5-time Paralympic Gold medallist Yip Pin Xiu, is the very 1st recipient of the President's Award for Inspiring Achievement!

The President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement (PAI) recognises Singaporeans who have overcome personal adversity and who, through their outstanding achievements and contributions to society, have instilled a sense of national pride in fellow Singaporeans.

The inaugural award of the PAI was presented to the Republic's most bemedalled athlete at the Paralympic Games, Yip Pin Xiu. This new award was announced in Parliament in October 2021 by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), Mr Edwin Tong.

On receiving the inaugural President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement at the Istana this morning, Pin Xiu said: “I’m very honoured to be receiving this inaugural award and thankful for the recognition and support from President Halimah Yacob and Minister Edwin Tong. I hope this award shows that it is not just about making big achievements in life, but it is also about being consistent in doing the smaller, easier tasks to get to where you want to be eventually.”

Pin Xiu has resumed training for Paris 2024, and hopes that she'll be able to travel for competitions and attend training camps in the next two years. She shared, “I have been doing this for many years. What keeps me going is knowing that I can make a difference and wanting to be the best version of myself. I felt that sports has played a very big role in my life. It has truly shaped me into the way I am and given me the values that I need in life. I hope to be able to impart that to more people.”.

(Front Row from L to R : Yip Pin Xiu, President Halimah Yacob & MCCY Minister Edwin Tong at the Istana on 11/2/22. Photo Credit : Team Singapore Facebook)

In her speech, Mdm Halimah Yacob said, "Pin Xiu's passion, resilience and determination have shown the world that Singapore can punch above our weight. Her contributions have inspired Singaporeans, bringing us together to cheer her on and celebrate her successes."

The President further highlighted : "Pin Xiu will pave the way for future recipients of this award. I invite fellow Singaporeans to nominate outstanding individuals who have inspired them and have made significant impact through their work. May we all be inspired by Pin Xiu to strive for excellence and to play our part - whoever and wherever we are - to make a difference in the lives of our friends, family, and fellow Singaporeans."