SMU alumna and three-time Paralympic gold medallist Yip Pin Xiu is serving as Singapore's chef de mission for the Singapore's Asian Youth Para Games, which also marks the first time an active para-athlete has been appointed to the role. Speaking at the send-off ceremony at Changi Airport's Terminal 3, Ms Yip reminded her fellow para-athletes about the importance of hard work and the need to persevere through adversity. "It definitely gets tiring, but the human spirit is very strong and you have to push on to give your very best. Commitment and passion are very important, and they're something you have to keep in mind to go far," said Ms Yip, who participated in the inaugural Tokyo AYPG in 2009 as a 17-year-old. She added, "This (sporting) journey has shaped me in so many important ways... I am so much more confident, motivated and determined as an athlete and this is where sports will take you."