sentences:  Shiau is a holder of the civil decoration the Public Service Medal ("Pingat Bakti Masyarakat") which is awarded for commendable public service in Singapore, and for achievements in the field of arts and letters, "et al".Other writers who have been conferred the Public Service Medal include Edwin Thumboo and Simon Tay.Shiau was born in Singapore in 1971, and of Hakka and Peranakan grandparentage.