An Indian-origin entrepreneur is among four persons conferred national honour in Singapore for their "instrumental roles" in the continued growth of the country's business landscape.
Gautam Banerjee, who is senior managing director at Blackstone and co-chairman of its Asia operating committee, as well as chairman of Blackstone Singapore, was awarded the 'Public Service Medal' by President Tony Tan Keng Yam.
Dominic Barton, Global Managing Director for McKinsey and Company, and Michael R Splinter, Applied Materials Chairman, were awarded the 'Public Service Star (Distinguished Friends of Singapore) award', Channel News Asia reported.
The Public Service Medal was also awarded to Paul Graham, Global Chief Operating Officer and CEO for Mainland Europe, Middle East and Africa for DHL Supply Chain.
Economic Development Board (EDB) chairman Beh Swan Gin said in a statement that all four award recipients have played "instrumental roles" in the continued growth of Singapore's business landscape.
"Their strong support has led to the development of new capabilities in their respective sectors, and created exciting job opportunities for Singaporeans."
Having left Mumbai at the age of 16, Banerjee worked with leading financial firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for more than 30 years, with nine years as its executive chairman, until his retirement in December 2012.
Once nominated a member of parliament in Singapore, Banerjee currently serves on the board of Singapore Airlines Limited, the Indian Hotels Company Limited and is the vice chairman of the Singapore Business Federation.
