The Special Awards are given out in recognition of students' achievements in both the academic and non-academic spheres. This year, 94 awards were presented to 92 students at the 2008 Special Awards Presentation Ceremony on 21 August 2008. These awards include the Lee Kuan Yew Award for All-Round Excellence, the Prime Minister's Book Prize, the Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Science, the Lee Kuan Yew Award for Outstanding Normal Course Students, and the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship To Encourage Upgrading (LKY-STEP award).

The Guest-of-Honour for the ceremony, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, presented the awards at the SEAMEO Regional Language Centre.

The Lee Kuan Yew Award for All-Round Excellence

Seven students were presented with this Award. These are Ee Ying Hui Dina (Hwa Chong Institution), Joy Sim Shi En (Anglo-Chinese Junior College), Li Jianrui (Hwa Chong Institution), Mohammad Raihan B Rosman (ITE Balestier), Ng Guan Wen Colin (Geylang Methodist School (Secondary)), Wee Wei Celine (Raffles Junior College), and Yap Jessie (St. Margaret's Secondary School). The Lee Kuan Yew Award for All-Round Excellence, established in 2005, is a pinnacle award which recognises well-rounded students who have excelled in both academic and non-academic spheres, and who exemplify positive character development, strong leadership qualities and commitment to service to the community. The award is presented at the end of Secondary education.

This award is part of the overall framework of Lee Kuan Yew awards, made possible through the interest proceeds from the principal fund of the Lee Kuan Yew Donation account of the Education Fund.