Professor Laurence Williams awarded Singapore Public Service Medal
Professor Laurence Williams OBE PBM FREng FLSW, Sêr Cymru Professor of Nuclear Policy & Regulation and Deputy Director of the Nuclear Futures Institute, has been honoured with the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (PBM) Public Service Medal in recognition of his significant contributions to nuclear safety in Singapore.
The award was formally presented to Professor Williams during an Investiture of the 2025 National Awards ceremony held on Sunday, 16 November in Singapore, where he received the medal from Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore. The Public Service Medal is one of the country’s most prestigious honours, awarded to individuals who have rendered commendable public service in Singapore.
Professor Williams has advised the Singapore Government on nuclear safety for many years, offering expert guidance on regulatory frameworks, radiation protection and the management of radioactive waste. His work has helped to build Singapore’s capabilities in nuclear safety, nuclear security, and safeguards that are needed to support the assessment of the potential of advanced nuclear energy technologies for Singapore and for Singapore to respond to a region considering nuclear energy deployment. Earlier this year, he was appointed Chair of the Singapore Nuclear Safety Advisory Panel, further cementing his role as a trusted advisor in the field.
Speaking after the ceremony, Professor Williams said, “It is a privilege to receive this award and to have had the opportunity to support Singapore’s considerations on the deployment of nuclear energy to support its need for energy security and low carbon electricity in the coming years. I am grateful to my colleagues and counterparts in Singapore for their collaboration and support over the years.”
Professor Paul Spencer, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, said, "Professor Williams’ recognition highlights the global impact of UK-based expertise in nuclear safety. His contribution to Singapore’s national strategy is a clear example of how our colleagues support international efforts to address complex scientific and regulatory challenges.”