Some 400 students receive the National Youth Achievement Award

Mr John Ting, Acting Chairman for National Youth Achievement Award Council

Mr James Soh, Executive Director for National Youth Achievement Award Council

Award recipients

Teachers and Parents

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

A very good afternoon to all!

1. It gives me great pleasure to join you this afternoon for the NYAA Bronze and Silver Awards Presentation Ceremony.

2. This afternoon's ceremony is very important, as we gather here to honour the young men and women who have worked hard in their journey of self-discovery and self-development under the NYAA programme.

3. We need to have in place, some programmes, to prepare our youth and to build their confidence for future challenges, and I think the NYAA programme has exemplify this objective. It has not only provided an opportunity for the youth participants to develop, but also provided them with a platform to give back to the community. It is very important to instil in our youth the intrinsic values of volunteerism as Singapore strives to build a caring and inclusive society. It is also the government's aim to nurture a culture of giving back to the society among our young people. And this is why we have recently announced the setting up of the volunteer youth corps to encourage more young Singaporeans, especially students from the ITEs, polytechnics, and universities, to continue serving the community even after graduation.

4. Under the volunteer youth corps programme, participants can expect to receive training and mentorship in their volunteering endeavours. We will also provide funding to these people to start their own community service projects. We are still working on the details and expect to share more with everyone over the next few months.

5. We have reiterated many times that government's efforts alone is not enough. We need the community's combined effort in fulfilling our vision of a caring and inclusive society. And NYAA's programme is a good example of how civic groups can help to promote community service together.

6. Established in 1992, NYAA has groomed many young men and women.  Its holistic programme ensures that young participants can strike a balance between their studies and co-curricular activities, while preparing them for the future challenges. Unlike other competitive award programmes, the NYAA programme allows flexibility for each individual. Participants can pick their own activities and set their own goals as they work towards completing their assignments. To all NYAA participants who are here today, reflect on your NYAA journey over the last six to 12 months, and you can be proud of your own achievements. You have not only enjoyed the programme, but have also grown and matured from the process. You have also impacted and helped the community through your community service efforts.

7. 17-year-old Lin Yu Xuan is an example of how he has developed from the NYAA programme. Yu Xuan took part in various activities, such as photography and archery, to develop his personal skills. He also visited the All Saints Home, a nursing home for the elderly, to spend quality time with the elderly residing there. His compassion has been a source of comfort and companionship for the elderly. And for his efforts, Yu Xuan will be receiving the NYAA Silver Award this afternoon.

8. As Singapore's landscape continues to change over time, I hope NYAA can continue to meet the changing needs and to assist many more young people, regardless of social status and background, to develop their potential to the fullest.

9. With that, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the awards recipients for your excellent performance. Keep up the good work! Remember, the award you are receiving today is just the first step in your journey towards developing a better life and future. Please do not stop what you have started. Continue to serve the community to the best of your abilities. Let me also thank the school principals, teachers, and families for being the pillar of support to these young people in their NYAA journey.

10. Thank you very much!