It is indeed a pleasure for my wife Miriam and I to join you this evening to welcome the Swiss Youth Delegation to Singapore.

Tonight's event marks an important milestone in the good relationship between the National Youth Achievement Award Council and the Embassy of Switzerland.

Since 1994, the Embassy of Switzerland has been actively involved in this very meaningful youth exchange programme for both countries.

These visits provide an opportunity for young people to learn more about each other's countries and to observe each other's systems, such as the education, military and transportation systems, as well as environmental protection initiatives. In the process, they learn and can build on each other's strengths.

I understand this year's theme is environmental protection and nature conservation. Young people such as yourselves have an important part to play as defenders of the environment. Many of you will become the leaders of tomorrow. Hopefully the awareness and values you gain from programmes such as the one you're a part of today, will imbue your future leadership with a strong dose of environmental protectionism.

I have seen the programme planned by the NYAA Council for our Swiss youths. I am sure they will benefit greatly from it.

The co-operation between the NYAA Council and the Embassy of Switzerland will not only foster goodwill and harmony. It will also help to enhance youth networking and provide opportunities for the young people of Switzerland and Singapore to explore and appreciate the diverse cultures offered by both countries.

This co-operation also helps us to consolidate and share our resources and expertise to train our youths together. It is very important that our youths are given every opportunity to develop their potential to the fullest, so that they can prepare themselves for the challenges ahead.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my counterpart in Singapore, Ms Pang Cheng Lian, Singapore Ambassador to Switzerland. Ms Pang has contributed significantly toward the bi-lateral youth exchange programme between Switzerland and Singapore.

Ms Pang will be stepping down as Ambassador to Switzerland shortly and I would like to wish her all the best. I would also like to welcome the Singapore Ambassador to Switzerland Designate, Mr Michael Hwang. Thank you for joining us this evening.

I wish to also commend our partner, the National Youth Achievement Award Council for being a good friend of Switzerland. The NYAA Council has played a key role in strengthening the bi-lateral relationship between our two nations. I would like to place on record our thanks to the NYAA Council for the strong partnership in international youth development.

I would also like to thank our Guest-of-Honour, Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee, Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs for his strong support in our bi-lateral youth development programme. Thank you Minister.

Last but not least, our supporter Mr W.E. Huber, Group Chairman, Boncafé International, for his strong support of the bi-lateral youth exchange programme since 1994, when it was first established. Mr Huber was instrumental in setting up the exchange programme. Thank you Mr Huber.

Ladies and gentlemen, on that note, I thank you. Have a pleasant evening.

• Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee, Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs