Page 35 - NYAA Annual Report 2024

Appendix 11

NATIONAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2024

As we reflect on 2024, I am proud of the strides the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA)
Council has taken in advancing our mission to develop, inspire, and empower the next generation
of leaders. This year has been marked by purposeful growth, strategic impact, and a renewed
commitment to nurturing youth potential across all levels of society.

Advancing Our Mission with Purpose
Throughout the year, the NYAA Secretariat has exemplified agility, innovation, and dedication in
the design and execution of impactful programmes. Despite our lean structure, the team has once
again delivered exceptional outcomes that reaffirm NYAA's position as a leading force in youth
development, not just in Singapore but on the international stage.

Our Gold Award holders continue to embody the spirit of service and leadership. Their
contributions in diverse sectors—ranging from environmental sustainability to education, public
service, and enterprise—are living proof of the long-lasting impact of the NYAA programme. They
are role models for what is possible when young people are empowered with purpose and guided
by strong values.

Growing Impact: The NYAA Junior Programme – The Butterfly Award
A defining highlight of the year has been the exponential growth of the NYAA Junior Programme,
The Butterfly Award. Launched with the support of 10 primary schools and uniformed groups, the
participation has grown to over 33 schools by August 2024, with further expansion anticipated in
the year ahead.

This growth is a testament to the programme's resonance with educators, parents, and young
learners. The Butterfly Award introduces values-based development at a formative stage,
fostering essential life skills such as resilience, empathy, and civic responsibility from a young age.
I commend the Secretariat for their unwavering efforts to support schools in integrating this
initiative within the rigours of the national curriculum while maintaining its integrity and impact.

Strengthening Global Presence and Diplomacy
NYAA continues to serve as a powerful platform for advancing Singapore's youth diplomacy and
environmental leadership on the global stage. In 2024, we proudly:
- Participated in the Sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi, deepening our
engagement with global environmental governance;
- Played an active role in the St. Gallen Symposium, with preparations underway to commemorate
25 years of Singapore's participation in 2025;
- Organised the APEC Voices of the Future Program in Lima, Peru, alongside APEC Leaders' Week.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, for the first time as Head of the Singapore Economy, engaged
with Singapore youth delegates.

These platforms elevate Singapore's youth voice and demonstrate NYAA's relevance in shaping
global engagements around sustainability, leadership, and future readiness.

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