PBM and BBM – sometimes, you see these letters after the names of people, often prominent and distinguished people in Singapore. Do you know what these terms mean?

You would probably have seen these terms recently, as they are usually bestowed in August. Yes, they are the National Day Awards and are given to individuals who have performed outstandingly for public service and community service. Laokokok explains the two terms:

The Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (Public Service Medal) or PBM in short, was instituted in 1973. The medal may be awarded to any person who has rendered commendable public service in Singapore for his achievement in the field of arts and letters, sports, the sciences, business, the professions and the labour movement.

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The Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (Public Service Star), instituted in 1963, is awarded to any person who has rendered valuable public service to the people of Singapore, or who has distinguished themselves in the field of arts and letters, sports, the sciences, business, the professions and the labour movement. Bars may be issued for further service. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters BBM just like the PBM.

What do the bottle caps in the picture have to do with the National Day awards? It refers to a Cantonese term that roughly translates to ‘bottle cap awards’. Find out why in Laokokok’s post here.