Gold Award Presentation 2008
November 13th, 2008
by Charles Phua and Ong Ying Shya
The 8th NYAA Gold Award Presentation Ceremony was held on Friday, 3 October 2008, at the ITE College East Auditorium at 3.00pm. President S R Nathan graced the event as Guest-of-Honour and presented the NYAA Gold Award to 168 recipients. The ceremony was hosted by Mr Zainudin Nordin, Mayor, Central Singapore District and member of the NYAA Advisory Board. Close to 800 Dignitaries, Members of Parliament, Guests, Parents, Teachers and recipients attended the ceremony.
Welcoming the President was a group of NYAA Gold Awardees from the ITE College East, whose booming overtures gave the event a rousing start. Master of Ceremony William Xavier, volunteered his services once again for the event, seamlessly blended regal recitations with witty retorts. Commending the award recipients for their hard work and accomplishments, Mayor Zainudin Nordin, in the Opening Address, also reminded the recipients that there were opportunities for them to serve beyond Gold. Citing two examples of Gold Award Holders – Mr Ong Chee Siang and Ms Regina Oon – he stressed that the NYAA programme provided a level playing field for all regardless of their backgrounds. The audience was then given a glimpse of the activities and achievements of the Gold Award recipients through a short video. After which, the President handed the Gold Awards to 168 recipients from a swathe of backgrounds, ranging from ITE to the Singapore Police Force.
Two award holders had the honour of sharing their experiences that they have gained through this youth programme. They were Mr Mohamed Ashraf Bin Abu Bakar, 2008 Gold Award recipient, ITE College East and Mr Ramanathan Thurairajoo, NYAA Gold Award Holders’ Alumni Executive Committee Member. Both gave passionate and humbling speeches on how the NYAA had changed their lives and allowed them to serve the community.
The 8th NYAA Gold Award Ceremony in 2008 was a meaningful and memorable event that had not only recognised the achievements of youths from diverse backgrounds, but also shown the continuous effort of youths striving together to build a better community.
Entry Filed under: Announcements from EXCO, Celebrations
Trackback this post