Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for Mr Freddie Ang, President of Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association
	On 15 July, Mr Ang Soo Mui, Freddie, President of Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association, is to be awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation. This is in recognition for his distinguished contribution to introducing Japanese culture, particularly Japanese Tea Ceremony, and promoting the friendship between Japan and Singapore. Since becoming the President of Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association in 1996, Mr Ang has been actively engaging in expanding its activities through his human network. In addition to offering tea ceremony classes, Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association has held tea ceremony talks, lessons, demonstrations and trial classes in schools (NUS, NTU, MOELC, junior colleges, polytechnics, etc.) and kindergartens in Singapore. He has thus been making significant contributions to raise awareness of tea ceremony in Singapore. Mr Ang also joined JUGAS (Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore) in 1981, after graduating from Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1980. He became an executive board member in 1985 and was the President from 1996 to 2000, and made possible various cultural events, including large-scale Noh performances and concerts by Japanese musicians (Shang Shang Typhoon, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, etc.). These activities played a significant role in promoting cultural and human exchanges between Japan and Singapore. Even after stepping down from the presidency, he continues to provide support for the running of JUGAS’s cultural events as former president. The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to those who have rendered distinguished service in promoting friendly relations between Japan and foreign countries. Since its introduction in 1984, the Foreign Minister’s Commendations have been awarded to twelve Singapore related persons/organizations including Mr Ang this year. The Commendation Ceremony will be held at the Ambassador’s residence on 16 Sept, 2008.