 2000, and permanent secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office from 1998 to 2005.
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