Methodist leader made Knight by French Govt

MR CHOU FANG SOONG (right), Chairman of the Local Church Executive Committee of Bedok Methodist Church and Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Methodist Missions Society, was recently conferred the title of Chevalier dans l'Ordre National du Merite by the French Government.


He was awarded the title for his "sustained contributions to the betterment of Franco-Singaporean relations within the information technology and electronic system industries fields", according to the French Embassy in Singapore.


As President of Gemplus (South-east Asia), Mr Chou is a well-known pioneer of the smart-card industry in Asia, and has been involved in the development of innovative smart card programs in the region. Some of these programs include the use of smart cards for Loyalty, Stored Value, Electronic Passport, Mobile Banking and Electronic Road Pricing System.


Mr Chou has been instrumental in helping Gemplus establish and maintain its position as a market leader in the region, with an estimated share of 35 per cent.


L'Ordre National du Merite (The National Order of Merit) is an Order of Chivalry awarded by the President of France. It was founded on Dec 3, 1963 by former French President Charles de Gaulle.


The Order is awarded to French nationals or foreigners for distinguished civil and military achievements whether in France or abroad.


L'Ordre National du Merite comprises three ranks: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), and Commandeur (Commander).