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On 6 October, 308 youths received the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Gold Award at a ceremony held at the SP Convention Centre, presented by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. The NYAA, launched in 1992, is a self-development programme for youths aged 13–30, with the gold award requiring at least 144 hours of service, outdoor appreciation, healthy living, and completion of a community leadership initiative over 18 months. Luke Quek, 20, who lives with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, completed an 18-month programme helping young people with special needs. He emphasised that volunteering is about intentionally giving time and energy, hoping to inspire others to find meaning in service. Another gold awardee is Ayuni Nur Izyanti Md Zuraimi, 19, a TP student, who participated in Project Chaey in Cambodia, developing science teaching materials for over 70 primary school pupils, adapting content for students with limited English proficiency. Education Minister Mr Desmond Lee encouraged awardees to lead by example and positively shape society, highlighting the impact of youth service and polytechnic-led initiatives. 

[The Straits Times]