Helping Nation Stand Tall

"Beyond defence and security, you made a lasting impact on generations of young Singaporeans," PM Wong said.

- PRIME MINISTER LAWRENCE WONG,

tries to work in closer collaboration.

As minister for education, SM Teo drove bold and necessary reforms to prepare Singapore for a knowledge-based economy. One major shift was to update the primary, secondary and junior college curriculums to better develop thinking, communication and process skills.

He steered reviews of the mother tongue language curriculum, leading to the introduction of new syllabuses to better suit the needs of students.

He also initiated single-session primary schools and freed up space and time for students to participate in a wider range of co-curricular and enrichment activities — enhancing not just academic outcomes, but also students' affective, social and physical development.

As deputy prime minister and later as senior minister, SM Teo brought his wealth of experience and sharp strategic mind to bear on critical national issues, PM Wong said.

"You never hesitated to speak your mind and voice different views in Cabinet, making our discussions more robust," he noted.