Search begins for The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year 2025
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Mr Koh Seng Choon, founder of Dignity Kitchen, was winner of the award in 2024.
PHOTO: ST FILE
Follow topic:
SINGAPORE - Who are the heroes among us who have gone beyond the call of duty to serve the community, or whose achievements have put Singapore on the world map?
The Straits Times is seeking nominations for its annual Singaporean of the Year awards, which honour an individual or group who has made significant contributions to society.
Besides the Singaporean of the Year award, the 2025 awards have two new categories: The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year (International Impact) award and The Straits Times Young Singaporean of the Year award.
The International Impact award aims to recognise a Singaporean or a Singapore organisation that has made a positive impact beyond Singapore, boosting the country’s global reputation.
They must have delivered a project, initiative or body of work that benefited a community or country outside of Singapore.
The Young Singaporean of the Year award will honour a Singaporean under the age of 18 who has shown courage, compassion, empathy, kindness or a spirit of service, and has made a positive impact among peers.
ST editor Jaime Ho said these new award categories will be able to uncover and recognise more of the best of Singaporeans and the Singapore spirit.
“I am particularly thrilled at what we may uncover among younger Singaporeans, who are in their own ways making a positive impact on the community around them,” he said.
In past years, the Singaporean of the Year award has been given to Singaporeans whose achievements have placed the Republic on the world map – such as the first Singaporean Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling – and who have shown resilience in overcoming adversity.
It has also been given to others who have gone above and beyond to support their community, like 2024’s winner Mr Koh Seng Choon, who founded Dignity Kitchen
The 2023 award went to former nurse Ronita Paul and volunteer coordinator Geraldine Lee
Mr Anson Ng, founder of Hao Ren Hao Shi organ donor Sakthibalan Balathandautham
Nominees for The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year 2025 award must be those who made the news in 2025.
The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year awards, which is now in its 11th year, is presented by UBS Singapore.
Mr Edmund Koh, chairman of UBS Asia-Pacific, said the awards has become a “powerful symbol” of the Singapore spirit, in its recognition of those who exemplify resilience, compassion and courage.
He said: “With new categories introduced, we are excited to continue honouring Singaporeans making an extraordinary impact at home and abroad.”
Singapore Airlines is the official airline partner for the awards, while Millennium Hotels and Resorts Group is the global hotel partner.
Ms Lee Wen Fen, SIA’s chief sustainability officer and senior vice-president of corporate planning, said: “We hope this year’s nominees will inspire all Singaporeans to contribute meaningfully and help build a more caring society.”
Mr Kwek Eik Sheng, executive director of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, said: “Our continued support of the Singaporean of the Year awards reflects our belief in recognising those who inspire us through their resilience and acts of selfless service.
“With the expanded category of the new award for Young Singaporean of the Year, we are especially pleased to honour the passion and contributions of our youth, affirming that one is never too young to step forward, contribute and make a lasting difference in our society.”
ST will publish stories of the finalists of the Singaporean of the Year award before the winners are announced.
Meanwhile, the winners of the Young Singaporean of the Year and the International Impact awards will be unveiled, together with the Singaporean of the Year, during the awards ceremony in March 2026.
Nominations are open till Dec 15 at
Singaporean of the Year award recipient will get:
$20,000 cash
A pair of Singapore Airlines business-class tickets, up to three pairs of tickets for the winning group
A five-night stay in any of Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ properties globally, for up to three sets of accommodation
Singaporean of the Year finalists will get:
$5,000 cash for each individual/group
One pair of Singapore Airlines economy-class tickets, up to three pairs for each group of finalists
A three-night stay at one of Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ properties globally, for up to three sets of accommodation
Singaporean of the Year (International Impact) award recipient will get:
$20,000 cash
Young Singaporean of the Year award recipient will get:
$5,000 cash
A pair of Singapore Airlines economy-class tickets
A three-night stay at one of Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ properties globally
How to nominate:
Find out more about The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year at
www.straitstimes.com/soty25
Scan the QR code below or go to
str.sg/soty25nominate
to submit your nomination by Dec 15, 2025
