President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards Special Edition 2020 Honours Outstanding Everyday Heroes’ Responses to Covid-19 in Their Finest Hour

By National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre /

16 October 2020

Singapore’s Finest Hour in the City of Good

The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed the cracks in our society, but it has also illuminated the goodness that is in our City of Good. The PVPA celebrates the exemplary givers who embody the City of Good vision as People, Organisations, and Leaders of Good – the three categories under which the awards will be conferred.

The winners’ efforts and initiatives span various domains such as ensuring food security, providing accommodation, procuring and distributing medical supplies, and disseminating critical information to those without access.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the best in many Singaporeans. Over the past few months, I have seen many Singaporeans from all walks of life coming together to help others. It inspires me greatly to know that in the most difficult of times, humanity still prevails. This is why I have decided to dedicate this year’s PVPA to recognising these unsung heroes who have given selflessly during the COVID-19 outbreak. The record number of 236 nominations is a testament to these tremendous efforts across the nation,” said President Halimah Yacob.

Delivering the Opening Remarks at the PVPA, Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law, said, “In Singapore, we have a strong culture of self-reliance and independence, which has helped us weather storms as a nation. Alongside this is a strong instinct to look beyond ourselves and contribute to the common good of the community and society. The PVPA award winners exemplify this instinct and there are many more examples of generosity and heart in the community. It is this spirit of SGCares that binds us together as one people and enables our society to confront any adversities we may face.”

Beacons of Light Shining Through The Darkness

Presented by President Halimah Yacob, there are five winners for each category with an additional nine Special Commendation awards across the categories due to the high calibre of nominations received this year. A first for NVPC, the hybrid event comprises a physical conferment ceremony at the Istana with a virtual live broadcast, an apt reflection of the times.

These 24 winners were selected from more than 200 nominations by a panel of seven judges comprising former PVPA winners, organisational leaders, and media personalities.

The People of Good Awards recognise individuals who are exceptional relational givers and have voluntarily devoted their time, talent, treasure and/or voice to create a positive impact in society during the Covid-19 pandemic period. These individuals have demonstrated that they have gone above and beyond their daily lives.

The Organisation of Good Awards recognise organisations (corporates, non-profit
organisations and public institutions) who have implemented exemplary pandemic-specific
responses and are active contributors to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic
period.

Finally, the Leader of Good Awards recognise individuals who are exceptional multiplier leaders, who have devoted their time, talent, treasure and/or voice to create a positive impact in society and galvanised others to do good, thereby multiplying their impact to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

NVPC Chairman, Mrs Mildred Tan said, “The remarkable good that has emerged from the pandemic demonstrates the creative capacity within our communities which came together to make this Singapore’s Finest hour yet. Let us remember that we are not alone in this, and the fight is far from over, but together, we can all come together to build a City of Good.”

For the full list of winners, please refer to www.cityofgood.sg/pvpa

About National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC)
The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) is the steward of the City of Good vision for Singapore, where individuals, organisations, and leaders come together to give their best for others. Through our brands, programmes, and initiatives, we facilitate partnerships with non-profits, organisations, public sector bodies, and individuals to enliven the giving ecosystem within Singapore. We invite you to join us in building a #CityofGood together. Visit us at www.cityofgood.sg.