Mr Chan (left) with NUS President Prof Shih Choon Fong

Mr Harry Chan Keng Howe's spirit of service to country and alma mater was nurtured during his undergraduate days at Raffles College.

After attaining a Diploma of Arts from Raffles College in 1949, Mr Chan was among the first batch to graduate from the University of Malaya in 1950 when he received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree.

After graduation, Mr Chan joined and rose steadily through the ranks of the Civil Service. When Singapore gained self government in 1959, he was again among a pioneering group, this time of the first locals to be appointed to senior positions in the Civil Service. He distinguished himself by his contributions at various government ministries and agencies, including as the Secretary of the Public Service Commission and as a Permanent Secretary. Between 1969 and 1989, Mr Chan was called to serve as High Commissioner and Ambassador for Singapore in countries such as Cambodia, New Zealand, Egypt and India. Mr Chan's dedicated service to the nation has done his alma mater proud.

Mr Harry Chan has maintained a strong and active role in the University's alumni interests and activities. He served as the President of NUS Society, the largest alumni body of NUS, from 1963 to 1964. He has continued to contribute over the past four decades in various ways and capacities, not least in galvanising alumni support for his alma mater. His leadership in rallying alumni to appeal for the return of the Bukit Timah campus to NUS is noteworthy and inspiring.

Mr Chan's passionate commitment to the alumni cause and steadfast support for the University and the alumni community are outstanding. In recognition of his exemplary accomplishments and sustained service to the University and alumni, an inaugural NUS Distinguished Alumni Service Award is presented to Mr Harry Chan Keng Howe.