On 10 July 2002, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) awarded the Architectural Heritage Award to Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Co Ltd (SYSNMH) for its high quality restoration works.  Distinguished guest, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of State, Ministry of National Development, presented the award for the occasion.

Mr Kwek Leng Joo, Chairman of SYSNMH, together with the restoration team -comprising architect, engineer and contractor - received the URA Architectural Heritage Award from Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.  Also present at the occasion were Mr Tay Beng Chuan, Deputy Chairman, Mr Lim Sah Soon, Company Secretary, Mr Foong Choon Hon, Director, and Mr Lim Chin Kheng, General Manager.

In line with the effort to encourage quality restoration, the URA launched the annual URA Architectural Heritage Awards in 1995 to give recognition to owners, architects, engineers and contractors who have gone beyond the basic essentials to lovingly restore monuments and conservation buildings to their former glory for contemporary use. All monuments and conservation buildings in Singapore are eligible for these awards.

Situated at 12 Tai Gin Road, Sun Yat Sen Villa was gazetted as a national monument in 1994 by the Preservation of Monuments Board.  It was later renamed Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.  A total of $8 million was spent on the restoration and extension of SYSNMH.