A celebration of heritage and creativity: Singaporean student honoured at Peruvian Embassy reception for her culturally inspired design.
SINGAPORE – 24 July 2025 – In a vibrant fusion of cultures, Siti Nur’Ramizah Binte Mohd Yusri, a 20-year-old student from ITE East College, was awarded first prize in the prestigious NETS FlashPay Card Design Competition 2025. Organised by the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Council in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Peru, the competition invited young designers across Singapore to craft card designs that bridge artistic expression with cultural symbolism.
The award was presented during a diplomatic reception held at the Royal Pavilion in Singapore, commemorating Peru’s 204th anniversary of independence and the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Peru and Singapore.
In an exclusive interview with IN Diplomacy Editor-in-Chief Ms. Nomita Dhar, Ramizah shared her artistic journey and inspiration behind her winning entry. Influenced by the vivid hues of Peruvian traditional wear and the familiar motifs of Singaporean batik, her design features a young girl donning a Peruvian chullo hat adorned with a batik pattern—an intentional nod to the cultural diversity shared by both countries.
“I was really awed and mesmerised by Peru’s colours, which reminded me of the batik I grew up with,” said Ramizah. “It was very meaningful to connect both cultures in one artwork. Receiving the award was such an honour, and I’m grateful for the encouragement from my Visual Arts CCA and class advisor, Ms Ang.”
Currently studying Bio-Chemical Technology, Ramizah expressed pride in representing ITE, known for its emphasis on hands-on learning. She also voiced her hope of one day visiting Peru with her family, having been inspired by its landscapes, traditional clothing, and, of course, its alpacas.
Siti Nur’Ramizah Binte Mohd Yusri’s Designs
The competition stands as a testament to the importance of cultural exchange, youth empowerment, and the arts in fostering international understanding.
