The Silent Heroes Awards, which aim to honour people who try to make the world a better place, are asking for nominations for this year's ceremony.

The awards, now in their fourth year, recognise everyday Singaporeans and permanent residents who have shown extraordinary humanity and compassion towards people, causes and missions.

Members of the public can nominate someone who has worked for good causes without recognition or compensation.

There are five categories: Hearts of Humanity, for individuals who helped those with disabilities; Exponent of Environment, for ecological issues; Pioneer of Promise, for those in social causes; Outstanding Adult and Inspiring Youth.

A key criterion for each award is that all nominees must be everyday individuals who do not have celebrity status or significant prior recognition for similar achievements.

Nominations close on July 15 and can be submitted online at www.sgsilentheroes.com

Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister in the Prime Minister's office and NTUC secretary-general, will be the guest of honour at the dinner to be held on Sept 17 at Shangri-La Hotel.

Last year, Mr Josiah Ng, 29, won the Inspiring Youth category, partly for his project called While You Were Sleeping.

He still delivers food or other items to people such as construction workers without alerting them, while they are resting or sleeping. He leaves a note to explain so they will not be alarmed.

Madam Jeyamany Overithi, 69, was picked in the Pioneer of Promise category last year. She is a volunteer with many associations and places of worship, and has helped many people seek financial assistance from the relevant authorities.

Nominees this year will be judged by a panel that includes Mr David Gerald, president and chief executive of the Securities Investors Association (Singapore), Ms Tina Hung, deputy chief executive of the National Council of Social Service, and Ms Karen Chang, senior vice-dean and group director of corporate services at Duke-NUS Medical School.

The awards were started by Hillview Civilians Sports Club, a football club founded in 1964 to get troubled youth off the streets. It has since evolved into a society that focuses on community building through sports, outreach and education.