Mr David King, once a chopper-wielding gangster who stabbed and slashed men from rival gangs, started studying voraciously behind bars and completed his N, O and A levels over four years. He did well enough to secure a double degree spot at SMU. Today, he is a motivational speaker who reaches out to students, at-risk youths and former offenders. Mr King is among 16 promising Singaporeans who emerged as finalists in the prestigious Junior Chamber International Singapore's 2013 Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award. The annual prize by the US-based international leadership training organisation recognises young professionals between the ages of 18 and 40 who excel and create positive change in their fields. Past recipients include Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and former US president John F. Kennedy.