The 12^th Switzerland-Singapore Youth Exchange Programme 2009 saw 11 students from Switzerland and Liechtenstein visiting Singapore from 9 to 20 October 2009.  Organised by the NYAA Council Singapore and supported by Boncafe, the exchange aimed to give participants an overview of Singapore by providing them with ample opportunities of interaction with the locals and to give them an insight of Singapore’s culture, education system, defence operations and as well as some exposure to the political aspects of the country.

During their visit, the NYAA Council hosted a welcome dinner for the youth delegation at the Villa Rain Tree Resort Spa on 10 October 2009. Guest-of-Honour Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee, Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs was present to grace the welcome dinner. James Soh, Executive Director, NYAA Council, also attended the dinner together with various members of the NYAA GAHA.

Highlights during their 12-day stay included visits to the Sungei Buloh  Wetland Reserve, the Singapore Discovery Centre, the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Sentosa Island wherein the Swiss delegates enjoyed the splendour of Singapore’s flora and fauna. They   also had their first cultural experience during their visit to the National Museum of Singapore where they learned about the island’s past and how Singapore has rebuilt its foundations to be a successful city-state. Participants also had the opportunity to attend a Meet-the-People Session at Tampines to listen and learn about how government leaders reach their hands and open their ears to their communities. They also had the chance to be part of a Networking reception with Swiss Minister of Education; State of St Gallen, His Excellency, Mr Stefan Kölliker.

Also included in their itinerary were visits to NYAA Operating Authorities such as the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Polytechnic and the Institute of Technical Education. They also paid visits to companies like Boncafe International and the NEWater plant.  

The major highlight of the Swiss delegates visit was the Switzerland-Singapore Youth Dialogue 20009 with the theme “Building International Understanding”, an enriching and informative session between the youths of Switzerland and Singapore that enabled them to have a better understanding of each other’s cultural, social and political difference.

The Swiss delegates’ visit to Singapore was capped with a Farewell BBQ dinner organised by the NYAA Gold Award Holders’ Alumni and past Swiss Exchange participants wherein they shared their personal impressions about the whole trip

Yves Studer, member of the Swiss delegation speaking
up during the Switzerland-Singapore Youth Dialogue 2009

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