As a two-time Sportswoman of the Year, Shayna Ng is no stranger to accolades. But when the 28-year-old bowler received the Singapore Youth Award (SYA) last year, that was a life-changing affirmation.
She said: "All the trophies I have won are for my sports achievements, but the SYA recognises my other contributions.
"It has reinforced my belief and commitment to continue giving back to society and do my best to be a positive influence to future generations."
For more than a decade, since she started representing her secondary school when she was 13, Ng has dedicated her life to being the best in her sport. In 2012, she achieved just that when she won the Bowling World Cup. But after the initial high, she felt lost.
She said: "I have been training almost all my life to be a world champion. I was so focused on achieving this, I did not plan for what to do next.
"The process on the way to becoming a world champion for the first time was not as stressful as the expectations and public and media attention that came after winning.
"My results were affected and I took quite a while to get used to the expectations."
In the midst of rediscovering her purpose and drive, Ng - one of five nominees for The Straits Times Athlete of the Year award - realised life was more than just mastering oiling patterns with a 15-pound ball.
She said: "I have been training and competing with the support of society. Financial support from Sport Singapore, the Government and taxpayers' money helped me pursue and achieve my dreams and I need to do more than just bowl and win to give back."
In 2013, she shaved her head as part of the Children's Cancer Foundation fundraiser Hair for Hope and helped raise around $20,000 for charity. Two years later, before winning the All Events title at the Women's World Bowling Championships, she and her friends started The Invisible Hands, a project which distributed basic necessities to the underprivileged. Last year, Ng, a cat lover, became an ambassador for the Cat Welfare Society.
Business partner and former national bowler Kristel Oh said: "Shayna may have her game face on the lanes as she delivers sporting glory for Singapore, but many may not know she is very soft-hearted and is always looking for ways to help the community."
With a clearer mind and renewed purpose, Ng pressed on with daily three-hour lane sessions to hone her swing, footwork and accuracy, as well as two-hour gym workouts on alternate days.
It paid off in the form of a bronze from the Masters event and a team silver at last year's Women's World Bowling Championships.
The work never stops though. She hopes to qualify for the Asian Games squad and defend Singapore's team gold at the Asiad in August and has also formed Team Heartwork this year with fellow athletes Theresa Goh, Yip Pin Xiu, Amanda Lim, sisters Stephenie and Sarah Chen to reprise an initiative similar to The Invisible Hands.
Said Ng: "In a good way, bowling and community work are similar in the sense I can do both for a long time to come, and I will continue to give my best in both aspects."
