To commemorate the 1998 Youth Day, the National Youth Achievement Award Council organised the First Singapore - Switzerland Youth Business Forum held at the National University of Singapore Society, Kent Ridge Guild House on 4 July 1998.

The Youth Business Forum was officially opened by Ho Meng Kit, Managing Director, Economic Development Board.

One hundred and fifty youth representatives from various secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics and universities participated in the one-day forum.

The visiting Swiss Youth Delegation from the University of St Gallen and the Vocational School Lindenhof in Wil also participated in the forum.

The forum was chaired by Dr Kevin Tan, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore. A panel consisting of both leading local and Swiss business leaders also shared their experiences with the youth leaders.

Thomas Tan, Director, Trexco Pte Ltd delivered the key note address on "Globalisation" and "How young people prepare themselves for entry into the business world".

An open discussion followed the country reports presented by the youth representatives from Switzerland and Singapore.

The 1998 Singapore-Switzerland Youth Exchange Programme offers a timely and effective platform to synergise education and business for the purpose of furthering the course of national and international youth development. 

The programme also helped to enhance and strengthen the existing good bilateral relationship between Switzerland and Singapore. 

The NYAA is grateful to the Swiss Business Association Singapore, Swissair and Boncafe International Pte Ltd for making the bilateral youth exchange possible through its financial support. The NYAA Council is also very grateful to the Embassy of Switzerland, especially His Excellency Raymond Loretan, Swiss Ambassador to Singapore for his strong support in the bilateral youth exchange program. 

The NYAA Council will continue to work closely with the Swiss Business Association, Singapore, Embassy of Switzerland to promote lasting bilateral ties between the youths of both countries through further exchanges.