Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam conferred the Public Service Star (Distinguished Friends of Singapore) on two international business leaders during a ceremony at The Istana on July 9. The recipients were Christian Kullmann, Chairman and CEO of Evonik Industries AG, and Stan Hung, Chairman of United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), who were recognized for their contributions to Singapore’s economy.
The national award acknowledges senior international business executives who have contributed to Singapore’s economic development. The program was introduced by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) in 1998. According to information from the EDB, 53 business leaders, including Mr. Kullmann and Mr. Hung, have received the award between 1998 and 2025.
EDB Chairman Png Cheong Boon stated that the two leaders oversaw major investments that supported Singapore’s specialty chemicals and semiconductor industries. He added that their companies’ contributions included fostering innovation and developing local talent.
Under Mr. Kullmann’s leadership, Evonik, a specialty chemicals company, expanded its operations in Singapore. The company established its Asia Research Hub in the city-state in 2018. In 2024, Evonik expanded its methionine production complex on Jurong Island, incorporating lower-carbon technologies. The company also opened its first Asian alkoxides production facility in Singapore in 2025.
In a statement, Mr. Kullmann said the award reflected the dedication of Evonik’s employees in Singapore and described the company’s partnership with the country as one built on trust and shared ambition.
Mr. Hung was recognized for his role in UMC’s expansion of its semiconductor manufacturing operations in Singapore. He led the company’s S$6.7 billion investment in a new semiconductor fabrication plant, which became operational in 2025. The facility is expected to create approximately 700 jobs and will produce advanced semiconductors for various technology sectors. UMC also collaborated with Ngee Ann Polytechnic to support engineering education and workforce development.
Mr. Hung stated that the award reflected the partnership between UMC and the EDB in developing Singapore’s semiconductor ecosystem and local capabilities.
 and Stan Hung (UMC) for their significant economic contributions. Their companies invested in specialty chemicals and semiconductor industries, fostering innovation and talent development in Singapore.){kind=link}