SINGAPORE - She was just 16 when she represented Singapore in netball, the youngest player ever to do so.
For her sporting achievements, Miss Nur Aqilah Afiqah, 18, who joined the netball team two years ago, was awarded this year's Goh Chok Tong Youth Promise Award.
Six other youths who have excelled in various non-academic pursuits were also given the award on Saturday by Minister In-charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim at the Botanic Gardens.
Each of them have carved out their own niche in areas such as footwear design, culinary and sports.
The awards, which are open to Muslim Singaporeans between 18 and 35, comprise scholarships totalling $90,000 that the youths can use for related costs in their field of study.
Dr Yaacob praised the youth for their achievements, urging them to stick to their passions and interests.
"The alternative pathways provide clearer channels in which our youth can shine beyond the traditional academic areas," he said.
"We hope to better match these young exceptional talents' strengths and interests to pathways that will enable them to maximise their potential."
