An 11-member Swiss Youth Delegation visited Singapore from 30 October to 10 November 2003 to study environmental initiatives in Singapore. The visit was part of the Singapore - Switzerland Bi-lateral Youth Exchange Programme, organised by the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Council.

The objectives of the exchange programme are to promote cross-cultural understanding and bonding at the international level.

During the visit, Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee, Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs hosted a Welcome Dinner for the Swiss youth delegation. The dinner took place on 4 November 2003 at the RELC International Hotel.

At the event, the NYAA Council also paid tribute to Ms Pang Cheng Lian, Singapore Ambassador to Switzerland for playing a key role in strengthening the bi-lateral youth exchange programmes between the two countries. Ms Pang will be stepping down as Singapore Ambassador to Switzerland at the end of December 2003. Mr Michael Hwang has been appointed as the new Singapore Ambassador to Switzerland.

The Swiss youth delegation participated in Singapore's Clean and Green Week and visited various Singaporean nature reserves, such as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Pulau Ubin, as well as several recycling companies in Singapore.

They also met young Singaporean environmentalists to discuss various environmental issues.

Besides environmental activities, the group experienced the rich cultural diversity of Singapore. The Swiss youth delegation also visited Parliament House and attended a lunch hosted by Mr Inderjit Singh, Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio GRC.

The Singapore - Switzerland Bi-lateral Youth Exchange Programme will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2004.

Representative FHO