SYEC 2025 About SYEC2025 Competition Details Official Cover Page
SANA Youth Essay Competition 2025 - Frequently Asked Questions
I. Eligibility & Collaboration
Q: If I turn 31 years old during the competition period (but I am currently 30 years old), am I still eligible? A: You must be 30 years old or below as of 15 Aug 2025 to be eligible.
Q: Can authors from different institutions collaborate on a group essay? A: Yes, we encourage collaboration among eligible individuals even if they are affiliated with different universities or colleges.
Q: What types of "institutes of higher learning" are recognized (e.g., private colleges, vocational schools)? A: Any institution of higher learning that is officially recognized by the government in your country or state is accepted. You will need to provide a copy of your student ID as proof of current enrollment with your submission.
II. Essay Topic & Content
Q: Can I narrow the scope of the provided topic (e.g., focus on a specific age group within youths)? A: Yes, you may choose to focus on a specific aspect of the main topic that interests you. However, ensure that your essay remains relevant to the overall theme of the competition.
Q: For the "Technology-Based Interventions" topic, can I propose a theoretical intervention, or does it have to be implemented?
A: We welcome innovative, theoretical interventions. If you propose a novel idea, please ensure you include a discussion on its feasibility and potential implementation.
Q: In the "Youth Mental Health and Drug Use" topic, does the essay need to focus equally on both, or can there be a primary focus? A: Your essay should explore the interconnectedness between youth mental health and drug use, aligning with the competition's theme: "Our Generation, Drug-Free." While you can have a primary focus, ensure you address the interaction between these two aspects.
III. Essay Requirements & Submission
Q: Does the word count include headings and subheadings? A: The specified word count applies to the main body of your essay, excluding headings, subheadings, tables, and the list of references.
Q: Are footnotes allowed in addition to or instead of APA in-text citations? A: Footnotes formatted in APA style are acceptable. However, please be aware that the judging panel may not consider the content within footnotes as part of the evaluation process.
Q: How will submissions be acknowledged? Will I receive a confirmation email? A: Yes, you will receive an email confirming that your essay submission has been received.
Q: Is there a specific file naming convention for the essay document? A: While there isn't a strict naming convention, we recommend naming your file in a way that reflects your essay title for easy identification.
Q: What happens if my essay exceeds the word limit? A: Exceeding the word limit may result in point deductions or even disqualification. Please adhere to the specified word count carefully.
Q: Can I use the competition topic as my essay title? A: Yes, you are permitted to use the competition topic as your essay title. However, we encourage you to create your own original and creative title.
Q: Can I include visual elements like charts, infographics, or illustrations in my essay? A: Yes, you are welcome to include relevant visual elements. The judging panel will consider both the written content and the visual elements in their evaluation, ensuring your essay demonstrates thorough research and critical thinking.
III. Essay Requirements & Submission (Continued)
Q: Once I submit my essay, can I make changes if I find a mistake? A: Unfortunately, once your essay has been submitted, no revisions or amendments will be permitted. Any subsequent submissions from the same individual or group will be disregarded. Please ensure you submit the final and best version of your essay by the deadline on August 15, 2025.
Q: How can I get in touch with the organizers if I have questions about the competition? A: Please direct any queries you may have regarding the competition to our email address: research@sana.org.sg.
IV. Usage of Generative AI
Q: Is it okay to use AI tools like ChatGPT to help me write my essay for this competition? A: Yes, the use of AI tools is permitted in your essay, provided that you clearly acknowledge how you have utilized them. The final evaluation of your essay will be based on its overall quality.
Q: How do I need to acknowledge using AI in my essay submission? A: While specific formatting within the essay isn't mandated, it is considered best practice to include a brief note at the end of your essay (before your reference list, if applicable). This note should specify the AI tools used and their specific applications (e.g., brainstorming, drafting sections, summarizing). Briefly describe the prompts you used and how you edited the AI-generated content to align with your own ideas and writing style. Drawing from the NUS policy, a "methods section" or a table could be used in a formal academic context for detailed AI usage disclosure. Transparency is key.
Q: What are my responsibilities if I choose to use AI in my essay? A: If you utilize AI tools, you bear full responsibility for ensuring the accuracy, relevance, and proper integration of all content within your essay. This includes verifying any information provided by the AI. Furthermore, all cited references must be valid and accurately formatted according to academic standards (e.g., APA). The inclusion of any fabricated references will result in immediate disqualification.
V. Judging & Prizes
Q: Who will be reading and judging the essays? Will it be professors or people who work in the field? A: Your essays will be evaluated by an international panel comprising academics and experienced professionals in the field of drug demand reduction.
Q: Will I get feedback on my essay after it's been judged? A: As this is a competition, individual feedback on the submitted essays will not be provided. However, we encourage you to seek feedback from your academic advisors or instructors for your personal development.
Q: If our group essay wins a prize, how will the money be divided? A: The prize money will be disbursed to the primary contact person or the first author listed on the official cover page of your submission. The distribution of the prize among group members will be the responsibility of the recipient.
Q: Can the prize money be given in a currency other than Singapore Dollars? A: The prize will be awarded in Singapore Dollars (SGD). For winners with non-Singaporean bank accounts, the prize will be transferred via bank remittance, subject to the prevailing exchange rates, any applicable transfer fees, and local taxes, which will be borne by the recipient.
VI. Publication & Copyright
Q: If my essay is published, will I still own the copyright? A: The organizers will hold the copyright for the published versions of the essays. You will require written permission from the organizers to reproduce the published essay, either in full or in part. However, you will retain the copyright to your original ideas and the data used in your essay, and you are free to use these for other purposes.
Q: If my essay is published, will my name be included as the author? A: Yes, all authors will be appropriately credited when their essays are published.