A 9-member Singapore youth delegation led by Mrs Koh Wan Yee from the NYAA Council visited Switzerland from 3 - 12 June 1997. The group comprised young people from various secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics and universities. 

During their visit, the Singapore delegation visited major Swiss companies such as Rieter AG, Buhler AG, Swiss Telecoms and many others, to study the Swiss apprentice scheme. They also visited the University of St Gallen and the Vocational School Lindenhof in Wil and were briefed on the Swiss educational system. 

One of the highlights of the trip was the visit to the Army Headquarters of the Field Division 7. The delegation was briefed by Col. A. Noger, Chief of Staff of the Swiss Army on the Swiss army system which is mainly made up of volunteers. The youths were also given the opportunity to ride in armoured vehicles. 

The group visited the Swiss Parliament in Berne, where they witnessed the Swiss Parliament in session. The group had the opportunity to interact with various members of Parliament and discussed political issues and youth development. 

In Switzerland, the Singapore delegation attended an official dinner hosted by H.E. Mrs Rita Roos, Minister for Economics held in an old cellar at the Government Office in St Gallen. The delegation was later invited to a reception by Mr Braun, a Swiss Parliamentary Secretary who provided the youth with an overall view of the Swiss Political Structure. 

The visit to Switzerland by the Singapore youth was indeed an enriching and memorable experience. Not only did they learn about the Swiss community and their high standard of living, they also saw the struggle of the Swiss to strike a balance between tradition and progress. This provided an opportunity for them to understand the Swiss way of life and their attitudes toward work and life. It was indeed a learning experience and an "eye-opener" for all of them. 

Temasek Polytechnic

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