Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders: NTUC Starter Awards Empowers Youth

From an early age, Prithikka Divyashini, 17, understood the value of leadership.

Currently a year-one student studying Chemical Process Technology at ITE College West, she shared that her leadership journey started since her primary school days when she was selected as the class monitor.

In secondary school, she was made president of the English Drama Club, where she helped lead rehearsals and organised performances.

Her teachers also recognised her potential and elected her as a student councillor where she contributed to school-wide initiatives.

“I think since young, seeing my parents and siblings put themselves forward to take on more responsibilities, that really brought out the leadership responsibility in me,” she said.

She also felt that having leadership skills will benefit her when she joins the workforce, helping her make independent and proactive decisions.

“I believe leadership is not just about managing others but also about personal growth,” she added

The mindset to further grow and hone her leadership skills was what inspired Prithikka to apply for the NTUC Starter Awards programme.

The inaugural NTUC Starter Awards ceremony

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng congratulating Prithikka for successfully attaining the NTUC Starter Award.

A total of 40 students, from various Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), including Prithikka, came together on 3 December 2024 to receive the inaugural NTUC Starter Awards at NTUC Centre.

This bond-free scholarship programme is designed to support tertiary-going youth who are interested in leadership development opportunities and contributing to the Labour Movement.

The scholarship quantum ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, the guest of honour at the ceremony, congratulated the recipients and thanked them for expressing their interest in the programme.

In his address to some 150 attendees at the event, he said: “We all know that our youth are our next generation of leaders. They are the next generation of Singaporeans who will bring us into the future.”

Mr Ng added that NTUC will continue to find new ways to better serve the youth community.

“Looking ahead, we want to partner more IHLs, so that we can hopefully create value in this space just after your education and just before you become working persons to see how NTUC can be a meaningful partner to all of you in our society,” he shared.

The NTUC Starter Awards leadership programme

Key elements of the NTUC Starter Award include:

• Leadership skills development
• Community engagement
• Personalised mentorship programme
• Networking opportunities

As part of the scholarship, students will also undergo a one-year leadership development programme.

The journey is designed to provide youth with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, broaden their network, and gain a deeper understanding of the Labour Movement.

Looking ahead

Prithikka is looking forward to the skills acquisition and networking opportunities that the leadership development journey will bring.

She said: “I think networking is really important when it comes being in a position of leadership. You really need to talk to others and understand their perspective. Then we can all learn more from each other.”

Prithikka also urged students considering applying for the scholarship next year not to hesitate.

“Just go for it! But don’t come just for the money; it is mainly about learning and improving yourself, so that you can show the best version of yourself to others,” she shared.

Find out how you can be a part of the NTUC Starter Awards now!