2      Through the ages, young people have often dominated the search for new creative initiatives. Indeed, we are struck by the relatively tender years of famous achievers. Albert Einstein was a mere 26 when he propounded his theory of relativity. Just a year later he devised his now famous formula E=mc2, asserting that mass was in fact frozen energy and that converting a small amount of mass would release an enormous amount of energy.

3     Charles Darwin, too was 26 when he made his visit to the Galapagos Islands off South America. It was there that he first observed and recorded the biological evidence behind the differentiation of species that led to his ground-breaking theory of natural selection and evolution.

4     These individuals are widely admired pioneers of original creative enterprise. Both were young men who helped steer the world through unchartered waters of discovery. It would be a mistake to think that such creativity existed only in the past, and that nothing original is left for young people to discover.

5     Neither would it be right to say that Singapore does not have its own share of original creative thinkers. To be an active participant in the new millennium, Singapore must continue to provide its young people with opportunities and platforms for development. This is the key to our survival.

6     The NYAA Programme is one such avenue for our young men and women to develop their potential to the fullest. The programme stimulates young people in different ways and according to their interests, motivating them to achieve their individual potential. Everyone is blessed with a gift; it is how you use it, overcome your weaknesses and tap your strengths that counts. As Seneca (sen'-k), a Roman philosopher and statesman from the first century AD, put it, "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult."

7     By helping foster the right values and attributes from a young age, youth programmes like the NYAA play an important role in providing an environment that create opportunities for our youths to be groomed as leaders for the future. I am therefore pleased to see that the NYAA Council plays a very active role in working closely with various quarters to nurture and develop our youth.

8     The youth of today are our precious assets. They are the builders of tomorrow. In Singapore, we are fortunate that our young are well educated and have access to many opportunities and facilities that provide room for growth and development of their innate talents. At the same time, we also want to encourage them to utilise their skills, talents and knowledge in contributing to the community and nation.

9     I am happy that many schools and institutes of higher learning are working in partnership with the NYAA to offer more young people a variety of experiences that will allow them to develop physically, mentally and emotionally, thereby providing for their balanced and holistic development.

10  I am sure the programme you have gone through has had an impact on your lives - how you perceive others and situations, as well as how you see your own weaknesses and strengths. This increased awareness of yourselves and your abilities will empower you to set new challenges and strive for new heights.

11  To the Bronze Award recipients, I would like to say congratulations for having successfully completed the first stage of the Award Scheme. Your challenge now is to aim for the next level, the Silver Award.

12  My hearty congratulations also to the recipients of the Silver Award. You have done well and are now a step closer to the Gold Award. May I wish you the very best as you set yourself even more demanding tasks in order to attain this very prestigious category.

13  In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the NYAA Council for its active role in nurturing and developing our young people and to all principals and teachers for providing your students with the opportunity to participate in the NYAA Programme.

14  Thank you.