Page 35 - NYAA Annual Report 2023

Appendix 12

NATIONAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2023

The National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA), launched in 1992, aims to help young people
develop self-reliance, perseverance, resilience, and a sense of responsibility to themselves,
society, and the nation. Participants embark on a journey of self-discovery, identifying their needs
and interests and taking charge of their development and progress. Through this journey, they
make unique contributions by discovering their potential, talents, and ability to benefit others in
society.

The year 2023, marking the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, presented numerous challenges.
We transitioned from virtual to physical activities, making necessary adjustments. Our primary
goal was to ensure the momentum gained in the pre-pandemic years was not lost. We found
innovative ways to keep our activities going, such as implementing an online system for
participation and engagement. This enabled our young people, accustomed to online activities
during the pandemic, to remain active and engaged in the program, both online and in person.
The challenging two and a half years have forced us to adopt alternative operating systems,
allowing young people to gain hands-on experience in understanding how a crisis of this
magnitude can disrupt lives, especially for the less fortunate and vulnerable. We seized this
opportunity to deepen our desire to help ourselves and those in need, developing a greater
capacity for empathy and understanding of challenges we often take for granted. Young people
explored beyond their comfort zones and became motivated to find solutions by strengthening
teamwork.

We are particularly encouraged by the work and contributions of our Operating Partners and the
NYAA Gold Award Holders' Alumni. Alum members took the initiative to spearhead community
projects and leverage new technologies to assist the needy and vulnerable in our society. Their
collective actions inspire young people to understand the true meaning of leadership and how to
adapt and change during a crisis. The NYAA was granted IPC status from 1 February 2023 to 31
January 2025, underscoring our commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible
management of resources.

In 2023, NYAA organised many vital events, including:
• The 7th St. Gallen Symposium Singapore Forum at the National University of Singapore
• The NYAA Leadership Programme for Females in Oman
• The Singapore Young Photographers Convention
• HSBC NYAA ITE SME Phase Two Sustainability Initiative
• Sustainability Partnership and Collaboration with Indonesia
• Forum on Water Innovation
• The Wikimania Volunteer Training Workshop
• World Environment Day 2023 South East Asia's Youth Environment Network
• Wikimania Photography Competition
• Giants-In-Conversation with Jimmy Wales, Founder of Wikipedia
• Wikimania World Conference 2023
• The Bukit Panjang Long Hill Photography Project and the Cherished Memories of Yesteryears
for Primary Schools
• Singapore Young Photographers' Convention (SYPC)

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