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The National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) was officially launched on 9th May 1992 by the President of Singapore, H.E. Wee Kim Wee, at the Istana.
The NYAA was adapted from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, which was founded in the United Kingdom in 1956. The original team that designed the programme included HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, Dr Kurt Hahn, a distinguished educator and founder of Outward Bound, and Lord Hunt, leader of the first team to conquer Mount Everest.
Today, the programme has been adapted by more than 130 countries, including Singapore, where it has been embraced by schools, Institutes of Higher Learning, youth and community-based organizations.
The aim of the NYAA Singapore is to encourage and motivate young people between the ages of 14 and 25 to develop personal qualities of self-reliance, perseverance and a sense of responsibility to oneself, society and nation.
Since its inception, the NYAA Council has been recognized for its leadership and significant contributions toward youth development. It has received numerous accolades over the years.
In 1996, the National Youth Achievement Award Council was conferred the “Excellence for Singapore Award” for its leadership, outstanding programmes and its commitment to nurturing and motivating the youth of Singapore towards character building and total development.
In 1997, the NYAA Council was awarded “The Green Leaf Award” by the Singapore Government for its outstanding contribution towards nature conservation and environmental protection in Singapore. The Award was presented by the Minister for the Environment.
In 1998, the NYAA’s Overseas Youth Community Project in Indonesia won “The Commonwealth Asia Award for Excellence in Youth Work.”
In 1999, the NYAA Gold Award Holders’ Alumni (GAHA) was awarded “The Tribute Award, Commendation” in recognition of outstanding voluntary service by the National Council of Social Service. The award was presented by The President of the Republic of Singapore, H.E. Mr S R Nathan.
In the same year, the NYAA Youth Development Programme won recognition from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) as one of the top five youth organizations in the Asia-Pacific Region.
In April 2000, the NYAA’S UNEP Asia-Pacific website was voted “The Year 2000 Best of Asia-Pacific Award” – Sintercom Awards Hall of Fame.
In July 2000, the NYAA Gold Award Holders’ Alumni (GAHA) was conferred the “Singapore Youth Award (Team)” by the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Goh Chok Tong, at the Istana.
In the same year, the NYAA and the combined polytechnics in Singapore broke the Guinness World Records for the world’s longest human dominoes in Singapore 2000 at Sentosa Island. More than 10,000 young people participated in the event. The NYAA–Poly Connects 2000 is the current world record holder.
In 2002, the NYAA Council was conferred the inaugural “Green Leaf Award (Partnership Category)” for its outstanding role in collaborating with the public and corporate sectors in the area of environmental protection and nature conservation.
In 2003, the NYAA Council was honored with the “Friend of the Disabled People’s Association Award” in recognition and appreciation for its concern, empathy and support for people with disabilities. The Award was presented by the Minister for the Environment.
In 2004, the NYAA Council was presented with “The Outstanding Partnership Award” by the Embassy of Switzerland for its outstanding bi-lateral youth exchange programmes with Switzerland.
In 2005, the NYAA Council was bestowed with the “Singapore Green Plan 2012 Award” for its outstanding contributions towards protecting and enhancing the environment in Singapore.
In 2006, the NYAA Council was awarded the “Distinguished Friend of Persatuan Persuratan Pemuda Pemudi Melayu (4PM) Award” for its outstanding contribution to the Malay Muslim community in Singapore.
Also in the same year, the NYAA Gold Award Holders’ Alumni (GAHA) was presented with the “Commonwealth Youth Silver Award” in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the community by implementing the project “Bridging the Generation Gap.”
In 2007, the NYAA Gold Award Holders’ Alumni (GAHA) was awarded the “Medal of Commendation” for its achievement, as well as contributions to the community and youth development at significantly higher levels after being awarded the Singapore Youth Award in the year 2000. The Award was presented by the Deputy Prime Minister.
In 2009, the NYAA Council was conferred the “President’s Award for the Environment,” the highest environmental award in Singapore, for its exceptional contributions towards protecting and enhancing the environment. The award was presented by The President of the Republic of Singapore, H.E. Mr S R Nathan.
In 2010, the NYAA Council was awarded the “Bayer Outstanding Partnership Award” for its contributions in the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy Programme. The award was presented by the Ambassador of Germany to Singapore. |
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