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A Parting Honour
Feature: Esther Tan (Fencing), Nur Irdina Hazly (Bowling), Artyom Lukasevits (Open Water Swimming), Simon Lee Renjie (Fencing)
Each year, Singapore Sports School recognises outstanding graduating student-athletes through two prestigious awards — the Annabel Pennefather Excellence Award and the Tan Howe Liang Excellence Award. These awards honour recent graduates who have not only excelled in their respective sports, but have also demonstrated strong character, leadership, and a commitment to giving back to the community while continuing to pursue sporting excellence.
Annabel Pennefather Excellence Award
The Annabel Pennefather Excellence Award is presented to two female graduating student-athletes in the Class of 2025 who have demonstrated outstanding sporting achievements alongside strong leadership, integrity, and community spirit.
In 2025, Esther Tan and Nur Irdina Hazly exemplified these qualities through their achievements on and off the field.
Fencer Esther Tan made history early in the year by becoming the first current Sports School student-athlete to win a medal at a Junior World Cup, securing bronze in the U20 Women’s Épée event in Bahrain. She went on to compete at major international competitions, including the Asian Junior & Cadet Championships and the World Fencing Championships, all while managing the demands of her International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) final examinations. Shortly after completing her exams, Esther made her SEA Games debut and contributed to a team gold in the Women’s Épée event — on the same day she received her IBDP results. Beyond competition, she also pursued a coaching certificate, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the sport. She now sets her sights on future major championships and her long-term goal of becoming an Olympian.
Bowler Nur Irdina Hazly also reached significant milestones in 2025. She clinched gold medals in the Women’s Doubles and Women’s Team events at the Asian Youth Bowling Championship, contributing to Singapore’s overall team titles. Later in the year, she made her SEA Games debut, earning a bronze medal in the Women’s Team event. Irdina’s journey began at a young age and has been marked by consistent growth, competitive success, and leadership. She served as Deputy Head of Student Well-Being in the Student Council, reflecting her dedication to the school community. Looking ahead, she hopes to achieve greater success on the international stage, including winning future SEA Games gold and competing at Major Games.
Tan Howe Liang Excellence Award
The Tan Howe Liang Excellence Award recognises two male graduating student-athletes in the Class of 2025 who have achieved sporting excellence while demonstrating strong values, leadership, and perseverance.
This year’s recipients, Artyom Lukasevits and Simon Lee Renjie, have distinguished themselves through their dedication and performances at the highest levels of competition. Though the both of them are enlisted in national service, they continue to train, and have their eyes set on representing Singapore at the 2028 Olympic Games.
Open water swimmer Artyom Lukasevits has carved out a strong presence in a demanding discipline that requires both physical endurance and mental resilience. After discovering his strength in open water swimming, he went on to represent Singapore at major competitions including the World Aquatics Championships, Asian Games, and SEA Games. At the World Aquatics Championships, he emerged as the top Southeast Asian finisher in the 10km event. He later achieved a breakthrough at the 2025 SEA Games, winning silver in the Mixed Relay and bronze in the Men’s 10km Open Water race.
Fencer Simon Lee Renjie has built an impressive career representing Singapore across multiple major competitions. Since joining Sports School, he has competed in four SEA Games editions, medalling at each one. In 2025, he achieved a career highlight with a gold medal in the Men’s Épée Team event, alongside an individual bronze. His experience also spans top-tier competitions such as the World Fencing Championships and FIE World Cup circuit.
Each year, Singapore Sports School recognises outstanding graduating student-athletes through two prestigious awards — the Annabel Pennefather Excellence Award and the Tan Howe Liang Excellence Award. These awards honour recent graduates who have not only excelled in their respective sports, but have also demonstrated strong character, leadership, and a commitment to giving back to the community while continuing to pursue sporting excellence.
Annabel Pennefather Excellence Award
The Annabel Pennefather Excellence Award is presented to two female graduating student-athletes in the Class of 2025 who have demonstrated outstanding sporting achievements alongside strong leadership, integrity, and community spirit.
In 2025, Esther Tan and Nur Irdina Hazly exemplified these qualities through their achievements on and off the field.
Fencer Esther Tan made history early in the year by becoming the first current Sports School student-athlete to win a medal at a Junior World Cup, securing bronze in the U20 Women’s Épée event in Bahrain. She went on to compete at major international competitions, including the Asian Junior & Cadet Championships and the World Fencing Championships, all while managing the demands of her International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) final examinations. Shortly after completing her exams, Esther made her SEA Games debut and contributed to a team gold in the Women’s Épée event — on the same day she received her IBDP results. Beyond competition, she also pursued a coaching certificate, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the sport. She now sets her sights on future major championships and her long-term goal of becoming an Olympian.
Bowler Nur Irdina Hazly also reached significant milestones in 2025. She clinched gold medals in the Women’s Doubles and Women’s Team events at the Asian Youth Bowling Championship, contributing to Singapore’s overall team titles. Later in the year, she made her SEA Games debut, earning a bronze medal in the Women’s Team event. Irdina’s journey began at a young age and has been marked by consistent growth, competitive success, and leadership. She served as Deputy Head of Student Well-Being in the Student Council, reflecting her dedication to the school community. Looking ahead, she hopes to achieve greater success on the international stage, including winning future SEA Games gold and competing at Major Games.
Tan Howe Liang Excellence Award
The Tan Howe Liang Excellence Award recognises two male graduating student-athletes in the Class of 2025 who have achieved sporting excellence while demonstrating strong values, leadership, and perseverance.
This year’s recipients, Artyom Lukasevits and Simon Lee Renjie, have distinguished themselves through their dedication and performances at the highest levels of competition. Though the both of them are enlisted in national service, they continue to train, and have their eyes set on representing Singapore at the 2028 Olympic Games.
Open water swimmer Artyom Lukasevits has carved out a strong presence in a demanding discipline that requires both physical endurance and mental resilience. After discovering his strength in open water swimming, he went on to represent Singapore at major competitions including the World Aquatics Championships, Asian Games, and SEA Games. At the World Aquatics Championships, he emerged as the top Southeast Asian finisher in the 10km event. He later achieved a breakthrough at the 2025 SEA Games, winning silver in the Mixed Relay and bronze in the Men’s 10km Open Water race.
Fencer Simon Lee Renjie has built an impressive career representing Singapore across multiple major competitions. Since joining Sports School, he has competed in four SEA Games editions, medalling at each one. In 2025, he achieved a career highlight with a gold medal in the Men’s Épée Team event, alongside an individual bronze. His experience also spans top-tier competitions such as the World Fencing Championships and FIE World Cup circuit.
- A Parting Honour
