The Standards Council Award scheme was first introduced in 1982 to recognize standards partners (individuals) for their contribution of time and expertise to the success of the national standardisation programme. This scheme is based on a system of awarding individuals through accumulating points for their contribution to standardisation work.  There are two types of awards given to individuals, namely the Distinguished and Merit Awards.   The types of awards given to individuals will depend on the points accumulated.

The scheme was subsequently extended to organisations.  Known as the Standards Recognition (‘StaR’) Award, and established in 1996, it recognises organisations (i.e. associations, professional bodies, government bodies, and companies) for their outstanding contributions in committing their staff’s time and expertise to the national standardisation programme