Esteemed Partners and Colleagues,
Parents and Families,
Boys, Ladies and Gentlemen,
- Good evening, everyone. First of all, It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to the Singapore Boys’ Home Awards and Appreciation Ceremony 2025.
- Tonight, we celebrate the remarkable growth, achievements, and aspirations of our boys. We also honour everyone who has walked this journey together with them – family members, staff, volunteers, community partners. Your belief in them, your presence in their lives, and your unwavering support have made tonight possible. So, a big thank you to all of you. How about a big round of applause.
- This evening is especially meaningful because for the first time, our Home participated in the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) programme – a prestigious national initiative that empowers young people to take charge of their growth through personal development, service learning, and adventure.
- Tonight, we are proud to present 14 NYAA Bronze Awards our inaugural batch of recipients. Together with two other boys who have since been discharged, and six boys who achieved their awards in July last year, that brings the total to 22 NYAA Bronze recipients – a remarkable milestone for our Home. Give them all a big round of applause as well. This is not just a number. In fact, it is a reflection of our boys’ determination to stretch themselves – to step outside their comfort zones, set meaningful goals, and give back to society for the boys. The NYAA journey is not an easy one It takes time, effort, teamwork, and also a lot of personal reflection.
- One inspiring example is Ralph. After long periods of school absenteeism, Ralph returned with a newfound sense of commitment. During his NYAA Service Learning project, he noticed that the seniors he was supporting often struggled to engage with the board games available. So, Ralph and his team created a new game – simpler, friendlier, and more interactive. That small little act of creativity brought a lot of joy to the seniors and gave Ralph a huge sense of purpose and connection. Happy to share Ralph will be receiving not one, but two awards tonight, and I hope that his story reminds us what young people can achieve when given the right platform.
- The NYAA marks a turning point in how we support our boys – not only as students or residents, but as young citizens, capable of shaping their own futures and at the same time, giving back to society. This programme is now a core part of how we see rehabilitation: to restore hope, dignity, and purpose.
- Our theme for this year, “Dreaming Big, Celebrating Achievements,” speaks directly to what the NYAA represents for all of us – the courage to imagine a better future, and the discipline to pursue it at the same time. I was reminded of this during a “Theatre for Dreams” performance that I attended at the Esplanade last year. Several of our boys shared their hopes on stage with all of us who were present:
One dreamed of becoming a chef.
Another a singer. A few of them aspired to be professional sepak takraw and soccer players.
Some of them simply wanted to make their loved ones proud of them. One thing we can be sure of, that evening, their dreams filled the hall with something that was really precious --- hope.
And, tonight, we see the results of that hope being put out into action.
Celebrating Achievements
8. All our boys who sat for the 'N' Level exams in 2024 qualified for ITE Nitec and Higher Nitec programmes. Many, in fact, exceeded their own expectations.
9. Take for instance Din. He faced tremendous personal difficulties --- instability in his early years, and the loss of someone close. Yet, he didn’t let this define him. He stayed focused, worked hard, and earned two distinctions. Today, he is pursuing a Higher Nitec in Sports Management at ITE College West. We are proud of you, Din.
10. We also have Malcolm. He stands out. With little adult guidance after his mother’s hospitalisation, he has remained responsible and positive. He has shown admirable character, and tonight, we celebrate his achievements in both academic and conduct.
11. Our Home also places strong emphasis on vocational training. Razif, a dedicated learner, attained Level 7 in the Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Assessment, and enrolled successfully in ITE. He will be receiving the Rising Star Award tonight to recognise his remarkable improvement in academic performance.
12. I must say that learning at the Home goes beyond the classroom. Our boys are exposed to enrichment opportunities in arts, sports, and leadership. Rafi, for example, is a talented and respectful youth who will be receiving both the Promising Artist Award and the Promising Footballer Award this evening.
13. And also, character development remains at the heart of our work. Through Values-in-Action (VIA) programmes, our boys learnt to give back --- whether by assisting our seniors at St Joseph’s Home and St Luke’s Eldercare, or working with NParks to care for community gardens. These experiences build empathy, responsibility, and pride.
14. And our awardees for Amiable Youth, Responsible Youth, and Resilient Youth of the Year are shining examples of what it means to develop not just knowledge and skills, but also values and integrity.
Accolades
15. The transformation that we witnessed in our boys is made possible because of the people surrounding them, supporting them,
16. So, to our dedicated staff, Teachers, Youth Guidance Officers, Caseworkers, Psychologists, support colleagues, and Auxiliary Police Officers --- your belief in these young men has helped them to also believe in themselves all over again.
17. And also, our community partners, inter-agency collaborators, schools, volunteers, and trainers, your presence and support have opened doors that at some point in the past, seemed closed to our boys.
18. And also very importantly, to the family members, --- your love and encouragement have grounded your sons, even in their most difficult chapters in their lives. Please continue to walk and work with them in the journey ahead.
Conclusion
19. And finally, to all our boys — tonight is for all of you.
20. Every award you receive tonight is more than just recognition. It is actually a powerful testimony of your strength, your commitment, and your ability to dream big and follow through. The road ahead may have challenges, but you have shown that you have what it takes to bring yourself forward.
21. So, keep going, keep learning, and keep shining. Keep showing up – for yourself, your families, and your own future.
22. Know that you have made us all proud of you. And we cannot wait to see what comes next for all of you Congratulations to all of you, and enjoy the rest of the evening and make this wonderful celebration the mark of an important milestone in your lives.