Page 52 - NYAA Annual Report 2024

Cambodia International Humanitarian Agency
The ED attended a presentation by Dr Hannes Schmid, Chairman of the Swiss International Humanitarian
Agency, held at the Swiss Pavilion, Swiss Club. Dr Schmid’s presentation on Human Capital Development
highlighted initiatives to uplift marginalised children across Asia, aligning closely with NYAA’s mission.

The event, graced by Deputy Head of Mission Ms Regula Kurzbein and attended by members of the Swiss and
Singaporean communities, was deeply inspiring. Dr Schmid’s work resonated with attendees, emphasising the
importance of collective action in developing human capital.

The ED and Deputy ED were also pleased to reconnect with a long-time friend, Krisztina, the Swiss Ambassador’s
wife, who represented H.E. Frank Grütter, Ambassador of Switzerland to Singapore, who was recovering from
COVID-19. The evening concluded with a renewed commitment to supporting underprivileged communities.

Visit to Lima, Peru
The ED delivered a keynote address on 21st-century leadership at a prestigious university in Lima, Peru.
The impactful speech garnered significant attention, with numerous reporters requesting interviews. The
interviews were subsequently aired on Peru’s national TV main news channel during the 8:00 pm slot, further
amplifying the reach of the address.

Visit by the School Delegation from Shandong and Heilongjiang Provinces
NYAA hosted a Fireside Chat Forum on What is Sustainability and Why is it Important, welcoming 120 students
and teachers from Shandong and Heilongjiang Provinces alongside students from ITE College Central. The
event, held yesterday, was attended by the NYAA ED, Deputy ED, and representatives from the Embassy of the
People’s Republic of China.

The Guest-of-Honour, Ms Poh Li San, Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC and Senior Vice-President
of Changi Airport Group, shared insights and engaged students through a dynamic dialogue moderated by
Mr Calvin Tan, an NYAA Gold Award holder and HSBC NYAA Youth Environmental Award recipient. The forum
sparked lively discussions, with students asking thoughtful and impactful questions.

Organised and sponsored by Mr Roddy Mu, NYAA Council Member and Managing Director of Wanhe
International, the event concluded on a high note, motivating students to take concrete actions to mitigate
climate change.

Ms Zhang Hong, a Member of the International Olympic Committee and Two-time world
Champion in Ice Skating
Ms Zhang Hong, a two-time world champion in ice skating and a Member of the International Olympic
Committee, continues to inspire young athletes globally. Her commitment to excellence and sportsmanship
embodies the spirit of youth leadership and perseverance.

During her visit to Singapore for the Olympic E-Sports Competition, she met the Executive Director and Deputy
Executive Director to explore future collaboration with the NYAA.

Visit of the Delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China
The Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director were honoured to attend a luncheon with the Minister
Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, who introduced a delegation from the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Government of Harbin.

The head of the delegation extended an invitation to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Winter
Games in Harbin in February 2025 and presented the NYAA team with an Asian Winter Games Phrygia.

Harbin’s government expressed continued appreciation to NYAA for its humanitarian efforts during the
COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. NYAA helped clear aid shipments at Changi Airport for delivery to Harbin National
Hospital, Heilongjiang Province. NYAA also arranged special participation for Harbin University students at the
annual APEC Summit alongside peers from Beijing.

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