WHEN I first read the speech, it struck me as a mature and bold response. I felt the speech remained respectful while stressing the need for free expression.

To those who complain constantly about the apathy of Generation Y, this is an encouraging rebuttal.

While I am certain that there were appropriate grounds for the rejection of his poster on the part of NTU, nonetheless, I think he is justified in expressing his displeasure by withdrawing the picture altogether and later in his speech.

The moral responsibility one has to one's work cannot be easily quantified, and people may have varying views of the extent to which we should defend it.

But he has done it in a controlled manner while bringing his point across effectively. We should encourage such diversity of opinion to augment our cultural growth.

That said, religious and racial sensitivities are still areas that we have to navigate with care.

As a youth about to enter university with seven months of national service left to serve, I feel inspired by his willingness to stand up for what he believes in.

His attitude is praiseworthy and if we are looking to raise more visionaries among our youth, he is one we should emulate.

Alex Liam, 20, has a place to read business administration at the National University of Singapore

This article was first published in The Straits Times.