The award is the highest form of recognition given by the Singapore Government for outstanding contributions to the country's growth and development.  It is conferred on those who have made a significant impact in the areas of business, science and technology, information communications, education, health, arts and culture, sports, tourism, community services or security.

Mr Wong Kan Seng, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, who oversees population issues, commented, "Singapore welcomes global talent and values their contributions to Singapore. They help grow Singapore's economic pie and create employment opportunities for local Singaporeans. Mr Raymond and Dr von Pierer are two outstanding business leaders who have contributed significantly to the vibrancy and diversity of our economy.

”Mr Raymond was instrumental in expanding the scope of ExxonMobil's operations in Singapore, from oil refining to chemicals manufacturing and headquarters functions.  Over the years, he has helped Singapore develop a vibrant chemicals sector.  Today, Singapore is one of the world's top oil refining centres and petrochemical hubs. 

 Reflecting on being named Honorary Citizen, Mr Raymond said, “I am very honoured to be conferred this prestigious national award and I accept the Honorary Citizen Award on behalf of all the ExxonMobil employees in Singapore.  I believe this Award reflects ExxonMobil's long and continued involvement in Singapore industry.  I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Singapore over many years and to have played a part in the growth of ExxonMobil in Singapore in tandem with the remarkable achievements of this country.

"Dr von Pierer has championed many of Siemens' investments in Singapore.  Today, Siemens operates in a wide range of industries here, such as power, information and communications, healthcare, automation and control, transportation and lighting. 

 Said Dr von Pierer, “I am deeply moved and grateful to Singapore for the honour that has been bestowed on me.  This honour is also in recognition of Siemens' numerous business and community contributions to Singapore.  During my time as CEO of Siemens, we had the opportunity to expand our business with strong support of the government and today, we are one of the largest German organisations in Singapore.  Undoubtedly, Singapore's belief in innovation, its pro-business environment, and the strong capabilities and attitude of Singaporeans have played a large part in our success.

”Mr Lim Siong Guan, Chairman of the Economic Development Board, said: “Singapore is very privileged to have global business leaders like Mr Lee R. Raymond and Dr Heinrich von Pierer, as strong advocates of Singapore.  They believe in Singapore, trust Singapore, and are prepared to tell the world how and why Singapore has been good business partners for them.  They have played a critical role in helping Singapore build her capabilities and global leadership positions in their business sectors.  We are honoured to count them as our special friends.  This award is an important way for us to recognise and thank them for their valuable contributions to Singapore.

”  This is the fourth year Singapore is conferring the Honorary Citizen Award. President S R Nathan will confer the Honorary Citizen Award on Mr Raymond at a ceremony to be held at the Istana on 1 March 2007.  Dr von Pierer will receive his award from the President at a later date. 

 The fact sheet on the Honorary Citizen Award and biographies of the recipients are attached in Annex A.

FACT SHEET ON THE HONORARY CITIZEN AWARD 2006

About the Honorary Citizen Award

• The title of Honorary Citizen is a national award conferred by the Singapore government to recognise and acknowledge the contributions of foreigners who have rendered extensive and valuable services to Singapore and its people, or who have made a significant impact in the areas of business, science and technology, information communications, education, health, arts and culture, sports, tourism, community services or security.
•  The Honorary Citizen Award is the highest form of national recognition for a non-Singaporean and ranks ahead of existing awards - the Public Service Star (Distinguished Friends of Singapore) Award and the Public Service Medal (Friends of Singapore) Award.
• 2006 is the fourth year this prestigious award is being conferred.
•  The title of Honorary Citizen is conferred for life.
• The Award does not equate to citizenship. Therefore, the rights and duties of Singapore citizens, such as voting and National Service, do not apply to Honorary Citizens.
•  The privileges for Honorary Citizens include the right to live and work in Singapore for themselves as well as their dependent family members and to purchase property if they decide to stay in Singapore.
    Honorary Citizen Award recipients 2006 (biographies and pictures attached)
•  Mr Lee R. Raymond
  Retired Chairman and CEO, Exxon Mobil Corporation
• Dr Heinrich von Pierer
  Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Siemens AGHonorary Citizen Award recipients 2005
• Dr. Tsutomu Kanai
  Chairman Emeritus, Hitachi, Ltd.
• Dr. Robert A. Brown
  President, Boston University Honorary Citizen Award recipients 2004
• Sir Richard Brook Sykes 
  Rector of Imperial College London
• Mr Lodewijk Christiaan Van Wachem
  Former President, Royal Dutch/Shell; Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Royal Philips Electronics; Chairman of the Board, Global Crossing Ltd; and Chairman of the Board, Zurich Financial Services and Zurich Insurance Company.