The SYA is the highest national youth accolade conferred upon youths in Singapore who have excelled in their fields of endeavour and have contributed significantly to the community.

Instituted in 1975 by the government, the SYA, formerly known as National Youth Service Award, seeks to acknowledge inspiring young achievers with the drive and commitment to look beyond themselves, to strive for personal excellence and who by doing so, contribute significantly to the community in Singapore. A member of the Public Service Commission heads the Selection Panel of this prestigious national award.

Through the years, the SYA has recognised 126 individuals and 40 teams. Former recipients on the prestigious Roll of Honour include:

(i)            ARTS & CULTURE

Taufik Batisah, Lee Huei Min, Eric Khoo, The Finger Players, T’ang Quartet

(ii)          COMMUNITY & YOUTH SERVICES

Melissa Aratani Kwee, Eunice Elizabeth Olsen, Glenn Lim, Malay Youth Literary Association (4PM), The Boys’ Brigade Sharity Gift Box

(iii)         ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Clinton Ang, Charles Wong, Douglas Foo

(iv)         SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Dr Mansoor Bin Abdul Jalil, Dr Coral Lai, Prof Tan Chorh Chuan

(v)          SPORTS & ADVENTURE

Khoo Swee Chiow, Joscelin Yeo, Sheik Alau’ddin Yacoob Marican, National Women’s Table Tennis Team, Singapore Water Polo Team

Four outstanding young individuals were conferred the SYA 2010 by Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence on 4 July 2010. Dr Loh Yuin Han, the SYA 2010 recipient for Science & Technology, was joined by his former mentor Dr Ng Huck Hui, who was also a SYA recipient. Dr Ng was honoured with the Medal of Commendation (MOC) for Science & Technology in recognition of new achievements and contributions after he received his SYA Award in 2005. .

The National Youth Council would like to invite private organisations, public institutions and members of the public to nominate deserving individuals or teams in the following award categories for SYA 2011:

(a)          Arts & Culture;

(b)          Community and Youth Services;

(c)           Entrepreneurship;

(d)            Science and Technology; and

(e)            Sports and Adventure.

Nominations can now be made online at the SYA website. The SYA website contains further information on the SYA, such as details of the nomination process and the full listing of past recipients. The closing date for nominations is Friday, 14 January 2011 at 6pm.