For the second time running, a Colombo Plan scholar from the University of Newcastle has been awarded the 2012 Eminent Alumni Award at the Singapore Australia Alumni Awards.

University of Newcastle engineering and economics graduate Dr Tan Chin Nam was honoured with the prestigious award at the event hosted at the Australian High Commission in Singapore.

The Colombo Plan was introduced in 1951 as a centrepiece of Australian Foreign Policy to strengthen relationships with Asia through numerous measures including university scholarships.

Last year, in the award’s inaugural year, the same honour was awarded to Dr Tan’s fellow Colombo Plan scholar and University of Newcastle graduate, the Honourable Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for the National Development Board of Singapore.

Dr Tan is one of Singapore's most distinguished public servants. During his 33 years of service in top leadership roles, Dr Tan received four Public Administration Service Medals. Although he retired in 2007 as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts, Dr Tan still holds the significantly influential Chair position for the Media Development Authority International Advisory Panel.

Dr Tan's expertise and personal contributions have influenced the development of art and culture, the media, information and technology and communications, tourism, human capital and the economy in Singapore.

When reflecting on his career, Dr Tan acknowledges the University of Newcastle as playing an important role in his professional achievements.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen said the University was very proud of its graduates who came to the University under the Colombo Plan.

“Like Dr Tan, many of the students who studied at our University through this important scholarship arrangement have made outstanding contributions to the development and success of The Republic of Singapore," she said.

The Singapore Australia Alumni Awards are open to all graduates of all Australian universities who live and work in Singapore.