In 1976, the National University of Singapore Students’ Political Association (NUSPA) was created to provide an effective platform for political participation and champion active citizenry among Singaporean youths. After 45 years, more than 900 talented and passionate individuals have joined NUSPA to promote and realise its mission: to encourage and enable young Singaporeans to participate in political affairs and debates responsibly, meaningfully, and constructively. 

 

From our flagship Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum (KRMF) to our signature Political Dialogue Series (PDS), as well as our thematic forums and engagement-centric activities like Debate Series and Singapore Model Cabinet (SMC), the Political Association champions youth political participation at all levels. Beyond dialogues and competitions, NUSPA’s flagship publication, The Convergence, also provides a unique editorial and writing experience for student engagement with political matters. More importantly, this publication carries and reignites a long-standing NUSPA tradition in publications that traces its origins to the Le Message, founded by NUSPA members in the early days of the Political Association.

 

In recent years, NUSPA has also undergone profound transformations to stay relevant with the times and remain at the forefront of youth political participation in Singapore. This includes setting up the NUSPA Feedback Unit (NFU) to gather valuable inputs from our target audience to tailor our programme better according to students’ interests and needs. Another initiative is ReadNUS, an NUS-wide reading movement in partnership with the NUS Libraries to promote a more vibrant and active reading culture within the NUS community.

 

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped and transformed our society and economy in different and significant ways. What’s more, the new environment has challenged NUSPA to re-design its programme and innovate its engagement strategies with its target audience and stakeholders. One major initiative in response to the public health crisis is the Build Our Singapore 2025 (BOS 2025) campaign. The BOS 2025 campaign aims to provide a thematic and overarching focus for all NUSPA events and activities for the Academic Year 2020-2021 to spearhead youth engagement and discussion on issue areas vital to Singapore’s strategic future in the next five years. Already, as part of this campaign, NUSPA members have worked with the government and various student and public stakeholders to carry out feedback exercises and organise related forums and dialogues on key policies and issues affecting the nation’s post-COVID-19 trajectories.  

 

Last but not least, our environment. Today, it is impossible for youths to ignore or avoid discussing environmental protection and sustainability. At the national level, the rolling out of the new Singapore Green Plan 2030 speaks to the gravity of our environmental situation. Young Singaporeans must also play a part in this national effort to build a safe and sustainable home for all Singaporeans. As such, we are proud to launch the Green and Sustainable Singapore Taskforce (GSST) to identify critical environmental and sustainability concerns for Singapore and encourage discussion and engagement between the youth community and relevant public and private stakeholders to explore actionable green strategies and solutions. The GSST also commits itself towards working with like-minded individuals and groups in NUS to create a robust green ecosystem within the University.  

 

As we continue our journey, we are confident that our NUSPA members and alumni will carry the torch high above their shoulders and illuminate its flame with their unyielding passion and dedication to the cause. However, we also need our fellow students and youths to join us in this meaningful endeavour together. We invite you to discover the journey ahead with us and unlock and discover your potential and passion for political participation and active citizenry. 

 

Empower your political passion and let your voice be heard with a NUSPA journey. 

 

We are ready. Are you? 

 

 

Mr Zhou Xizhuang Michael

President

National University of Singapore Students’ Political Association