Page 82 - NYAA GAHA 30th Anniversary "Service Beyond Gold"

Ong Ying Shya

Deputy Executive Secretary

NTUC Administration & Research Unit
NYAA Gold Award Holder (2002 Cohort)

Ong Ying Shya is a seasoned union leader and Certificate of Excellence, 2015), and a Professional
industrial relations practitioner who has dedicated Diploma in Employment Relations (NUS–Ong Teng
her career to advancing workers’ welfare, nurturing Cheong Labour Leadership Institute, 2013). She also
youth leaders, and representing Singapore holds a BSc (Hons) in Economics & Management
internationally. Her journey embodies the GAHA from the London School of Economics (2009–2012).
ethos of ‘Service Beyond Gold.’
Beyond Singapore, Ying Shya has proudly represented
Since 2012, Ying Shya has served in the NTUC the nation at multiple international youth forums
Administration & Research Unit, where she is now and exchanges, including the International Gold
Deputy Executive Secretary of one of Singapore’s Event (Mauritius, 2008), ASEAN Youth Community
largest unions. She leads a team of younger officers Project (Cambodia, 2006), and the ASEAN–Korea
and represents unions and associations in collective Future-Oriented Cooperation Project (2006). She
bargaining, dispute resolution, employee benefits, has also represented Singapore at the World Youth
and restructuring exercises. A trained mediator, she Peace Summit (Bangkok, 2004), the Commonwealth
has shaped strategies that sustain a harmonious Award Friendship Exchange (Manchester, 2002),
industrial relations climate across industries, and bilateral youth exchanges in Hong Kong and
including manufacturing, retail, services, agriculture, Switzerland (2001).
facilities management, and the public sector.
Through her leadership, youth mentorship, and
Earlier, she served as a Boarding Executive and international representation, Ong Ying Shya
Student Development Officer at Singapore Sports continues to empower workers and inspire youth
School (2006–2009), where she oversaw hostel leaders to create meaningful impact in their
operations, supervised service providers, and communities and beyond.
provided pastoral care and mentorship to student-
athletes. Prior to that, at Nanyang Polytechnic
(2003–2006), she was responsible for the National
Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Programme,
boosting participation significantly and helping over
50 students achieve the Gold Award within three
years—an unprecedented increase from just two
students previously.

Her academic achievements include a Master of
Business Administration (University of Manchester,
Distinction, 2022), a Master of Science in Human
Resource Management (Temple University, Dean’s

80 30 Years of Service and Leadership