Address by Karthikasan S/O Natarajan, Valedictorian, at the SINDA Excellence Awards 2025 on 20 September 2025

Guest of Honour, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Manpower, Mayor, South East District, Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash;

SINDA Board of Trustees;

CEO, SINDA, Mr Anbarasu Rajendran;

Guests, Award Recipients & Family Members; 

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Introduction

1. A very good morning. I am very happy to join you today as the Valedictorian for the SINDA Excellence Awards 2025. Being recognised alongside so many talented individuals is humbling. This award reflects not only my own efforts but also the guidance and support of my family, mentors, and the communities I have been part of.

2. My journey began at Republic Polytechnic, where I studied Biomedical Sciences, before serving my National Service and graduating as a Lieutenant in the Republic of Singapore Air Force. After that, I pursued my university studies at Yale-NUS College, where I majored in Life Sciences.

3. Beyond academics, I have always believed in giving back to the community. As a SINDA beneficiary myself, receiving STEP tuition and back-to-school kits during my primary school days, my journey with SINDA began early. I later decided to volunteer with SINDA, starting as a teaching assistant for the Book Wizards programme, before joining the SINDA Youth Football Club to empower youths to overcome challenges. I also took part in Door-Knocking Exercises, where I had the opportunity to understand the unmet needs of the community in real time and build meaningful connections with beneficiaries. Eventually, I served as a member of the Volunteer Management Sub-Committee, where I gained valuable mentorship and saw first-hand how volunteers plan, execute, and inspire the spirit of community service in Singapore.

4. At Yale-NUS College, I had the privilege of serving as President of the Community Impact volunteer club, where I worked with my peers to spearhead initiatives that nurtured the culture of service on campus. These experiences have reinforced my belief that giving back is just as important as personal achievement.

5. At the same time, my passion for scientific research has driven me to seize every opportunity. I was fortunate to participate in competitive research scholarships at overseas institutions such as Yale and Harvard, which broadened my perspective and strengthened my commitment to advancing science for patient care.

6. Standing here today, I feel deeply grateful for the opportunities I have had, for the people who have supported me, and for the chance to represent the values of resilience, service, and dedication.

7. I have always been passionate about making scientific discoveries that can translate into real patient impact. Through my many encounters in life, I have personally understood how fragile life can be, and this has strengthened my resolve to push research forward to improve patient care. To achieve this, I know I need to be as hardworking as possible and committed to producing quality scientific findings that can lead to meaningful therapies.

8. Another source of motivation are my parents. I want to make them proud and work hard to honour the trust and sacrifices they have made for me. At one point in my life, tertiary education seemed out of reach, but their belief in me kept me going. Knowing how far I have come reminds me that to achieve what I aspire to do, I must continue to work hard with purpose and determination.

9. Growing up in an underprivileged family, I faced challenges and limitations that made me acutely aware of the obstacles many people encounter in life. I also struggled with being overweight, but through discipline and perseverance, I worked hard to improve my fitness and eventually qualified for Officer Cadet School.

10. During OCS training, I was confronted with one of my toughest moments when my father was diagnosed with stage 1 gastric cancer. His resilience during recovery inspired me to push through, even when I felt like quitting. I pressed on and graduated as an Officer, carrying with me the lesson that perseverance and grit can see us through the hardest times.

11. These experiences taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of never giving up, even when things do not go as planned. Whether through volunteering with SINDA or leading community initiatives at university, I am driven by the belief that everyone deserves support and opportunities to succeed. Knowing that my efforts can help others overcome barriers keeps me committed, passionate, and determined in everything I do.

12. My family has always been my greatest inspiration. Despite many years of struggle, they never once told me to stop studying. They supported me, gave me the freedom to pursue my passions, and provided me with the space I needed to focus on my goals. They even went beyond by providing tuition for me at a time when having such resources was considered a luxury. My sister also inspires me. She juggles school and work, like many students today, showing me that grit, perseverance, and dedication are essential to achieving success. I have also been inspired by fellow students I encountered through my volunteer work and at the SINDA Excellence Awards, where I joined as a guest. Their passion, dedication, and brilliance encouraged me to learn from them and strive to do my best. Together, my family and these peers motivate me to keep pushing forward and to strive for excellence in everything I do.

13. I would like to end this speech by saying that sometimes you may feel like giving up, and sometimes your dreams may seem out of reach. It is okay to fall; what matters is that you get back up, push yourself, and never give up. And remember, never compare your journey with others. I was not scoring good grades in my early days and only picked up later in life. My story isn’t perfect, but I’m grateful for this journey, and it has taught me that every path is different. Your path is unique, and it belongs only to you.

14. Thank you.