National Youth Achievement Award Ceremony 2024

Mr Matthew Wee, Deputy Commissioner of Prisons (Operations & Rehabilitation),
Mr Eugene Seah, National Youth Achievement Award Council Chairman,
NYAA Advisory Board and Council Members,
Partners, Volunteers,
Award Recipients and Family Members,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. A very good afternoon to all.

2. First, it is my pleasure to join you this afternoon at the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Ceremony 2024.

3. This is a special occasion, especially for our award recipients and your family members, as we come together to celebrate your achievements and dedication to making a difference in our community.

Celebrating achievements of the NYAA participants

4. This year marks the 24th edition of NYAA since it was introduced at the Singapore Prison Service. Over 2,000 youths have since completed the programme, engaged in activities that develop their physical fitness, enhanced their mental well-being, and most importantly, provide service to others in the community.

5. It is a programme that reflects the power of second chances – offering the opportunity for youths to learn and grow to become better versions of themselves. Just as importantly, they are also empowered to give back to others in meaningful ways.

6. The longevity of the programme – 24 years – is testament to the power of the community; the unwavering dedication of the NYAA Advisory Board and Council, prison officers, partners, volunteers, and family members, that have guided and supported our youths on their journey.

7. Many of our NYAA alumni have continued on this journey of contribution and giving. We are privileged to have one such NYAA alumni, Mr Darren Tan, with us today. Darren successfully overcame drug addiction and is now the Deputy Managing Director of Invictus Law Corporation. He has continued to give back to the community through pro-bono work for clients in need.

8. He is also an active member of the Rehabilitation Committee of Yellow Ribbon Singapore, and a member of the National Committee on Preventing Offending and Reoffending, under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development. Darren, I believe your story is a source of motivation and encouragement for many who are facing their own challenges in life, and we look forward to hearing more from you about your inspiring journey of change.

Sparking positivity and kindness

9. The NYAA theme for this year – “Spread Positivity and Reignite Kindness”, or SPARK for short, is a reminder that we can spark a positive change with a single act of kindness.

10. And there is no act too small. For example, this year, our award winners took time to plan and organise a half-day event for seniors from Lions Befrienders, with fun activities such as games and a sing-along session.

11. They also worked with Be Kind SG to make Nurses’ Day appreciation cards for nurses working in the Moral Welfare Home and Thye Hua Kwan Home for the Disabled @ Sembawang. They also created a life-sized Monopoly board game at Jenaris Home, that helped improve the physical and mental well- being of residents.

12. Now, these activities are just some examples of the true spirit of SPARK – that of a generous heart and of caring for others.

13. To our 94 award winners – congratulations, and a big thank you! You have worked hard, and we are proud of you and what you have contributed.

14. Remember that as was the case for Darren, being a part of the NYAA programme is just the beginning. Build on what you have learnt and continue to nurture the skills and values you have gained from this experience. And remember your commitment to positive change, and be kind to yourself even when challenges arise.

15. Let this award be a promise to yourself on what you can achieve, and the positive impact that you can make, when you set your mind to it. More importantly, let this achievement be a reminder that there is hope at every turn. Take pride in what you have accomplished and remember, we believe in you.

Recognising the power of community

16. Our award winners would not be here today without the effort of many important supporters who have stood by their side throughout this journey. I would like to extend my appreciation to all of you for guiding and supporting our youths.

17. To volunteers from Singapore Adventurer’s Club, Be Kind SG, SportCares Singapore, the National Library Board, Lions Befrienders, Jenaris Home and New Hope Community Services, a big thank you for your ongoing support and belief in the programme. Your commitment has made a difference not only in the lives of our youths, but also in the lives of individuals and the community through the valuable interactions with them.

18. To the teachers from our Prison School and Captains of Lives: Thank you for your dedication all these years. Your presence and guidance have been critical to supporting our youths in realising and unlocking their full potential. Your work is no walk in the park but it is deeply meaningful and rewarding, I’m sure.

19. To family members and friends: Your unconditional love and care is a driving force for many of our young ones. Your support will be increasingly important as they grow and face other challenges in life, especially as they reintegrate with the community. Thank you for being here to show the way, and to light and walk the road ahead with them.

20. This chorus of appreciation reminds us that no great effort is ever achieved alone. It is the support and collective effort of the community, of individuals from different backgrounds, all walks of life, coming together, that allows us to achieve what we have achieved, what we will achieve and allows us to be where we are today.

21. As we celebrate the achievements of our youths, let us reaffirm our commitment as one community to support them, as they grow and thrive into better versions of themselves. Let us embody the values that we speak of so that we can be a force for good in all aspects of our daily lives.

22. Next year, we will be commemorating Singapore’s 60 th birthday. It will be an exciting opportunity for all of us to reflect and connect with one another about our shared values as one Singapore society.

23. We will be organising engagements with youths about topics that are close to their hearts. We want to hear from our young ones, our future leaders, about their aspirations and how they might contribute to Singapore’s future. And we will work closely with partners and the community to find ways that we can further support our youths on this journey.

Conclusion

24. So in conclusion, to all our award winners, may you continue this journey with hope and to light the way for others behind you. You have proven that your past will not define you. Let me repeat these last few words again. Your past will not define you. For it is the choices you make moving forward that will determine your future.

25. Believe in the power of your words and actions that can ignite positivity and kindness in others. I hope you will continue to embrace opportunities to be kind and to give back to the community.

26. And to our partners, volunteers, and staff, may your dedication and support continue to inspire and transform the lives of our youths in meaningful ways.

27. A spark is all it takes. Together, we can build a society that is kind, compassionate, and united for the greater good.

28. On that note, I thank you and have a great afternoon, everybody.