The Student Affairs Office recognises the outstanding contributions of student organisations to the Yale-NUS College and the surrounding community. Join us in celebrating our outstanding leaders, organisations, programmes and role models. In particular, the Kingfisher Awards want to celebrate the contributions by student leaders who exemplify the core values of the College: transformation, exploration, respect, inclusivity, and care.

Award Categories

Each year, we celebrate members of our community to recognise them for their distinct leadership roles and their dedication, commitment, and leadership in serving the entire Yale-NUS community and campus life. 

Outstanding Student Organisation

Awarded to a recognised student organisation that embodies creativity, has led innovative and diverse programmes, and has made extraordinary contributions to campus life at Yale-NUS College. Selection criteria includes community service, leadership, collaborations with other student organisations and the College.

Outstanding Student Organisation Programme

Awarded to recognise significant achievements by student organisations in the planning and implementation of programmes, either a one-time event or a series of events marketed as a single programme.

Outstanding Athletics & Recreation Team

Awarded to a recognised athletics or recreational team that embodies sportsmanship, has shown consistency in training, competitions and events, and has made extraordinary contributions to the athletics and recreation scene at Yale-NUS College. Selection criteria include collaborations with other teams and members of the College.

Commitment to Community and Social Change (Individual or Group)

Awarded to an individual student or group of students who have contributed significantly to social justice, peace, social change, education, public health, or environmental justice. Nominees must demonstrate a commitment to transformative social justice by challenging social inequities, made a significant contribution to disadvantaged communities nationally or internationally, and has significantly improved the lives of others.

Commitment to Intercultural Engagement (Individual or Group)

Awarded to student leaders or a group of students who have a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion through student life programming and positive interactions with other students, faculty and staff. Nominees should have initiated programmes or services which contributed to promoting a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect at Yale-NUS and the community.

Commitment to Wellness and Well-being (Individual or Group)

Awarded to a student leader or a group of students who have demonstrated a commitment to wellness and the wellbeing of our community through initiatives and/or healthy engagement with other members of the community. Nominees should demonstrate a holistic understanding of wellness, empowerment of others and promote a culture of balance, compassion, gratitude and self-awareness.

Publication of the Year

Awarded to recognise an outstanding print or online publication that has made a significant contribution to the college this year. Selection criteria include uniqueness, readership, quality of content, and furthering creative expression in the community. Nominations of one particular article/piece from the publication is recommended to showcase the quality of publication.

Residential Life Service Award

Awarded to an RCA who displays excellent leadership and commitment to community building within the Residential Colleges. This RCA has displayed commitment to strengthening the residential life programme, outstanding personal integrity, strong mentorship skills and is an established team member. This RCA promotes a culture of care and respect within the RCs

Student Organisation Leader of the Year

Awarded to an executive member of a recognised student organisation who displays excellent leadership and commitment to the growth of their organisation and strengthens campus life at Yale-NUS College. This student leader is a team player with outstanding personal integrity and strong mentorship skills.

Athletics and Recreation Leader of the Year

Awarded to a captain of a recognised athletic or recreation team who displays excellent leadership and commitment to the growth of their team and strengthens the athletics and recreation culture at Yale-NUS College. This captain is a team player with outstanding personal integrity and strong mentorship skills.

Advisor of the Year

Awarded to recognise a student organisation advisor who has excelled and exemplified outstanding service, dedication, and leadership to the organisation they advise.

Unsung Hero Award

The Unsung Hero award recognises a Yale-NUS staff or faculty who has positively influenced a student-driven programme or a recognised student organisation from behind the scenes with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary, and a commitment to excellence.

Distinguished Student Leader/s

Awarded to a student leader who has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills in their student organisations, made meaningful contributions and has made a strong impact within Yale-NUS. This is the most prestigious award of all the Kingfisher Awards given to graduating senior students, who consistently go above and beyond leaving a lasting legacy upon graduation.

Student Associate of the Year 

Awarded to an outstanding student employee in any department on campus. Outstanding student associates must demonstrate a willingness to go above and beyond the expectations, be a team player, and assist co-workers, and shining ambassador of the College.