Page 1 - NYAA 30th Ann Dinner Report 2022

National Youth Achievement Award

30 Years of Bringing out the Best in our Youth

NYAA 30th Anniversary Celebration Special Report 27 October 2022

Background

Receiving the NYAA Gold Award marks the commencement of their
lifetime of service to others and Singapore. This is well reflected in
the NYAA Gold Award Holders’ Alumni’s motto – “Service Beyond
Gold”.
Youth is a time for exploration and self-discovery. It is that time
when one begins the search for meaning and purpose, for causes
that ignite hearts and minds. Youth is the time to experience life
and embrace its breadth and range. Unfortunately, because of
social and economic circumstances, not all young people get
enough opportunities for this. When this happens, it is the society
that is ultimately affected.

Guest-of-Honour Mdm Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic It is, therefore, necessary to create a more level playing field for
of Singapore, was gracing the NYAA’s 30th Anniversary Gala our youths. We must provide our youths with equal opportunities
Dinner with host Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and regardless of socioeconomic circumstances. They will then be
Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Chairman of the more self-aware and confident and use their talents and skills to
NYAA Advisory Board. contribute extensively to society.

“The NYAA has played an important role in grooming The National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) is designed
our leaders of tomorrow, planting in them the seeds to achieve this desired outcome. Through four mandatory
of empathy to serve others, and equipping them with components - service learning, outdoor appreciation, healthy living
the tools and skills to make a difference in society. and community leadership – the NYAA helps our youths become
May you continue to create capable and inspiring more adept at finding solutions and impacting the community. It is
leaders for many more years to come.” designed to effectively complement the formal education system-
as a bridge between the classroom and the real world.
President Halimah Yacob

President Halimah with the NYAA’s Life Benefactors and partners.
Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister
for Economic Policies and Chairman, NYAA Advisory Board,
delivering his welcome speech.

The NYAA emphasises the journey and not just the end outcome
– doing the right thing the right way. Youth participating in the
various NYAA activities are expected to exercise servant leadership,
display a collaborative attitude and be genuinely interested in
making a difference. Determination, consideration, empathy and
resourcefulness are personal qualities the NYAA emphasises.

Since its inception in 1992, the NYAA has had more than 700,000
young people participate in its various activities. It has helped
nurture and develop Gold Award recipients who continue to serve
the local and international communities with distinction and Minister, Members of Parliament with former ministers and
commitment over the years. People’s Association’s Chief Executive Director.