The 61-year-old is one of eight Meritorious Service Medal winners - in recognition of his leading role in bringing the YOG to Singapore - and will receive his award at a special ceremony today to mark Singapore's National Day, in commemoration of the country's independence

The award, instituted in 1962, is awarded to any person who has performed within Singapore, service of conspicuous merit characterised by resource and devotion to duty, including long service marked by exceptional ability, merit and exemplary conduct.

Ng was the driving force behind Singapore's successful bid to host the Youth Olympics, which are due to begin in Singapore on Saturday (August 14) and will feature 3,600 athletes from 205 countries.

Ng oversees a workforce of 500, which is bolstered by 20,000 volunteers.

"They have put in a lot of effort and I share this honour with them," he said.

"There are capable people running the show, like Youth Olympic Games chief executive officer Goh Kee Nguan and his deputy Francis Chong.

"There has also been strong political support through the years. First when I was Singapore Sports Council chairman from then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, then PM Lee Hsien Loong in the bidding for, and organising of, the YOG.

Ng, a former President of the Singapore Sailing Federation, was also the architect of Singapore's successful bid to host the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in July 2005, where London were awarded the 2012 Olympics.

He also initiated and chaired Project 0812, to help Singapore win medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

The women's table tennis team won silver at the Beijing Games, Singapore's first Olympic medal in 48 years.

Ng is a multi-millionaire thanks to his involvement with Singapore Shuttle Bus company in 1976, which he developed into the successful Trans-Island Bus Services (Tibs) in 1982.

In 2001, when SMRT (Singapore Mass Rapid Transport) took over Tibs, he sold his stake for S$80 million (£37 million), allowing him to concentrate on his sports interests, including the Youth Olympics

"I've been fortunate to be able to devote my time to sports; it's an honour to bring such a major event to Singapore," he said.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]