Chen Ziyue

Chen Ziyue, 33 years old, is an artistically talented Deaf illustrator. Since discovering her keen interest in storytelling through illustration, she has brought life to numerous children’s books through her drawings. With her works being recognised in Singapore and abroad, the future is nothing short of promising for this young talent.

Ziyue is nominated by Mr Christopher Khong and Ms Pedrinha Jacinta. Both nominators believe she deserves to be recognised for her artistic talent.

Joshua German, 22 years old, is a budding pianist with autism. With an innate talent in music, Joshua is able to play the piano by ear without a music score. Recognised for his talent, Joshua has been invited to perform live at various platforms and on TV.

Joshua is nominated for the award by Very Special Arts Singapore Ltd, a charity dedicated to provide individuals with special needs access to the arts.

Haikal Johari, 42 years old, is a highly acclaimed chef whom acquired a paralysis mid-life, but bravely made his recovery back to work and led his restaurant to receive its first Michelin star. Haikal is lauded for his excellent craft in the culinary field and never-say-die attitude in the face of adversity.

Haikal is nominated for the award by Ms Iris Goh and Mr Gunawan Hadz who attest to his character, dedication and passion.

Timothy, 19 years old, is a promising performing arts young adult with down syndrome. He has much passion for acting and in year 2018, was chosen as a main cast of Mediacorp Channel 5’s TV Series, KIN. Apart from acting, he also displays strong interest in dancing and modelling, and is an outstanding example in the inclusive arts scene.

Timothy is nominated for the award by Very Special Arts Singapore Ltd, a charity dedicated to provide individuals with special needs access to the arts.

Stephanie, 23 years old, born with retinal dystrophy, is a talented Erhu musician and soloist with The Purple Symphony and the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. Currently studying for a diploma in Music, Stephanie is working hard towards fulfilling her dream of teaching music to other visually impaired students.

Stephanie is nominated for the award by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, whom she is an exemplary Alumnus of.

Toh Wei Soong, 20 years old, is a Two-time Asian Para Games gold medallist and national competitive Paralympic swimmer. Wei Soong is an impressive young man, that is not just pushing for swimming accolades, but also spends much of his time sharing his experiences with youths and promoting disability sports.

Wei Soong is nominated for the award by the Singapore Disability Sports Council, the national sports body for the disabled in Singapore.

14-year-old Chalmers Wong is a multi-talented boy with autism, who displays aptitude in arts, music and even sports. Most impressively, he is believed to be the only special needs sand artist in Singapore.

Chalmers is nominated by Ms Magdalene Ong, supported with a personal testimonial from Member of Parliament Rahayu Mahzam.

17-year-old Zhi Wei is a national Paralympic swimmer with visual impairment. A rising star in the sports arena, he was the most bemedalled athlete at the Asia Youth Para Games 2017. Seen as a role model in school and one who displays traits of high perseverance, he is currently chasing his dream of becoming a Paralympian.

He is nominated by a total of three organisations – Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, Eunoia Junior College and Catholic High School.

20-year-old Adelia Naomi is Singapore’s first Deaflympics gold medallist. She was talent spotted by Deaf Sports Association, and has kept Singapore’s flag flying high since. Adelia is also embarking her journey as a mentor and bowling coach to her juniors.

She is nominated by the Deaf Sports Association, the national body for sports serving the deaf community.

22-year-old Fathima Zohra, has an acquired disability after meeting a near-fatal accident. Yet, she has overcome all odds to become a social media advocate for persons with disabilities. With great courage, Zohra shares her story with peer support groups and uses her social media expertise to speak up for others.

She is nominated by SPD, who helped her through the post-accident recovery journey.