A total of 93 awards across seven categories were presented at this year’s NUS Achievement Awards (NAA) — the University’s most prestigious event celebrating the contributions of students and student groups beyond the classroom.
Held on 1 November 2025 at the University Cultural Centre, the ceremony honoured 740 students whose boldness, initiative and drive have shaped vibrant communities within and beyond NUS. Another 22 students were recognised as recipients of the NUS Student Life Scholarship for their dedication to student life and academic excellence.
This year’s NAA theme, “Step Up, Stand Out”, celebrated students who dared to make a difference — changemakers challenging the norm, trailblazers launching new ground-up initiatives, and leaders dedicated to uplifting others.
Connecting communities with heart
Two new award categories, Campus Engagement and Community Service, were introduced this year to better reflect the diverse ways NUS students contribute to communities around them. The two awards distinguish initiatives that strengthen NUS’ campus vibrancy and connection from those that deliver meaningful impact beyond the University.
Among this year’s honourees was CNM Connects, a student-led initiative by the Department of Communications and New Media (CNM) that promotes digital literacy among disadvantaged youth. This includes cultivating good digital habits, encouraging digital wellness and building digital skills needed for better job prospects. The team received a Commendation award in the Community Service category.
“I’m grateful for this award because it reminds me of the value of serving with heart. Teaching students digital skills also taught me empathy, patience and the strength of community, and it’s heartening to see how kindness and teamwork can truly make a meaningful difference,” said Lee Jia Xuan, Eilis, a Year 3 student from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) and Project Director of CNM Connects.
In the Campus Engagement category, STUDYO, a student-led live music and open-mic collective, received the Merit Award for hosting 13 outdoor performances in NUS. The initiative provided a low-barrier platform for performers and successfully connected more than 100 musicians across various faculties in the last academic year (AY).
“This award is a testament to how music culture and community-building can thrive together through consistency, hard work, and a strong support system. We believe Singapore has the potential to become a vibrant hub for music. With STUDYO, we hope to play even a small part in bringing that vision to life,” said Low Tse Han, a Year 3 College of Design and Engineering student and Project Director of STUDYO.
Ground-up student collectives receive recognition
STUDYO exemplifies the growing movement of student collectives―independent, ground-up initiatives―that operate alongside traditional co-curricular groups, providing a new way for students to connect, create and contribute.
This year, more student collectives were recognised at NAA, including the Made for Good team, which received a Distinction award for Community Service and n:ow arts, which received a Distinction award for Original Artistic Work of the Year.
Made for Good is Singapore’s first design collective dedicated to improving healthcare communication through patient-centred design. By partnering with hospitals and engaging patients as co-designers, the group has transformed initiatives such as hospital-at-home and advance care planning, influencing policies and improving patient experiences for thousands. Their work has created lasting change across Singapore’s healthcare system.
Co-founder of n:ow arts, Chong Shen Hao (FASS ‘25), expressed his gratitude for recognising the contributions of student collectives like his. “These accolades are significant because they will encourage student artists, especially those whose interests extend beyond what traditional CCAs can support, to take initiative and create their own platforms with the University's support.”
A multi-hyphenate artist whose work cuts across theatre, dance and performance art, Shen Hao also received the Distinction award for Performing Arts Student of the Year for his involvement in over 20 productions last AY.
Thriving through challenges
Final-year FASS student and Sportswoman of the Year (Distinction) recipient Gan Xin Chen shared how perseverance shaped her sporting journey. Despite 22 early losses in her shooting career, she went on to become the first Singaporean to compete in the prestigious Grand Prix of Liberation and will represent Singapore at the upcoming SEA Games.
“This has been a decade-long journey, and I could not have done it without the unwavering faith and support of my family, wisdom of my coaches, and grace from my teachers and professors. This award is a testament to their investment in my growth, and the award will serve as a reminder for me to continue striving for excellence in the next chapter of my story,” said Xin Chen.
Unwavering support from friends and family
Some of the most memorable moments of NAA involved those with family and friends.
Third-year Faculty of Science student Chew Ming En Lucas, who received a Distinction for Sportsman of the Year, credited his family, NUS Lifesaving team and coaches for playing a defining role in his success.
"Though I race alone, no athlete truly succeeds alone. I concluded this AY2024/2025 season with a total of four new national records for Sport Lifesaving, six new national records, and one World Title for Finswimming – all of which stand on the shoulders of my teammates, coaches, and family. This award belongs to us."
Dean of Students, Assoc Prof Ho Han Kiat said: “At NAA, ‘Step Up, Stand Out’ moved from tagline to action. Students showed us how courage, coupled with values-driven contribution creates real impact. They reminded us that vulnerability is strength in motion: setbacks became lessons, and lessons became momentum. The night ended not with a curtain call but a starting gun, opening a new season of student life marked by confidence to act, humility to learn, and purpose that serves others. For students, parents, and prospective students alike, it’s a glimpse of how NUS does things differently, and where we go next.”
From heartfelt tributes to collective triumphs, each story at this year’s ceremony echoed the deeper purpose of the NAA: to celebrate not just achievement, but the people, values and moments that shape it. As the curtains close on this year’s ceremony, we look forward to seeing how the next generation of changemakers will rise.
Visit this page to find out more about the NAA and to view the full list of this year’s recipients.
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