987 DJ Sonia Chew spent a day getting to know Joan Hung, a Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards 2021 Promise Awardee.
Joan was born with visual impairment, but that has not stopped her from pursuing her passion for sports. She has represented Singapore in Goalball in the ASEAN Para Games in 2015 and 2022, and has even picked up Judo. Joan continues to advocate for inclusivity by giving educational talks on resilience through sports to students in schools.
You too can make a difference and support persons with disabilities like Navin by giving to the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund at giving.sg/GCTEnableFund.
Formerly the Mediacorp Enable Fund, the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund was renamed after its Patron, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, to better reflect its roots and intent in aiding persons with disabilities to actively contribute to society and lead socially integrated lives. The Fund is administered by SG Enable, and supported by Mediacorp.
#GCTEnableFund #GohChokTongEnableFund
WARNA 942 DJ A B Shaik spent a day getting acquainted with Amirul Afiq, a beneficiary of the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund.
Amirul was born deaf, but he has never allowed his disability to deter him from living life to the fullest. The Fund aided Amirul in purchasing a cochlear implant, which allowed him to fulfil his childhood dream of learning to drive.
You too can make a difference and support persons with disabilities like Navin by giving to the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund at giving.sg/GCTEnableFund.
Formerly the Mediacorp Enable Fund, the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund was renamed after its Patron, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, to better reflect its roots and intent in aiding persons with disabilities to actively contribute to society and lead socially integrated lives. The Fund is administered by SG Enable, and supported by Mediacorp.
#GCTEnableFund #GohChokTongEnableFund
Richie Koh and Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund beneficiary Fengze spent the day together and bonded over their love for all things superheroes.
Diagnosed with autism and Pierre Robin Syndrome, which causes breathing difficulties, Fengze is unable to communicate verbally and requires constant care and supervision from his parents to ensure his safety.
You too can make a difference and support persons with disabilities like Navin by giving to the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund at giving.sg/GCTEnableFund.
Formerly the Mediacorp Enable Fund, the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund was renamed after its Patron, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, to better reflect its roots and intent in aiding persons with disabilities to actively contribute to society and lead socially integrated lives. The Fund is administered by SG Enable, and supported by Mediacorp.
#GCTEnableFund #GohChokTongEnableFund
Oli 968 artiste Anand K spent a day with Dr Navin Nair, Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards 2022 Promise Awardee, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth.
He became a force for good, working with the Land Transport Authority and SMRT in their efforts to support persons with disabilities in navigating the public transport system.
You too can make a difference and support persons with disabilities like Navin by giving to the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund at giving.sg/GCTEnableFund.
Formerly the Mediacorp Enable Fund, the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund was renamed after its Patron, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, to better reflect its roots and intent in aiding persons with disabilities to actively contribute to society and lead socially integrated lives. The Fund is administered by SG Enable, and supported by Mediacorp.
#GCTEnableFund #GohChokTongEnableFund
Mary Sagaya travelling on her motorised wheelchair, which she purchased with aid from the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund (GCTEF)
Weekends are always busy for 41-year-old Executive Assistant, Mary Sagaya; like most, she spends quality time with her family either visiting various parks or going shopping. It has been six years since Mary purchased her motorised wheelchair with aid from the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund (GCTEF), which Mary shared, has allowed her to once again travel independently.
A life full of challenges
At birth, Mary was diagnosed with Congenital Band Syndrome, a condition where tissue bands form around fingers or limbs, affecting the blood flow and growth of the joints. For Mary specifically, the syndrome caused deformation in her fingers and legs.
As a student, Mary attended a mainstream school but recalled the tough journey she underwent. “They (the other students) would tease me, call me alien and all sorts of other names,” Mary shared with a wry laugh.
However, that was the least of Mary’s concerns. Up till the age of 18, Mary had to undergo multiple operations to straighten her bent legs. Unfortunately, a nerve was severed from Mary’s last surgery, which cost her the ability to walk. Despite the setback, Mary and her family took this in their stride. Mary explained, “All my life I was constantly in pain but now, because I lost all sensation in my legs, there was no more pain.”
But that was not the last hurdle Mary had to overcome. Due to the loss of feeling in her legs, Mary was unaware when she had badly gashed the sole of her left foot on a piece of glass. The severe injury led to gangrene, leaving doctors with no choice but to amputate her left leg below the knee. Following the amputation in 2001, Mary tried adapting to life with a prosthetic leg but further complications resulted in Mary having to undergo another procedure to further amputate her left leg, this time above her knee.
The tough gets going
In the early days of adjusting to her decreased mobility, Mary refused to rely on a wheelchair to get around. She tried giving crutches a go, but found that it was too physically demanding. She became reluctant to go out despite constant encouragement from her mother.
Now, after six years of using a motorised wheelchair, Mary chuckles at her initial reluctance. “I have freedom!” Mary exclaims ecstatically while explaining her commutes on the public transport system including buses and MRT trains.
Mary commuting on the public transport system
Today, Mary commutes daily from her home in Bukit Panjang to her parent’s place in Choa Chu Kang to care for her ailing mother. Seasoned with the use of her motorised wheelchair, Mary accompanies her mother and sister for medical appointments and sends her nephew and nieces for their tuition classes.
A new-found confidence
Mary attributes her new-found confidence to her supportive workplace, Chapman Consulting Group Pte Ltd, and encouraging colleagues who are fellow wheelchair users. Mary is also grateful to the Handicaps Welfare Association for directing her to the GCTEF, which promptly assisted Mary in purchasing her motorised wheelchair. “I have to use the H word, handicapped. Really! Without it, my daily living activities would be limited.”
With her motorised wheelchair, Mary is once again able to travel confidently on her own
Taking all the obstacles she has faced in her stride, Mary is now a highly positive and confident individual.
Mary is one of over 1,000 persons with disabilities who have had their aspirations and needs met through the GCTEF. Since its inception in 2016, the GCTEF has improved the employability of another 1,000 and reached over 40,000 Singaporeans in promoting social inclusivity.
Ho Wen Xi posing in her favourite princess dress
An enthusiastic seeker of knowledge with an inquisitive mind, eight-year-old Ho Wen Xi loves learning and reading. Like most girls her age, she also enjoys getting crafting and playing dress up. However, behind that sweet smile is a story of a tenacious girl who is facing multiple health struggles.
Wen Xi was born with Fanconi Anemia (FA), a rare genetic disorder that causes physical malformations and gradual bone marrow failure. For Wen Xi, FA has affected her vision, hearing, the skeletal structure of her hands and resulted in overlapping kidneys. Wen Xi’s speech delay, another effect of FA, had also concerned her parents who decided to pick up and teach Wen Xi sign language. Goo Siew Lin, Wen Xi’s mother, recalled “After learning sign language, Wen Xi was often calmer because she now had a means to communicate with us.”.
Wen Xi’s speech breakthrough was in 2019, after she watched a performance of her favourite animated movie Frozen. “She came up to me to ask if I could buy her an Elsa (princess character in Frozen) dress. She also started singing along to Frozen songs and was subsequently chattier.” Siew Lin recalled.
Tenacity amid health challenges
Wen Xi celebrating her fifth birthday in the hospital
Later in the same year, Wen Xi was scheduled for hand reconstruction surgery, but the doctors discovered her declining platelet count which required her to undergo a bone marrow transplant. During the six months that she was hospitalised, Wen Xi underwent multiple medical procedures.
Siew Lin recounted, “She was prepared for the procedures because she liked reading up on the human body. The nurses were surprised by her bravery, she was not scared of the needles or blood.”. With aspirations of pursuing a career in the medical field one day, Wen Xi regularly reads up about the human body.
In April 2020, Wen Xi was finally discharged from the hospital. However, she was still battling other complex medical conditions including esophageal stricture, the narrowing of the esophagus, and motor difficulties due to a bilateral hip dislocation, which required follow up treatment. She also subsequently developed cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS), a rare condition that causes repeated episodes of vomiting and nausea.
An inquisitive knowledge seeker
Wen Xi getting crafty, making miniature animals
“Wen Xi loves reading and learning but because of CVS, some enrichment classes turned down her applications. It breaks my heart.” Siew Lin explained.
Wen Xi also had to delay her Primary One registration twice which dampened her excitement as she was looking forward to starting school. Fulfilling her wishes, Wen Xi’s parents enrolled her in the Little Hands Bilingual-Bicultural Programme (LHBBP) run by the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf). “We are grateful that the LHBBP by SADeaf accommodated Wen Xi, and was more than willing to have her join classes when she was feeling well.” Ho Choong On, Wen Xi’s father, shared.
A Helping Hand
Recognising their situation, SADeaf referred the family to the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund to help alleviate the transportation costs to and fro home and the National University Hospital thrice a week for Wen Xi’s medical appointments. “Due to her condition, we had to hail a taxi whenever we brought Wen Xi for her appointments. The costs added up, but the GCTEF has lightened that financial strain.” Siew Lin explained. In supporting the aspirations of persons with disabilities, the GCTEF has also covered Wen Xi’s LHBBP fees since 2022.
Wen Xi with her father Ho Choong On and mother Siew Lin
“When her CVS stops, we hope to treat Wen Xi’s esophageal stricture and enroll her in a mainstream school.” shared a hopeful Siew Lin.
Wen Xi is one of over 1,000 persons with disabilities who have had their aspirations and needs met through the GCTEF. Since its inception in 2016, the GCTEF has improved the employability of another 1,000 and reached over 40,000 Singaporeans in promoting social inclusivity.
Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong speaking at the launch of the Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards.
SINGAPORE: A fundraising campaign was launched on Monday (May 22) as part of the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund to support people with disabilities.
Previously known as the Mediacorp Enable Fund, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the everyday challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Members of the public can contribute by taking part in “Paint It Forward” art jam sessions, which will be held at 10 malls managed by Frasers Property from May 26 to Jun 25.
“Participants will be offered opportunities to co-create art on outline canvases inspired by artists with disabilities behind the National Day Parade 2020, 2021 and 2022 collaterals, which were produced as part of the i’mable public education initiative by SG Enable,” said the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund in a media release.
For every participant, Frasers Property Singapore will contribute S$10 to the fund.
The artworks will be pieced together to form a collage that will be displayed at Northpoint City from Jun 21 to 25.
“Our malls serve as important hubs for the community,” said CEO of Frasers Property Singapore Soon Su Lin. “Through Paint It Forward, we hope to highlight that everyone is able to support one another, regardless of abilities – and to contribute to an inclusive community and a better future together.”
A community fund administered by SG Enable, with Mediacorp as its media partner, the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund was initiated by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong as the Today Enable Fund in December 2016, before being renamed as the Mediacorp Enable Fund in November 2018.
With the latest rebranding as the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund, it aims to grow its work in providing opportunities for and supporting the aspirations of people with disabilities.
“In this, the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund looks to provide financial assistance and helm other initiatives to complement efforts by the government and social service agencies in aiding persons with disabilities to actively contribute to society and lead socially integrated lives,” it added.
A key initiative of the fund is the annual Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards, which celebrates the achievements of people with disabilities and supports their aspirations.
This year’s awards will be held on Nov 30. Nominations for the awards are open until Jul 23.
Mediacorp celebrities will join the award winners as well as beneficiaries of the fund to put together videos on their everyday lives, accomplishments and how they overcome challenges.
These videos will be shared across the company’s media network.
“Mediacorp remains passionate in doing our part in building an inclusive society,” said Mediacorp CEO Tham Loke Keng.
“As the fund’s media partner, we will continue to leverage the reach of our platforms and talents to amplify its initiatives and work to support persons with disabilities and foster an inclusive society.”
As patron of the fund, Mr Goh said: “A kinder, gentler Singapore is one that helps persons with disabilities excel in life, at work, and in the community. As the fund evolves, we should increase our support to meet the aspirations and needs of persons with disabilities, as well as be more effective in recognising their abilities and contributions to others.”
Source: CNA/gs(mi)
Not boxed in by disability
He swims and plays bocce. He has tried archery and horseriding. He has even given powerlifting a go. But the sport he loves best is boxing.
On his passion, 17-year-old Keith Tan says: “I have loved combat sports since young, so taking up boxing is natural for me. I find strength when I’m doing it, and it trains my mind to be sharper.”
Indeed, strength may be an important attribute for most teenage boys but for Keith, a second-year student at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) @ Simei, it is especially significant because he has spastic diplegia cerebral palsy.
A different childhood
He was diagnosed with the neurological condition when he was one.
“As a baby, I wasn’t that active. I wasn’t rolling around or crawling. I would just lie there. My aunt was the one who first noticed it. So, my mother went to the doctor to see if this was cause for concern. The doctor then told my mum that I have cerebral palsy.”
The condition affects muscle control and coordination – it increases muscle tone such that a person’s muscles become stiff, and reflexes are exaggerated. Motor or movement milestones tend to be delayed too.
For Keith, this means that doing “even the simplest stuff” has been a challenge. He requires help for daily activities like bathing, getting dressed and visiting the toilet, and moves around in a wheelchair.
“My movements, especially waist down, are restricted. I can’t stand with both hands free. One hand has to be holding on to something for support. Speech is another thing. Sometimes my voice sounds strained because my muscles tense up.”
To help him, Keith always has a domestic helper by his side, even when he goes to school. However, he shares that having an adult supervising his every move has put a dampener on making new friends.
“I can’t be myself because there is always someone there. So, I am more guarded and that has contributed to my introverted nature. But I want to change that as I get older. I want to be more independent.”
Ticked the right boxes
Keith having a post-session debrief with his boxing coach after his training.
In October 2019, Keith decided to take up boxing, a sport that had intrigued him for a long time.
In his search for a school that would take him in, Keith chanced upon the Spartans Boxing Club. He wrote in without much expectation, but was warmly welcomed by the owner and he soon started lessons.
However, as Keith progressed, he realised that his wheelchair was not ideal for the sport, and he needed a sturdier wheelchair that could move around better. This was tough for his single mum who works in F&B, as a new wheelchair could easily cost up to a five-figure sum.
With assistance from the Mediacorp Enable Fund, Keith was able to buy a customised wheelchair that can support him better as he spars and trains. The new wheelchair is also lighter, making it easier for Tan to manoeuvre as he goes about his daily activities.
For the aspiring programmer who intends to further his studies at a polytechnic after he graduates from ITE, boxing seems to be the sport that has ticked all the right boxes for him.
“This is something I can do for the long haul, and I am grateful to be able to receive help from MEF to buy a new wheelchair so that I can continue my passion.”
Venerable Sek Ming Woon, one of two executrices of the late Venerable Suit’s estate, presenting a S$100,000 cheque to CEO of SG Enable, Ms Ku Geok Boon
The late Venerable Suit Woo Foong was a simple man. Born in China in 1921, he became a monk when he was just 12 and lived in monasteries until he passed away at the age of 97 in 2018.
In his final years, Venerable Suit lived in Singapore’s oldest Buddhist monastery, the Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery.
Known to be compassionate and generous, he was dedicated throughout his life to the pursuit of the spiritual as well as the alleviation of sufferings of the physical world.
It came, then, as no surprise that he had bequeathed proceeds from the only asset he owned – a house in Telok Kurau – to several charities.
The Mediacorp Enable Fund (MEF) was one of these charities. It received S$100,000 in support of its work to build a society where persons with disabilities are recognised for their abilities and are enabled to lead full, socially integrated lives.
The donation from the estate of the late Venerable Suit will go towards funding three broad areas: Aspirations and Last Mile Needs, Transition to Work, and Community Support.
In the area of Aspirations and Last Mile Needs, individuals will be supported in skills development or with financial assistance, while organisations will be aided in the development of their talents. The Transition to Work scope provides customised training and employment programmes to smoothen transition at critical stages of life. Community Support is a three-pronged effort that supports initiatives to enhance the independence and integration of people with disabilities, offers support to caregivers, and fosters a network of Special Education (SPED) alumni so that they do not become isolated.
Said Ms Ku Geok Boon, CEO of SG Enable which administers MEF: “We are grateful for this kind donation from the estate of the late Venerable Suit Woo Foong. It is most timely as the impact of COVID-19 on persons with disabilities and their caregivers is showing to be disproportionately huge compared to other vulnerable groups. (Venerable Suit’s) generosity will enable MEF to continue extending help and relief to persons with disabilities, and encourage them to keep their faith and stay positive, knowing that the community cares for them during these difficult times.”
Alumni Neo Kah Whye on his way home in a hydraulic van after participating in the Hydro Weekly programme at CPAS.
New support for SPED schools for continued engagement with alumni
Once a person with disability graduates from a Special Education (SPED) school, he / she may be transitioned into the workforce through programmes like the School-to-Work Transition Programme that enhances the independence and integration of the graduate.
However, such programmes currently do not include activities that help these graduates maintain the ties that they have built in school, as such bonding activities require extra resources that SPED schools do not have.
A need to support SPED school alumni networks
This is where the Mediacorp Enable Fund (MEF) comes in. MEF aims to build a society where persons with disabilities are recognised for their abilities and are enabled to lead full, socially integrated lives. SG Enable, an agency dedicated to enabling persons with disabilities, is MEF’s administrator while Mediacorp is its official media partner.
In supporting SPED schools and their networks, the community-based fund has since expanded its aid to include support for the caregivers of persons with disabilities, as well as for programmes that look to foster a network of SPED alumni so they do not become isolated.
Specifically, the MEF will support SPED schools or their parent organisations under its SPED Alumni Engagement funding for outreach programmes that encourages continued engagement by the community with their alumni networks.
On this, Ms Selina Heng, Manager of SG Enable said: “The relationships that these graduates have established in school are crucial to their overall development and it is important for them to continue to have a strong support network.”
SPED Alumni Engagement Support’s first recipient
In January 2021, MEF’s Community Fund supported Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) with S$20,000 under its SPED Alumni Engagement funding. This will go to defraying their cost of running their Beyond Boundaries Club’s weekly programmes, which include riding lessons, hydrotherapy, creative arts and music, digital art and flower design.
Ms Yurnita Bte Omar, Alumni Liaison Executive of Adult Services at CPAS said: “We are thankful to be the first recipient of MEF’s SPED Alumni Engagement funding. This will assist with the cost of running our weeklactivities, through which we hope to bridge the gap between our alumni and the community. With the funding, we also hope to reach out to more high support and home-bound alumni.”
Some 35 CPAS alumni, aged between 18 and 55, with moderate to severe physical or multiple disabilities will benefit from the funding this year.
How SPED schools can qualify for funding
SPED schools (or their parent organisations) hoping to get support for their alumni engagement initiatives can apply for the funding under two categories:
Applications that do not fall into these categories will be assessed on a case–by-case basis.
Schools can submit a proposal through their principal any time during the year but can only receive funding once every 12 months. Their proposal, complete with an application form, should map out key details such as when the activity will take place, its nature and objectives, the target number of participants as well as the budget.
Once funding has been given and the event or programme completed, a brief report of the entire proceeding needs to be submitted. Regular activities will require reports either on a quarterly, half-yearly or annual basis.
987 DJ Sonia Chew spent a day getting to know Joan Hung, a Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards 2021 Promise Awardee. Joan was born with visual impairment, but that has not stopped her from pursuing her passion for sports. She has represented Singapore in Goalball in the ASEAN Para Games in 2015 and 2022, […]
Read More
WARNA 942 DJ A B Shaik spent a day getting acquainted with Amirul Afiq, a beneficiary of the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund. Amirul was born deaf, but he has never allowed his disability to deter him from living life to the fullest. The Fund aided Amirul in purchasing a cochlear implant, which allowed […]
Read More
Richie Koh and Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund beneficiary Fengze spent the day together and bonded over their love for all things superheroes. Diagnosed with autism and Pierre Robin Syndrome, which causes breathing difficulties, Fengze is unable to communicate verbally and requires constant care and supervision from his parents to ensure his safety. You […]
Read More
Oli 968 artiste Anand K spent a day with Dr Navin Nair, Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards 2022 Promise Awardee, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth. He became a force for good, working with the Land Transport Authority and SMRT in their efforts to support persons with disabilities in navigating the public […]
Read More
Weekends are always busy for 41-year-old Executive Assistant, Mary Sagaya; like most, she spends quality time with her family either visiting various parks or going shopping. It has been six years since Mary purchased her motorised wheelchair with aid from the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund (GCTEF), which Mary shared, has allowed her to once […]
Read More
An enthusiastic seeker of knowledge with an inquisitive mind, eight-year-old Ho Wen Xi loves learning and reading. Like most girls her age, she also enjoys getting crafting and playing dress up. However, behind that sweet smile is a story of a tenacious girl who is facing multiple health struggles. Wen Xi was born with Fanconi […]
Read More
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