Page 45 - NYAA Annual Report 2024

YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY BUILDING

ROSE (Rehabilitation, Outreach, Support, and Empowerment)
The Singapore Prison Service remains committed to supporting former inmates in their journey toward a
brighter future. In alignment with this mission, NYAA continues to foster an inclusive society where families of
incarcerated individuals are embraced and empowered to become active contributors to society.

Mr Darren Tan, an NYAA Gold Award holder, exemplifies this mission. As the Deputy Managing Director of
Invictus Law Corporation, Mr Tan has become a powerful advocate for rewriting the narratives of young
offenders, particularly those who are NYAA achievers. His journey from a former inmate to a successful legal
professional is an inspiring story of transformation and redemption.

Elevating 21st Century Competencies Forum
In response to the evolving dynamics and challenges of the 21st century, NYAA Singapore, in collaboration
with 21 Bridges, Eduquip Education, and the APEC Voices Alumni, organised a one-day forum on 24 March
2024 at the ITE College East Auditorium. The event was attended by youth from Indonesia and students from
ITE, Junior Colleges, Polytechnics, and Universities.

The Guest-of-Honour for the event was Mr Patrick Tay, Member of Parliament for Pioneer SMC, Chairman of
the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education, and Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC. He was
joined by Mr Bo Seo, an author of Good Arguments Juris, a Doctoral student at Harvard Law School, and a
winner of the World Schools Debating Championship.

Before the forum, the NYAA Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director met with the Indonesian team
from Jakarta and the Team Singapore National Debate Coach from Anglo-Chinese Junior College to ensure
thorough preparation for the forum.

8th St. Gallen Symposium Singapore Forum
The 8th St. Gallen Symposium Singapore Forum featured a keynote address by Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for
Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, on the critical topic of “Confronting Scarcity.”

The event, held at the NUS Shaw Foundation Alumni House, received an overwhelming response, with the
venue reaching full capacity. The forum’s strong interest underscored the discussion topic’s importance and
relevance.

Grassroots Mentorship
On Saturday, 9 March 2024, the NYAA Executive Director (ED) was appointed a Grassroots Mentor by Mr
Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth, Second Minister for Law, and Deputy Chairman
of the People’s Association. Minister Tong has tasked the ED with mentoring younger grassroots leaders,
particularly in their community engagement efforts, to foster the next generation of community leaders.

PA Community Seminar 2024 – Paving the Way Forward
The Executive Director attended the PA Community Seminar 2024 titled Paving the Way Forward, held at
the Tampines Hub Community Auditorium. The event was hosted by Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture,
Community and Youth, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the People’s Association.

Following Minister Tong’s welcome address, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered the keynote address.
A Fireside Chat ensued, moderated by Mr Jimmy Toh, Chief Executive Director of the People’s Association,
featuring both the Prime Minister and Minister Tong. The seminar was engaging and impactful, with a strong
audience turnout and thought-provoking questions posed to the national leaders.

National Advisory Council COMPASS (Community and Parents in Support of Schools)
The National Advisory Council, COMPASS, was established to advise the Ministry of Education on strengthening
collaboration between schools, homes, and the wider community. Dr Eugene Seah, Chief Executive Officer of
DLS Consultancy and Chairman of the NYAA Council, serves as a member of COMPASS, chaired by Ms Gan
Siow Huang, Minister of State for Education and Manpower.

Dr Eugene Seah played a pivotal role in organising a recent Train-the-Trainer workshop, which both teachers
and parents very much appreciated.

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