National Youth Achievement Award Council

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

01/10/2026

02/09/2026

Looking for a way to give your time? 🤝

There are many ways to volunteer with BCS, and it can start with something as simple as sharing your time, skills or interests.

Whether you enjoy spending time with seniors, supporting children and youth, connecting with families or helping out behind the scenes, there could be a place for you.

Tell us what you’re interested in, and let’s find a way for you to get involved.

🔴Volunteer Interest Form:
https://bit.ly/volunteerwithBCS

21/08/2026

Making a difference often begins with seeing what others might miss.

For Vishnukeshn S/O Sivapragasam, formerly a student of ITE College East and President of the Bridge Leaders Club, giving back to the community has always come naturally. Growing up, Vishnu often accompanied his grandmother as she volunteered in the community. Those early experiences shaped his belief that giving back was never an obligation, but a simple way of showing care for others.

His commitment to service was recognised when he was conferred the NYAA Gold Award at the 23rd NYAA Gold Ceremony. During his NYAA Gold journey, he partnered with Bethesda Care Services to lead 25 Bridge Leaders in delivering meals to homebound seniors. This experience became a catalyst for a meaningful partnership with Bethesda, paving the way for his Community Leadership Initiative.

While engaging with the community, Vishnu learnt about the challenges faced by a nearby mamashop owner, Uncle Lim, who was caring for his wife during her battle with cancer while trying to keep his business running. Wanting to make a difference, Vishnu worked with Bethesda Care Services to launch a Chinese New Year initiative that distributed $5 vouchers, sponsored by Bethesda, to Blue CHAS cardholders. The initiative supported Uncle Lim’s business while encouraging eligible residents to sign up for the Blue CHAS card, raising awareness of the scheme and allowing low-income residents to buy groceries with the vouchers.

What began as a simple idea grew into an impactful initiative that ran for three runs. Although the project concluded following Uncle Lim’s retirement, it demonstrated how thoughtful youth-led initiatives can strengthen communities and create meaningful impact.

Inspired to make a difference?
NYAA and Bethesda Care Services are partnering to support youths on their volunteerism journey. Whether you're an individual participant or representing a school, we welcome you to join us in creating positive change in the community.

To find out more about volunteer opportunities and support, contact Agnes Ng at [email protected].

14/08/2026

What sets Solana apart is her genuine drive. Her volunteering and contributions have never been about accolades or obligation, but about finding joy and purpose in giving back.

Encouraged by her teacher at Institute of Technical Education, Singapore - ITE College Central, she pursued the NYAA Gold Award to give structure to her passion. Today, she continues her journey as she completes her Diploma in Community Development at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Read her story:

She struggled academically and never felt like she belonged. But she kept showing up for others. Meet Solana Maria Mendoza, a passionate volunteer and one of the 2025 National Youth Achievement Award Gold recipients. This is the second instalment of CNA Women’s Gen Z series.

28/07/2026

🇸🇬🤝🇨🇳 Building Trust. Inspiring Leaders. Strengthening Friendship.

More than 400 young leaders, educators, government representatives and industry leaders from Singapore and China gathered at the Singapore–China Young Leaders Forum 2026 to deepen friendship, exchange ideas and explore how the next generation can lead in an AI-powered world.

Organised by the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Council, Wanhe International, the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and the Singapore-China Friendship Association, the Forum was held under the theme:

"Bridging Cultures, Empowering Leaders of Tomorrow Through Trust, Innovation and Collaboration in an AI-Powered World."

We were honoured to welcome Mr Goh Pei Ming 吴培铭, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development, as the Guest-of-Honour and Keynote Speaker.

The Forum featured inspiring conversations on leadership, ethics, innovation and cross-cultural understanding, reinforcing the importance of preparing young leaders who can navigate an increasingly interconnected world with integrity, empathy and purpose.

As NYAA Executive Director James Soh shared:
"Friendship between nations begins with friendship between people."

Together, we are empowering young leaders to build bridges across cultures, strengthen Singapore–China friendship and create a more connected, innovative and sustainable future.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Singapore Polytechnic for providing the venue for the Forum, and to all the participants and partners whose support made this event possible.

27/07/2026

29/05/2026

How do we navigate truth in a world where misinformation spreads faster than facts?

With AI and social media reshaping how information is created and consumed, conversations around trust, credibility, and misinformation have become more important than ever. In fact, the World Economic Forum identified misinformation and disinformation as among the most severe global risks facing societies today.

We were honoured to host Professor Gianni Riotta, Visiting Professor, Princeton University and Director, Data Lab LUISS University, Italy, for a thought-provoking keynote and fireside chat on the growing challenges of misinformation — from the limits of fact-checking to a deeper issue at the core of it all: the erosion of public trust.

One line that stayed with many of us:
“Trust is the coin of the realm. Without trust, nothing works.”

The discussion underscored the importance of strengthening digital literacy, rebuilding trust within communities to enhance societal resilience, and using research and data more effectively to understand how misinformation spreads. Only then can we hope to win the fight against misinformation and allow truth to prevail.

Thank you to our Guest-of-Honour, H.E. Dante Brandi; our partners, the Embassy of Italy in Singapore and LUISS School of Journalism; Professor Gianni; and moderator Ms Joon-Nie Lau, Director of the Singapore Press Club Ltd and Member of the NYAA Council, for making this event a success and for contributing to such a rich exchange of Eastern and Western perspectives on one of the most important issues shaping our digital future.

We also thank all our guests for taking the time to join us for this meaningful discussion.

Featured on Lianhe Zaobao - bit.ly/4o1m8da
Ambasciata d’Italia a Singapore
Scuola di Giornalismo Luiss