Speech by President Halimah Yacob at the President's Award for Inspiring Achievement Ceremony 2022

Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law 

Ms Yip Pin Xiu, Inaugural Award Recipient for the President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement

Distinguished Guests 

Good afternoon. A warm welcome to the inaugural award ceremony for the President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement. 

To Pin Xiu – welcome back again. I had the privilege of meeting Pin Xiu in-person on two separate occasions here in the Istana. The first was in 2018 when I presented the Instrument of Appointment to her as a Nominated Member of Parliament. The second was in 2019 at the Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards. I also met her recently at The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year 2021 Award Ceremony as she was one of the award finalists. These occasions celebrate and recognise Pin Xiu’s outstanding achievements and continuing contributions. Today is no different, but perhaps a little more special.

I am pleased to unveil the new President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement this afternoon. This award honours and celebrates Singaporeans who have demonstrated courage and persistence to overcome personal adversity, excelled in their respective fields on the global stage, and whose contributions have made a significant impact on society. It celebrates individuals whose contributions span domains and extend beyond their respective fields. Recipients of the award embody the best qualities of what it means to be Singaporean – resilience, a pioneering can-do spirit, a strong sense of service – and they are truly role models for current and future generations. 

I am honoured to present the inaugural award to Pin Xiu. At 30 years young, Pin Xiu has made tremendous accomplishments both within and beyond the arena of sport. 

As a five-time Paralympic gold medalist and Singapore’s most decorated athlete, Pin Xiu has demonstrated how one can overcome the odds and reach the pinnacle of our respective fields. Her passion, resilience and determination have shown the world that Singapore can punch above our weight. Her contributions have inspired Singaporeans, bringing us together to cheer her on and celebrate her successes. 

Beyond her sporting achievements, Pin Xiu has used her public prominence and platform to make valuable contributions to society. During her tenure as a Nominated Member of Parliament from 2018 to 2020, Pin Xiu used her voice in Parliament to champion greater inclusivity in sports and raise awareness around the issue of sexual violence and harassment. Her passionate calls for action have not only sparked much needed conversation about these matters, but also challenged society to play their part towards a common good.

Pin Xiu has and continues to lead in various capacities. She served as Chairperson of the Singapore National Paralympic Council Athletes’ Commission from 2015 to 2018, the Chef de Mission for Team Singapore at the Asian Youth Para Games in 2017, and is the present Vice-Chairperson of the Purple Parade Working Committee. She is also an active contributor and member of the National Youth Council and Sport Singapore’s Safe Sport Task Force, and was recently appointed to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Athlete Committee alongside international athletes to serve as an ambassador for anti-doping and clean sports. Pin Xiu’s involvement in these causes is a testament to her heart for service and her conviction to use her influence as a force for good. She reminds us of our collective contributions as we build our nation and a better future for all.

With Pin Xiu’s stellar achievements, extensive contributions to society and tenacity to overcome all odds, it is only fitting that she is the first recipient of the President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement. It is my hope that Pin Xiu’s story and successes will serve as an inspiration to Singaporeans from all walks of life, and pave the way for many to come after her. 

In the same spirit of the award, the trophy to be presented to Pin Xiu today was specially designed and hand-crafted by local sculptor, Victor Tan. Although visually challenged, Victor demonstrated personal resilience and has also excelled in his field, having worked on prestigious commissions locally and abroad. The trophy depicts a human figure crossing the finishing line in a burst of energy. It aptly and powerfully conveys a sense of fortitude and dynamism embodied by both Pin Xiu and Victor, and represents the qualities that we hope to recognise through this award.

I would like to conclude by congratulating Pin Xiu for being our inaugural recipient of the President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement. You occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of Singaporeans, and I thank you for being a shining example and a source of inspiration to all of us. 

Pin Xiu will pave the way for future recipients of this award. I invite fellow Singaporeans to nominate outstanding individuals who have inspired them and have made significant impact through their work.

May we all be inspired by Pin Xiu to strive for excellence and to play our part – whoever and wherever we are – to make a difference in the lives of our friends, family, and fellow Singaporeans. 

Thank you.