K&L Gates Straits Law LLC, the Singapore office of global law firm K&L Gates, is pleased to announce that on 3 November, partner and chair of K&L Gates Straits Law Mr. M Rajaram was awarded the Public Service Star (Bintang Bakti Masyarakat) at the Singapore National Day Awards 2024. This prestigious award, presented by the President of Singapore, recognizes Rajaram’s significant contributions to the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, a leading think tank dedicated to the study of socio-geopolitical, security, and economic developments in Southeast Asia, operating under the National University of Singapore and the Ministry of Education.

This accolade marks Rajaram’s second National Award. In 2009, he received the Public Service Medal (Pingkat Bakti Masyarakat) for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, overseen by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Since 1963, the Public Service Medal (PBM) and the Public Service Star (BBM) have been awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service or exceptional achievement in various fields, including arts, sciences, business, and social contributions. Each recipient undergoes a rigorous vetting process to ensure that they embody the spirit of community service and excellence.

Beyond his professional roles, Rajaram is deeply committed to grassroots social initiatives. He is a patron of the Taman Jurong Citizenship Consultative Committee and actively participates in a weekly legal clinic at Taman Jurong Constituency. He served as Vice President of the Dyslexia Association of Singapore for many years until 2023, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee of ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute for 15 years, and as a trustee of the Singapore Indian Development Association for 12 years. He is also a member of the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony and serves as a Notary Public and Justice of the Peace.

The firm extends its warmest congratulations to Mr. Rajaram on receiving this esteemed recognition, which reflects his unwavering dedication to public service and commitment to enhancing the community.