To commemorate 1997 Youth Day, the National Achievement Award Council organised the First Singapore - Switzerland Youth Forum held at the National University of Singapore Society, Guild House on 5 July 1997.

The Forum was officially opened by David Lim, Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC and Deputy Chairman, National Youth Council.

Two hundred youth representatives from various secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics, universities and youth organisations participated in the one-day forum. The visiting Swiss youth delegation from the University of St Gallen and the Vocational School of 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. Tham Hock Chee, Business Development Division, Singapore Trade Development Board delivered the key note address on "Globalisation".

Topics for discussion include: The aspirations and dreams of youth and how youth prepare themselves for the next millenium.

During the small group discussion, the Singapore and Swiss youth discussed various topics of interest. It was indeed an excellent platform for them to share and exchange ideas on problems concerning youth of today.

It was very encouraging to note that both the Singapore and Swiss youth shared many common interests and concerns even if they came from different backgrounds. The youths of both countries benefited much from the forum.

The 1997 Singapore - Switzerland Youth Exchange Programmes have brought the youths of Switzerland and Singapore even closer. Both the Singapore and Swiss youth have learnt much from each other and they will keep in touch. The exchange has indeed helped to strengthen the existing good bilateral relationship between Switzerland and Singapore. 

The NYAA Council is grateful to the Swiss Business Association Singapore, Union Bank of Switzerland, Nestle Singapore Pte Ltd, Swissair and Boncafe International Pte Ltd for making the youth exchange possible through its sponsorship and the NYAA Council hoped to work closely with the Swiss Business Association and Swiss companies based in Singapore to promote lasting bilateral ties between youths of both countries through further exchanges.

Participants of the 1997 Singapore - Switzerland Youth Exchange Programmes at the Forum.