Speech by Minister for Education and Minister-In-Charge of Social Services Integration Mr Desmond Lee at the Appreciation and Handover Ceremony of the NYAA Advisory Board Chairmanship

Mr Heng Swee Keat, former Chairman of the NYAA Advisory Board,

Members of the NYAA Advisory Board and Council,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

1. I am delighted to join you today as we honour Mr Heng Swee Keat for his outstanding leadership and dedication as Chairman of the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Advisory Board over the past 14 years.

2. The work we do at the Ministry of Education builds on the foundation that Mr Heng, as well as many predecessors, Ministers, present and past colleagues in the education fraternity, has built steadfastly with passion. This enables us to focus on what's really important in our lives and important for Singapore and for the next generation, which is a solid foundation in values and social emotional skillsets that enable us to navigate uncertainties, deal with adversities, address difficult situation, and be innovative and creative in complex times. Our educators also firmly believe and want to work with everybody, including the NYAA, to push for values-based education, values-in-action, in order to build 21st Century Competencies that are needed in the world today.

3. Indeed since it was founded in 1992, the NYAA has touched the lives of many young Singaporeans. Through our collaborative model of working together with government agencies, civil society, educational institutions, community partners, businesses, and philanthropic foundations, the NYAA has created rich, diverse learning experiences that help young Singaporeans to discover their potential, develop their character, and contribute meaningfully to society.

4. My first encounter with NYAA was when I was with the Ministry of Home Affairs. I was invited to present the NYAA Silver Awards to young people who had been given a second chance in life. Some of them were still in prison, and some have been discharged. They said NYAA had given them hope, respect and a chance to take leadership, regardless of their background. That really touched me, because it aligns with our emphasis on giving people a second opportunity.

5. A young person's journey of growth is like a tapestry woven from threads of experiences, challenges, successes and failures that shape character and build resilience. This is why we must nurture in every student a suite of core values and competencies, such as critical, adaptive and inventive thinking, communication and collaboration skills, and resilience, that will enable them to thrive in this complicated future.

6. Let me share two inspiring examples of NYAA Gold Award holders who exemplify the spirit of service and leadership that the NYAA seeks to cultivate.

1. Associate Professor Dr Eugene Seah was from the very first cohort of NYAA Gold Award recipients in 1995. Despite not qualifying for direct university admission during his time at Singapore Polytechnic, Dr Seah found a critical turning point in life through his active involvement in NYAA projects, where he grew in confidence and honed his leadership abilities. From these early beginnings, Dr Seah's leadership now extends far beyond NYAA in his role as Chairman of the NYAA Council, not to mention his achievements in the build environment sector. His journey illustrates NYAA's core message that given the right opportunities, every young person — regardless of their background — has the potential to grow and excel.
2. Ms Natalie Morris Sharma was a Public Service Commission Scholar who received the NYAA Gold Award in 2002. She currently serves as Senior State Counsel at the Attorney-General's Chambers. As Legal Counsellor, she led the Singapore delegation with the Singapore Mission to the United Nations in New York, where she played a key role in the United Nations' 17th Meeting of the Open-ended informal consultative process on the Ocean and the Law of the Sea in 2016, and strengthened Singapore's reputation as a leading hub for alternative dispute resolution.

7. These accolades are just a reflection of how far our NYAA members have grown. Dr Seah and Ms Sharma are two examples of the many NYAA Gold Award holders who have gone on to serve in key leadership roles across the public service and corporate sectors. Their journeys, though distinct, share a common thread of resilience, responsibility and an unwavering commitment to serve and contribute to society.

8. It is in this context that we gather today to show our appreciation to Mr Heng Swee Keat. Under Mr Heng's leadership, the NYAA has grown, and it has significantly strengthened its programmes and offerings.

1. In 2022, under Mr Heng's guidance, NYAA, in partnership with MOE, introduced the NYAA Junior Programme Butterfly Award, to provide a platform for primary school students to participate in service learning, outdoor activities, healthy living and family bonding.
2. Mr Heng also challenged the NYAA to focus on inculcating in our youths a sense of responsibility for our environment. Under his guidance, NYAA, with support of HSBC, launched the Climate Change Mitigation Project in 2020, bringing together ITE students and SMEs to create innovative green solutions and help these businesses operate more sustainably.
3. During the COVID-19 pandemic, under Mr Heng's steady leadership, the NYAA not only weathered this crisis but emerged stronger, with a renewed sense of mission and deeper bonds among its members. The NYAA community had also stepped up, to serve vulnerable groups.
4. Mr Heng once said to the NYAA, "To go much further in our journey, we must build on each other's strengths, perspectives, and skillsets." These words capture the essence of what NYAA believes in, as we continue to build on Mr Heng's legacy, to embrace diversity, forge meaningful partnerships, and create positive change both within Singapore and beyond our borders.

9. This also would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of many behind the scenes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the NYAA Advisory Board, Council Members, partners, advisors, coordinators, supporters and the NYAA Secretariat for their hard work. Your unwavering support and tireless contributions have shaped the NYAA into the impactful platform it is today.

10. As I step into the role of Chairman of the NYAA Advisory Board, with extremely big shoes left by Mr Heng for me to fill, I look forward to building on this strong foundation laid by him and working closely with all of you to continue empowering our youth to grow, lead, and serve. I look forward to the opportunity to learn from you, seek your advice, and to partner you so NYAA can continue to grow from strength to strength.

11. Thank you.