Five young people received the Singapore Youth Award yesterday for their contributions to society in the fields of art, culture, sport and medicine.
The award is the highest accolade for young people here.
The recipients were:
• Dr Isaac Liu, 34, a National University Hospital paediatric nephrologist consultant and clinician-scientist, who cares for children with kidney disease;
•Mr Cai Yinzhou, 26, a social entrepreneur who helps marginalised groups such as migrant workers and the elderly;
•Ms Shayna Ng, 27, a record-breaking bowler and two-time Sportswoman of the Year;
•Mr Muhammad Noramin Mohamed Farid, 30, a choreographer, dance educator and researcher, "whose work aims to challenge normative notions of class, ethnicity, identity and gender";
•Mr Shabir Tabare Alam, 31, an award-winning music producer and singer-songwriter, who hopes to promote Tamil language and culture through music.
They received the award from Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Singapore Youth Award and Youth Corps Commencement Ceremony held at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
The Singapore Youth Award, now in its 41st year, recognises exceptional young people who "embody and exemplify the values and qualities that serve as an inspiration to the youth community in their pursuit of excellence and contribution to society".
Dr Liu told The Sunday Times he hopes that it would inspire others to help society in their own way.
"This award recognises the (societal) need more than just the individual's achievements alone," he said.
"There is a whole spectrum of problems in society, and children with kidney disease is just one of them. But there are also many other under-highlighted areas. I hope that the award would also inspire others to come forward to work in those areas."
Mr Edward D'Silva, who chairs the Singapore Youth Award panel that selects the winners, said the recipients' diverse backgrounds reflect Singapore's inclusivity.
"The winners, all from different backgrounds, were common in their dedication to contributing to community service. They all came across so naturally as winners, and I hope they continue to be role models for the youth."
