National Youth Achievement Award Council

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.

28/07/2026

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

22/05/2026

✨ A splendid success for the NYAA x PAYM Sharing Session last weekend! Thank you, PA Youth & Sports Division, for having us!

Grateful to all Youth Network (YN) members for the strong turnout and keen interest in the NYAA programme. It was a pleasure meeting enthusiastic youths who are actively serving their communities on the ground

Delighted to also meet NYAA GAHA (Gold Award Holders' Alumni) members currently serving in various YNs — Khalid Rashid (Telok Blangah YN), Sherry Lee (Boon Lay YN), and Leong Mun Kit (Nee Soon Central YN).

Special thanks to Mun Kit for sharing his experience coordinating the NYAA programme at Nee Soon East Youth Network previously 🙌 We are also proud to see both Mun Kit and Sherry continue leading and encouraging youth volunteerism as NYAA coordinators in their respective YNs after attaining their NYAA Gold awards.

It is heartening to see our NYAA youths continue making meaningful contributions to the community while inspiring greater participation through small yet impactful actions. We look forward to continuing our partnership with PAYM to foster a holistic and caring youth-led community.

Nee Soon Central Youth Network
Boon Lay Youth Network
People's Association Youth Movement (PAYM)

30/04/2026

Meet Hana Suffia Binte Mohamad Halim Shah – Butterfly Award recipient from West Spring Primary School. 🦋

Through her BA journey, Hana discovered meaningful ways to give back to her community. One of her most memorable experiences was performing with her dance team for residents at Ren Ci Nursing Home. Though she was initially shy, Hana grew more confident as she saw the residents light up with smiles during the performance.

She also supported young patients at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital by designing fun activity sheets to keep them engaged. Reflecting on the experience, Hana shared, “I felt proud because I could make the children happier and help them forget about their sickness for a while. Even one small act can bring joy.”

Back in school, Hana took on the role of Peer Support Champion, organising recess activities to help her classmates spend their time meaningfully. She also participated in the Science Buskers programme, creating interactive experiments to share the joy of learning.

From performing for seniors to inspiring her peers, Hana’s journey showed how small, sincere efforts can make a meaningful impact and how one may use their talents, such as art and dance, to uplift others.

Featured on ST Little Red Dot (Print) – 28 April 2026
West Spring Primary

29/04/2026

Two brothers, one meaningful journey 🦋

Jayden Kyle Jeremy and Jovan Kyle Jeremy shared a meaningful journey of growth by stepping out of their comfort zones to serve others and connecting with people from different communities through the Butterfly Award programme.

From meeting migrant workers and discovering how simple moments can bring people together, to helping beneficiaries at National Kidney Foundation (NKF) events, both boys learned the importance of empathy, kindness, and giving back. They realised that their presence at such events made a meaningful difference to the beneficiaries, and it inspired them to continue contributing to the less fortunate in the future.

Through a family initiative that involved donating necessities to Orang Asli families and volunteering at an animal shelter, they also gained a deeper understanding of compassion and saw perspectives they had never experienced before. From witnessing the challenges faced by children without basic necessities to seeing abandoned animals craving attention and care, they developed a stronger sense of empathy and awareness of the wider community.

Beyond service, they challenged themselves through outdoor adventures, sports, and family bonding activities. Whether it was hiking tough trails, exploring nature, playing rugby and soccer, or creating art together, each experience helped build resilience, confidence, and curiosity.

Featured on ST Little Red Dot (Print) – 28 April 2026

28/04/2026

Lee Jia Ying (Primary 6, Ai Tong School) began her NYAA Butterfly Award journey in 2025, but her heart for service started much earlier. 🦋 Together with her siblings, she co-founded Little But Loud in 2021 during the pandemic to uplift spirits that have since grown into a meaningful platform for children-led community service.

Through Little But Loud, Jia Ying launched the Kids Reading to Kids Programme, starting with virtual storytelling sessions and later continuing face-to-face. Over 400 children from vulnerable families have benefited, enjoying interactive storytelling with art, quizzes, and sing-alongs.

She also brought generations together through an intergenerational drumming programme with seniors at Care Corner Toa Payoh and children at CDAC, designing the sessions and teaching simple rhythms, culminating in performances that celebrated community and shared values.

Jia Ying’s commitment extends to environmental initiatives too. She helped lead a FibreRevive Circularity and Sustainability Workshop, engaging adults in upcycling and sustainable textile practices — showing how young volunteers can inspire meaningful learning experiences.

Reading and family remain at the heart of her journey. She treasures bedtime stories with her parents and siblings and often volunteers alongside them, believing that “doing good can strengthen family bonds and inspire others to join in.”

Through Little But Loud and her NYAA journey, Jia Ying has shown that children can make a real difference, proving that small acts of service can grow into impactful community initiatives.

Featured on ST Little Red Dot (Print) – 28 April 2026
Little But Loud