Student Excellence Awards

The Compassionate Innovator

An innovator with heart, En Yang fuses his tech brilliance with a passion to serve.

The Information Technology graduate has worked on groundbreaking projects, such as inventing a now Singapore-patented platform for our healthcare system that combines AI and cybersecurity testing. His ingenious inventions landed him the National Youth Entrepreneurship Award, as well as induction into the Philip Yeo Innovation Fellows Programme. An advocate for youth social leadership, En Yang fosters innovation and entrepreneurship amongst students from lower-income backgrounds, through his role as SG Country Director for the Young Founders Summit. The curious self-starter has also served as the Japan Outreach Director in the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition, where he led a delegation to four Japanese cities to invite start-ups and investors to bring foreign investments into Singapore. En Yang has also been offered multiple scholarships and has been accepted into the Masayoshi Son Foundation, which supports youth with high aspirations and exceptional talents.

The Chairman’s Award recognises a student who stands as a shining example of NP’s Values: integrity, responsibility, respect, resilience, compassion, and gratitude. The awardee has displayed outstanding leadership in their role as a leader of any organized student group in NP.

INSPIRING IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

When faced with difficulty, Ashley not only perseveres, but excels.

As an in-patient at NUH with multiple chronic illnesses, Ashley faces great physical, emotional, and mental challenges. Nonetheless, she demonstrates an unwavering resistance and passion to learn. While her peers take things like dining in canteens and going to class for granted, Ashley cherishes the little moments of poly life that she gets to experience, doing her best to juggle hospital treatments with school commitments. Her sheer tenacity is a beacon of inspiration not only to other students, but also to others living with chronic illnesses. Ashley’s TikTok videos have reached thousands of users – she aims to bring awareness to the discrimination she faces as someone living with ‘invisible illnesses’ (conditions that have no outwardly visible signs). Through social media, she cultivated a community that spreads encouragement, awareness, and support. Ashley’s passion to inspire hope extends further, reaching youth from displaced communities in war-torn countries. She provides remote tuition to youths in refugee camps, guiding them in phonics and reading. Ashley hopes to be an educator in the Special Educational Needs realm to impact young lives positively.

The NP Character Award celebrates students who demonstrate care for others and their community through acts of courage, selflessness, public spiritedness, or philanthropy. They are also applauded for showing remarkable resilience and strength in overcoming personal adversities and challenges.

TRANSFORMING LIVES

Wanting to give back to the community that raised him, Imran founded Imran Mean Volunteers Network (IMVN) at the end of 2020.

Imran’s vision for IMVN is simple yet powerful: a youth-led network that facilitates social outreach events such as distributing food, decluttering homes, and community cleanups. His ethos of servant leadership shines as leads the organization with a six-member team with 350 youth volunteers. Since its inception, IMVN has expanded its reach, distributing rations across Singapore in areas like Woodlands, Marsiling, Jurong, and beyond. Imran collaborates closely with community centres to seek out flat residents in need, providing long-term aid to 15 beneficiaries who live in more isolated areas. So far, the network has touched the lives of almost 1,000 families and counting. Imran works diligently to not only provide for the recipients of his charity, but also for those who volunteer alongside him. IMVN goes on frequent recruitment drives at tertiary education institutions, inspiring more youth like himself to join in and give back to society in a meaningful way. Passionate, caring, and confident, Imran’s heart and hard work continues to inspire and create lasting change.

The Outstanding Community Service Award celebrates students or teams who have made a real impact through serving the community, be it local or global. They are applauded for their dedication to giving back, which shines through their actions, events, and programmes.

REACHING OUT, FORGING CONNECTIONS

Touching lives and building bridges, BA Cares stands as a beacon of inspiration for students wanting to make a difference.

They have forged a vast network across various communities, collaborating with esteemed organizations such as St Luke’s Hospital and New Life Childcare. Through these partnerships, BA Cares has been able to touch the lives of around 30 children and seniors through heartwarming events that tend to their emotional and psychosocial needs. Always working for the greater good, BA Cares has received glowing testimonials from its partners. They are praised for their unwavering dedication and energy in leading events, advocacy initiatives, and workshops in personal development and career guidance. Recently, BA Cares has expanded its reach by partnering with Northwest Community Development Council, opening up new opportunities to serve the community. Their event in November 2023 was a hit, marking another milestone in their mission to give back.
As the community service arm of the School of Business and Accountancy, BA Cares leverages its expertise in marketing, finance, and engagement to tackle various social and economic issues. In addition to providing practical service-learning experiences for students, the group also makes a tangible difference in the lives of community members. BA Cares strives to not just give back, but also to inspire others to jump in and create positive change.

The Outstanding Community Service Award celebrates students or teams who have made a real impact through serving the community, be it local or global. They are applauded for their dedication to giving back, which shines through their actions, events, and programmes.

AN $80 DREAM

With just $80 and an ambition, a fourteen-year-old Enif started his own curative vintage business.

Cappo’s Garage, which started online in 2018, specialised in secondhand clothing and unique memorabilia, riding the wave of trendy, sustainable fashion popular amongst youths. What started as a digital shop expanded into a physical store at Far East Plaza, which served happy thrifters for nearly two years. Enif wanted Cappo’s Garage to bridge the rift between affordable and luxury in the secondhand clothing industry. Innovative and forward-thinking, Enif crafted a unique thrifting experience at Cappo where customers could find the best of both worlds in a singular store. Thanks to the success of his business, Enif gained the financial independence to support himself through his studies, where he put in the same passion and hard work. Although Cappo’s Garage is no longer open due to his enlistment, Enif has kept his online platforms active. He now uses them to continue spreading awareness about clothing sustainability and recommending thrifting spots and tips. Looking forward, Enif hopes to empower fellow young entrepreneurs. With funding support from NP, Enif plans on helping students get easier access to grants and funds available throughout Singapore through building a service website. Consistently creative and strategic, Enif proves that success is always in fashion.

The Outstanding Enterprise Award recognises students or teams who demonstrate leadership in creating ventures with strong business models, and who bring clear economic value to society or the community through tenacity, resourcefulness, and passion.

SERVING COMMUNITY, SUCCESS, AND ACAI

Started by students from the School of Business & Accountancy, Acai Den is a great example of putting classroom knowledge into real-world action.

Their entrepreneurial prowess strategically led them to win The Sandbox’ Be Your Own Boss competition, which provided them with the funding and space to set up their F&B joint on campus last year. Since then, Acai Den has become increasingly popular, serving up to 100 customers daily. The team wanted to satisfy the campus community’s cravings for dessert but in a way that was affordable and accessible to the student population. Tapping into a gap in the existing campus food, Acai Den quickly became a favourite not just at NP, but also among acai lovers from other polytechnics. Acai Den has made an indelible mark in the NP community. Beyond offering a beloved product, Acai Den provides a supportive work environment where fellow students work part-time, gaining valuable skills. They also leverage their success for charitable causes, such as the Domestic Violence Awareness Event 2024. Acai Den shines as a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit on campus, proving bowl by bowl that small ventures can make a big impact.

The Outstanding Enterprise Award recognises students or teams who demonstrate leadership in creating ventures with strong business models, and who bring clear economic value to society or the community through tenacity, resourcefulness, and passion.

CLIMB TO THE TOP

Dedication, discipline, and diligence – that’s what makes a top athlete, and Luke is a shining example.

Luke has represented Singapore at various national and international climbing competitions. Most recently, he made it into the semi-finals at the 19th Asian Hangzhou Games, where he earned the title of the highest-ranking Singaporean athlete within the category. For Luke, climbing isn’t just about showing off strength and skill – as a special educational needs (SEN) student, the sport helps him to focus on schoolwork and bond with his peers. In the spirit of true sportsmanship, Luke perseveres through the challenges he faces, such as a two-year deferment. His resilience and resolve shine through in both his intense sports trainings and rigorous final year projects for his course. A true team player, Luke always scores high in peer assessment scores for group projects. He shows great interdisciplinary thinking in constantly applying his sports knowledge to enhance his architectural design proposals, always willing to share his ideas with his classmates. Luke proves his sportsmanship in the capacity of both an athlete and a student, scaling the highest peaks both in sports and in life.

The Outstanding Sports Award celebrates students or teams who excel in sports at the national or international level whilst maintaining high ethical conduct and sportsmanship.

MAKING HISTORY

In a game marked by fierce competition, the Floorball Women’s Team proved they are a force to be reckoned with.

They clinched second place in the Inter-Varsity Polytechnic (IVP) tournament, narrowly behind Temasek Poly – a team of renown and exceptional players. Facing numerous challenges, including a shortage of attacking players and highly accomplished opponents, the team did not back down. They played with passion and grit, showing off tactical brilliance and stellar defense strategies. They held Temasek Poly to a draw in regular time, only conceding in extra time. The team received words of praise from renown international officials who officiated the match; notably, they marveled at the team’s flawless execution of only three setup plays, and the team’s ability to maintain a tight match against the opponents. International officials, who officiated the match, praised the team’s flawless execution of their setup plays and their ability to keep the game tight. Daring to face the challenges head-on, the Floorball Women’s Team made recent NP sports history by making the team’s first advancement into the IVP semi-finals in nearly two decades. Their journey to the semi-finals not only made history, but also showcased true grit, devotion, and a new standard of excellence for the team.

The Outstanding Sports Award celebrates students or teams who excel in sports at the national or international level whilst maintaining high ethical conduct and sportsmanship.

BLAZING TRAILS IN THE ARTS

In the true spirit of creativity, Matthew blazes a trail of innovation across art forms.

Most notably, he took the initiative to curate and combine two arts CCAs into a single performance. Blending the powerful beats of NP Taiko (Japanese drums) with the graceful moves of NP Dancesport (Competitive Ballroom Dancing), he created a unique and creative performance titled ‘Wanderlust’. Matthew’s imaginative and avant-garde idea not only achieved resounding success, but also opened the doors for future collaborations and shone a spotlight on these niche art forms in Singapore. A lover of the arts, Matthew flexes his creative muscles in various disciplines, both within NP and beyond. He has represented Singapore at a national level in Dancesport, showcasing his talent and dedication on prestigious platforms. Driven by a passion for excellence, the Film, Sound & Video student has taken NP Taiko to new heights. Matthew also owns a start-up retail store at Macpherson Mall, Tefuda, that specialises in the sale of trading card games to Japanese figurines and collectibles. From leading arts groups in NP to running his own business, Matthew’s multifaceted contributions underscore his unwavering commitment to the arts, innovation, and community.

The Outstanding Arts Award applauds students’ creative brilliance and recognizes their achievements in the arts on a national or international stage, demonstrating originality, creativity, and showmanship. It also recognises contributions to education or community projects in promoting their art form.

MAKING MOVES

NP’s Hip Hop Club has been a cornerstone of artistic excellence, and in 2023, they leaped to international acclaim with their standout performance at the World Supremacy Battleground.

The competition was cutthroat, with talents from all over the world battling for a chance to compete at the finals in Sydney, Australia. But The Hip Hop Club stole the show with a novel and creative Barbie-themed number, inspired by the film they watched together as a team. Their bond and resolve were put to the test when they faced a major setback at Super 24, a local dance competition. Undeterred, they trained even harder and returned to the stage stronger than ever. Finishing first in the tertiary category showcased the team’s hard work and dedication. They not only received top marks for their comeback performance, but also caught the eye of a Japanese judge, who expressed a keen interest in seeing them perform in Japan. The team’s ability to enthrall audiences extends beyond the dance community. NP Hip Hop set the stage on fire at the 2023 FIBA Intercontinental Cup’s half-time performance. The team has also been a pillar of the NP community, supporting the Open House, RED Camp, Inter-School Games and more. With an unwavering spirit, the Hip Hop Club has become a symbol of pride and a vibrant ambassador for NP, showcasing their talent and dedication to diverse audiences both locally and internationally.

The Outstanding Arts Award applauds students’ creative brilliance and recognizes their achievements in the arts on a national or international stage, demonstrating originality, creativity, and showmanship. It also recognizes contributions to education or community projects in promoting their art form.

IGNITING STUDENT INNOVATION

Curiosity and creativity come alive on campus through the initiatives of The Sandbox Advocates (TSBA).

They have built a web of connections with industry professionals, giving students inspiration and the platforms to innovate. TSBA works diligently to open as many doors of opportunity as possible, leading initiatives like Innopoly, an event where students get hands-on experience applying their entrepreneurial skills in a fun and immersive way. TSBA also spearheaded the Trailblazer Summit, a flagship entrepreneurship and leadership event that brings together students from NP to share ideas and inspire each other. They have even reached beyond NP, collaborating with groups from other polytechnics such as Temasek Polytechnic to make waves in the entrepreneurship scene. From TEDx panels with esteemed speakers and visits to start-ups and prestigious companies like Google and Mothership, TSBA cultivates a vibrant ecosystem where students can learn and grow outside the classroom. TSBA’s significant contributions to the student entrepreneurship ecosystem has transformed NP into a hotbed of innovation and empowers NP students to create a future defined by limitless possibilities.

The Outstanding Club or Society Award celebrates groups that stand out with exceptional achievements in their field and significant projects and activities that contribute to NP and beyond. Awardees are also lauded for their effective and responsible management and any other value-adding initiatives that set them apart.

Camelia is the Chairman of the Youth Executive Committee of IM Volunteer Network SG. She started from a volunteer to becoming a leader responsible for over 300 volunteers and planning events to cater to the wider community. During her two-year tenure, she spearheaded the planning of large-scale events in collaboration with prominent stakeholders such as Ministry of Manpower and Singapore Police Force, benefitting marginalized groups such as migrant workers and low-income individuals. She was awarded the GIC Sparks & Smiles Award (Sparks) where she engaged children in rental flats in Redhill in her service to Beyond Social Services.

Jerome's journey in community service commenced in June 2018 as a student volunteer at the Yangming Home for the Disabled in Taipei, Taiwan. He has been part of the 'The Helpful Alchemist,' a project he co-founded with a mission to empower students in excelling in chemistry. Plus, in his role as a Meet-the-People Session Case Writer for the People's Action Party, Jerome has been helping residents to articulate their concerns to various Ministries and Statutory Boards. As a Core Committee member of Boon Lay FoodCare, Jerome has assisted residents who faced financial difficulties through the provision of daily food necessities. His role involves overseeing planning and execution, ensuring a seamless process from enrollment to distribution.

Nigel has made significant contributions both within the campus and through external volunteering organisations, such as Youth Corps Singapore, where he serves as an Aspirant under the Youth Corps Leadership Programme. Nigel has also organised several community service events such as a Free Health Screening event collaborating with Nee Soon East CC in his capacity as Community Events Director in the LSCT Community Service Interest Group. On a YEP trip to Chiang Rai, he taught English to secondary school students and contributed to the construction of a flight of stairs for the village.

Coffee Connects has been successfully giving coffee enthusiasts in NP and beyond, a platform for exploring coffee culture and hosts various social activities, promoting community interaction. Additionally, it provides student employees with financial benefits and skills in customer service and coffee preparation. The business caters to an average of 60 customers daily, while its quarterly B2B agreements extend to hundreds of end users. The venue's versatility allows for a variety of activities, fostering social interaction and community engagement among patrons.

Oishii Daily prioritizes social responsibility and community engagement, inspiring students to consider broader impacts. Through innovative R&D, they offer unique menu items, generating 4 figure sales monthly, including sales from bazaars and catering. Serving around 70 customers daily, they aim to impact other student-led organizations by sharing resources and experiences.

BA Green, aligning with its vision of igniting sustainable action, organized impactful events within NP and externally. They’ve hosted sustainability talks, vintage thrift booths to promote circular fashion and donated profits to the NP student aid fund. They also raised awareness of circular fashion and mobilized NP students for Keep Clean SG to foster community and environmental responsibility.

Coach Liang Bin instils discipline, commitment, and professionalism in NP's Chinese Dance team, fostering unity and excellence. Their involvement in NP and external events, like World Skills Asean, showcases dedication and talent, setting a commendable example for other CCA clubs.

Daryl has been a coach of Ngee Ann Lifesaving for over 20 years, fostering innovation and creativity within the club through active coaching and fresh training sessions. He addresses technical and personal challenges, instilling discipline and club values. Under his guidance, our students have developed resilience and unity, bonding during training.

Jianxiong prides himself in skill enhancement and development through tailored drills and training plans, aligning with NP's goal of well-rounded student development. His approach to coaching has contributed to individual and team success, enhancing NP's reputation and fostering holistic student development.

Alfee's unwavering principles have propelled the women's floorball team to consistent progress, evident in their achievements at championships. Through self-reflection and empowerment, he cultivates a growth mindset amongst his players, inspiring prospective students and extending his influence beyond NP's CCA clubs. Under his guidance the women’s floorball team achieved 2nd position in both POLITE (0ct 2023) and IVP (Jan 2024) championships.

The NP Hip Hop Club sets high standards, continuously pushing boundaries to deliver top-notch performances that inspire and entertain. As the coaches, Jia Jin and Kelvin’s foresight and dedication to conceptualizing unique themes have demonstrate their visionary approach to choreography.

The NP Hip Hop Club sets high standards, continuously pushing boundaries to deliver top-notch performances that inspire and entertain. As the coaches, Jia Jin and Kelvin’s foresight and dedication to conceptualizing unique themes have demonstrate their visionary approach to choreography.