Dr Eugene Seah, Chairperson, National Youth Achievement Awards,
Mrs Tan Chen Kee, Deputy Director-General of Education (Schools) and Director of Schools, MOE,
Ms Amy Tung, Judicial Head of the Youth Court,
Esteemed Partners, Colleagues,
Parents and Families,
Boys and Girls,
Friends and Guests,
A very good evening and once again, I am very honoured to join all of you this evening at the Singapore Boys’ Home Awards and Appreciation Ceremony 2026.
Tonight is more than just about dishing out accolades. It is about the journeys of our youths: the grit they’ve shown, the growth they’ve forged, and the generosity of spirit they’ve shared with others in their lives. We are here to celebrate not just what they have achieved, but who they are becoming, alongside the family members, staff, volunteers, and community partners who have walked this path with them. Tonight, we will present a total of 119 awards to 56 remarkable young persons.
This year holds a special significance for all of us. We mark a historic step forward as the National Youth Achievement Award programme expands to include the Singapore Girls’ Home and for the very first time, NYAA recipients from both the Boys’ Home and the Girls’ Home come together in a single, unified ceremony. But I dare say that this is more than a ceremony; it is a symbol of our shared commitment to empower every young person in our care to grow through personal development, service learning, as well as adventure.
From SBH and SGH, 53 exceptional youths have embraced this journey, earning 51 bronze awards and 2 silver awards. We are honoured to have Hafizah with us this evening as our silver awardee. Hafizah’s dedication to NYAA Service Learning – stepping up to new tasks, lending a patient and warm presence to those in the care of others –embodied the spirit of service and compassion we strive to nurture in every youth.
Our theme this year, “Rising Stars, Soaring with Purpose,” speaks to the path that many of our young people have taken. Like stars that shine brightest in the darkest skies, these young people show that adversity does not define them. They rise with resilience, courage, and clearly, a sense of purpose.
Celebrating Achievements
The achievements of our youths extend far beyond examinations. In 2025, every student who sat for the GCE ‘N’ and ‘O’ Level examinations qualified for tertiary education, with many of them earning distinctions. The new Education and Career Guidance counselling introduced in the Youth Homes in 2025 is helping more of our young persons map their futures. Importantly, 39% achieved Early Admission to ITE and Polytechnics for 2026 in courses that align with their passions and strengths. On the Vocational Studies track, our youths have continued to excel. Since the introduction of ITE Skills Certifications in Electrical Wiring and Residential Plumbing at Singapore Boys’ Home in 2025, 13 youths have earned certifications, opening doors to future opportunities.
I would like to highlight a few outstanding young persons whose stories illustrate what we celebrate tonight:
- Jackson: Jackson dreams of a legal career, and he has actually achieved eight points at the N-Levels and has already secured a place in the Polytechnic Foundation Programme at Nanyang Polytechnic in the Humanities, Art, Media & Business cluster. In fact, beyond academics, he has already started giving back as a youth mentor, guiding new volunteers to connect with elderly residents. He also took a first concrete step toward his dream by interning at a law firm. Well done, Jackson.
- Calvin: Calvin achieved a Distinction in the ITE Skills Certification course in Electrical Wiring. He has shown diligence, a positive learning attitude, and a readiness to take on new challenges. After discharge, he is pursuing Culinary Arts at ITE College West, continuing to grow and contribute. All the best to Calvin.
- Asyraf: Asyraf will receive the Promising Artist Award this evening. He stepped onto the Theatre for Dreams stage in December last year, dedicating his performance to his loved ones, and his paintings are proudly displayed as a testament to his resilience and creativity.
- Eugene: He’s the recipient of the Exemplary Youth of the Year Award – this is actually the first time we are giving out this award – Eugene’s journey from challenging circumstances to a transforming path of study and service demonstrates the power of second chances. He has embraced rehabilitation programmes, built a steady, exemplary record, and now pursues studies in Accounting.
Accolades
Transformations like this happens because of the devoted people who stand with our youths: our staff – teachers, youth guidance officers, caseworkers, psychologists, and support colleagues and also our community partners, inter-agency collaborators, schools, volunteers, trainers; and most of all, families whose unwavering faith and encouragement who remain the anchor in every storm.
To all of you, thank you very much for your commitment to these young people and for helping them discover their true potential.
Conclusion
To all our youths: tonight is for you. The awards you receive are proof that you have what it takes to dream big and make those dreams happen. Keep that fire burning. Keep believing in yourselves, and keep chasing your dreams, no matter how distant they may seem for now. You have made everyone here incredibly proud – your family members, your mentors, your friends – and this is just the beginning. We know there are many more chapters ahead of you, and we look forward to seeing you shine as the stars that you are and can be.
As we celebrate tonight, let us reaffirm our shared resolve to walk beside our youths – through guidance, opportunities, and support – so that they can continue to rise, and soar with purpose.
On that note, I thank all of you and may you all have a wonderful evening ahead.