When Mr Andass Teu's father suffered a stroke in 2005, the then-university student decided to freelance as a photographer in his free time to make ends meet.

Since then, he has also chaired the National Youth Achievement Award Young Photographers Network (NYAA YPN) and spearheaded many community-related photography projects, such as organising nationwide photography competitions for youths.

For his efforts in leading through photography, Mr Teu, who is now 34 and works as a real estate consultant, was one of five individuals who received the inaugural NYAA YPN Outstanding Leadership Award on Thursday.

The other award recipients were prison officer Mr Bruce Tong, 37, Temasek Polytechnic photography lecturer Mr Chow Chee Yong, 44, photographer Mr Darren Soh, 37, and photographer Mr Willy Foo, 38.

They received their awards from Minister for Education and chairman of the NYAA advisory board Mr Heng Swee Keat. The Award was introduced in conjunction with the NYAA YPN's 10th anniversary.

Of the awards, which was introduced in conjunction with the NYAA YPN's 10th anniversary, chairman of the NYAA Council Professor Leo Tan said: "Although it's been said over and over again that a picture is worth a thousand words, it does not become any less true.

"A photograph can deliver a strong message and serve as a powerful means of communication. It is important to nurture youth to make use of such a prevalent and powerful means of communication."