Page 31 - NYAA Annual Report 2020

Appendix 12

NATIONAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2020

Since its inception in 1992, the NYAA has enjoyed the continuous support of our operating
partners. Our partners believed and committed to walking the journey with the NYAA programme.

2020 was a turbulent year for the world, and the COVID-19 virus did not spare Singapore. The
NYAA felt the impact of the pandemic. Our operating partners, especially the schools and institutes
of higher learning, had to abide by the national safety management measures not to conduct
physical activities. Many NYAA participants were concerned and disappointed that they could not
fulfil their NYAA award criteria. However, we needed to keep the momentum going. It, therefore,
became the NYAA Council's top priority to find alternative and innovative ways for our youths to
participate in the programme without contravening the government rules and guidelines. Our
partners conducted the NYAA Award Ceremonies online except for one exceptional NYAA Gold
Award Ceremony in prison, graced by President Halimah Yacob, which was held physically with
Safety Management Measures in place.

The idea was to leverage technology –which the students and participants are savvy - provided
them with a good sense of fruition and fulfilment similar to completing the activities physically. So
the NYAA developed an online mobile app to replace the traditional recording system.

Given the success of this exercise and recognising the importance of mentoring and nurturing our
future community leaders, the NYAA is committed to investing in technology. It will become a
more intrinsic part of future NYAA programmes supplementing the physical dimension.

Despite the challenging situations, many of our institutes of higher learning and schools remained
motivated. Likewise, many youths also pushed themselves to excel against the odds even though
there was a drop in the participation numbers at a national level because of circuit breaker rulings
and other COVID-19 related restrictions.

We were particularly encouraged by the NYAA Gold Award Holders' Alumni or GAHA. On their own
accord, members took the lead in spearheading several community projects to help the vulnerable
in our society. Some of our GAHA members even ventured into the international arena through
technology to bring young leaders from all over the world to do good collectively. Their action was
inspirational to the NYAA Council, the leaders and communities of the benefiting countries.

These are some of the meaningful community projects that the NYAA GAHA members initiated
and executed in Singapore:
• Collection of medical items for donation to hospitals in Harbin City, People's Republic of
China
• Encouraging and supporting our healthcare and front line workers
• GoodHood. SG, an app helpline for the community during the COVID-19 pandemic

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