Page 2 - NYAA ED Report 2022 FV + Chairman

NATIONAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2022

The National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) is a proven and effective self-directed program designed to
empower young people with self-reliance, perseverance, resilience, and a sense of responsibility to themselves,
society, and the nation. Through the NYAA program, young individuals identify their needs and interests,
embarking on a journey of self-discovery while taking charge of their personal development and progress.
This transformative process enables them to make unique contributions by exploring their potential, talents,
and ability to impact others in society positively.

The year 2022 presented numerous challenges, but amidst the difficulties, we also witnessed glimpses of hope.
Although we have not entirely overcome the obstacles, we have made significant progress. The COVID-19
pandemic threatened our health and well-being during the year’s first half. The NYAA’s primary objective was
to ensure that the momentum gained in the pre-COVID-19 years was not lost. We implemented innovative
approaches to sustain our activities while adhering to COVID-19 regulations and restrictions. We enabled our
young participants to remain active and engaged in the program by leveraging online platforms.

The pandemic forced us to adopt alternative operating systems, providing young people with firsthand
experience in understanding how a crisis of this magnitude can disrupt lives, particularly for the less fortunate
and vulnerable. We seized this opportunity to deepen our commitment to helping ourselves and those in
need, developing a greater capacity for empathy and understanding the challenges we must not take for
granted. Young participants explored beyond their comfort zones, displaying motivation to find solutions by
working independently or in small groups. They discovered new interests and acquired life-saving skills such
as first aid and CPR.

The NYAA is particularly encouraged by the efforts 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 contribute during times
of crisis.

In 2022, NYAA organized three significant events. The 30th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, held in October
and hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, Mr Heng Swee Keat,
and graced by President Halimah Yacob, marked a significant milestone. During the celebration, President
Halimah Yacob launched the NYAA Junior Programme - The Butterfly Award and presented Distinguished
Partner Awards to five corporate donors and two outstanding volunteers.

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions, NYAA successfully organized two Award Ceremonies.
The NYAA Gold & Silver Award Ceremony, held at the Institution Tanah Merah 1, was graced by the Prime
Minister’s Office Minister and Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs, Dr Maliki Osman, on
November 23, 2022. The NYAA Gold Award Ceremony, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating
Minister for Economic Policies, Mr Heng Swee Keat, and graced by President Halimah Yacob, occurred on
December 2, 2022. Over 160 recipients received the Gold Award from the President.

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