NYC Press Release

The National Youth Council (NYC) is inviting nominations for the Singapore Youth Award (SYA) 2012 until Monday, January 16th, 2012.

Into its 37th year, the annual SYA is the highest national youth accolade that recognises Singaporeans who have excelled in their fields of endeavour and contributed significantly to the community.

Unlike previous years, SYA 2012 will be category-free, so as to recognise youth who have demonstrated excellence in any professional discipline and displayed exemplary passion and commitment to their varied community causes and pursuits.

“We want to honour youths who have demonstrated excellence with a heart. With the removal of categories, we look forward to extending the recognition to a wider mix of youth with diverse backgrounds and fields of pursuit,” said Mr Edward Alec D’Silva, Chairman of the SYA Panel.

“We strongly encourage private organisations, public institutions and members of the public to nominate deserving individuals or teams who excel in their professional lives, and yet go out of their way to enhance the community,” added Mr D’Silva.

As of 2011, 40 teams and 141 individuals have been recognised for being inspiring young achievers with the drive and commitment to look beyond themselves, strive for personal excellence and contribute significantly to the community in Singapore.

Recipients of the SYA 2011 include filmmaker Boo Junfeng, tenCube co-founder Darius Cheung and statistical geneticist Associate Professor Teo Yik Ying.

Nominations can be made online at the SYA website at www.sya.sg.
Further information on the SYA is also available at the website.

SINGAPORE YOUTH AWARD 2012

BACKGROUND
The Singapore Youth Award (SYA) is the highest national honour conferred on youths in Singapore who have excelled in their fields of pursuit and significantly contributed to the society. It is conferred on the first Sunday of July every year.

Instituted in 1975, the SYA was formerly known as the National Youth Service Award (NYSA) until it was renamed in 1993.

AIMS OF THE SYA

The SYA aims to recognise, commend and encourage contributions made by youths in Singapore to the progress of our society.

The SYA also aims to honour young people whose achievements will serve as an inspiration to others.

ELIGIBILITY

Nominees must be Singapore citizens. Permanent residents of five years and longer are also eligible.
Nominees should be 35 years old and below at the time of nomination.
Nominees must be of good character.
The achievements and community involvement of nominees must total at least three years with which includes at least two years of personal achievements and two years of community involvement.
For teams, the majority of the members (60% of team or more) should meet all the above criteria.
Teams should be in existence for at least five consecutive years.
Nominees’ achievements may be in the course of their work, an extension of their work or an extra-curricular activity.

Medal of Commendation (MOC)
SYA awardees who have continued to attain higher levels of achievement and contribution to society for at least five years after their Award may be considered for the MOC.
Only achievements and contributions made after the Award will be considered.
Nominees for the MOC should be 45 years old and below at the time of nomination.

SELECTION
The final selection is made by the SYA Panel, chaired by Mr Edward Alec D’Silva, Member of the Public Service Commission.