GCT Enable Awards (UBS Achievement) 2022 Awardees
Palani Samy, 72 years old, is the co-founder of the Handicaps Welfare Association, a passionate sportsman and an active grassroots leader serving the disadvantaged in the community. With an acquired disability due to contracting polio at a young age, he leads by example to show that a person with disability can be both an integral member of society and a positive influence on others in the community.
He is nominated by Bizlink Centre Singapore Ltd.
Theresa, 35 years old, is a Paralympic bronze medallist who was born with congenital spina bifida and a deaf left ear. She was the first Paralympian to be elected to the Singapore National Olympic Council’s Athletes Commission and has introduced the world of para sports to Singaporeans through her journey of representing the country for close to 20 years.
She is nominated by Singapore Disability Sports Council.
Lee Lee, 55 years old, is a theatre and film producer, writer, and actor, a dedicated inclusivity champion in the arts sector, and the first blind Advance Certificate in Learning and Performance facilitator under the Workforce Skills Qualifications framework. Born prematurely with congenital cataracts which led to total blindness, she is also a strong advocate for the use of guide dogs as a mobility aid for the visually impaired in Singapore.
She is nominated by ART:DIS Singapore.
GCT Enable Awards (UBS Promise) 2022 Awardees
Darren, 46 years old, has an acquired disability due to a near fatal stroke. Refusing to let his circumstances get the better of him, he is now an Empowerment Coach who uses his personal experiences to help others realise their strengths and gifts.
He is nominated by Ms Christine Sim.
Qing Hui, 30 years old, was diagnosed with intellectual disability when he was in primary school. He chose to focus on his strengths instead of his limitations, and was recently elected the Co-Chairperson of Special Olympics Asia Pacific’s Regional Athlete Leadership Council from 2022 to 2024.
He is nominated by APSN Tanglin School.
Jaspreet, 42 years old, was born with Down syndrome. She worked hard to broaden her skillsets, and today, is a dedicated performing artist and a firm advocate for persons with disabilities, who has been instrumental in raising public awareness of the disability community over the last two decades.
She is nominated by MINDS.
Justin, 24 years old, was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at a young age. Despite his condition, he graduated from Singapore Management University with the highest distinctions, is a talented musician, and a disability inclusion advocate, who is passionate about championing a stronger and more inclusive community.
He is nominated by SPD.
Jason, 44 years old, has an acquired disability due to a serious bacterial infection. Fitted with prosthetics, the avid sports enthusiast is now able to participate in high-intensity activities and hopes to use sport as a force for social good as a member of Sport Singapore’s SportCares team.
He is nominated by SportCares, Sport Singapore.
June, 38 years old, was born with Down syndrome. She is a passionate disability inclusion advocate and a co-founding member of Diverse Abilities Dance Collective, which enables aspiring artists with disabilities to work towards their goal of becoming semi-professional art-makers and co-trainers.
She is nominated by Down Syndrome Association (Singapore).
Luo Mang, 21 years old, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. She is a dedicated performing artist who, at the age of 15, gave her first solo dance performance at the opening of the 8th ASEAN Para Games in Singapore.
She is nominated by Autism Association (Singapore).
Amanda, 32 years old, was born with spina bifida, but she did not let her physical condition get in her way of living an active and meaningful life. As a Para Cycling athlete, she has represented Singapore in the 2017 ASEAN Para Games and is now the Assistant General Secretary of the Para Cycling Federation of Singapore.
She is nominated by AWWA Ltd.
Ammar, 30 years old, is a deaf choreographer, performer, and filmmaker, who has consistently pushed the boundaries of his craft. He serves as a bridge between the deaf and hearing communities both locally and internationally and strives to advocate for a greater understanding of deaf culture, perspectives, and language.
He is nominated by Ms Rachel Nip Oi Ting.
Navin, 35 years old, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth. Through engagement and dialogues with stakeholders and government agencies, he helped in the advent of wheelchair accessible public transport which facilitates daily travelling for himself and other persons with disabilities today.
He is nominated by Land Transport Authority of Singapore.
Claire, 23 years old, is a visually impaired artist, educator, and community arts worker, who was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at the age of four. She was also the first visually impaired person to graduate with a Diploma in Performance from LASALLE College of the Arts.
She is nominated by ART:DIS Singapore.
Zi Heng, 31 years old, has an acquired disability due to a severe spinal cord injury. After undergoing intensive rehabilitation, he went back to university to complete his studies, and is now a secondary school teacher who inspires his students every day, and a dedicated member of SPD’s services committee.
He is nominated by SPD.
GCT Enable Awards (UBS Achievement) 2021 Awardee
Richard, 44 years old, is an accomplished architect and President of the Disabled People’s Association. Born with congenital Spina Bifida resulting in paraplegia, he is a passionate disability advocate who has worked on award-winning landmark projects to enhance accessibility for the disabled community.
He is nominated by Handicaps Welfare Association.
Dawn-joy, 56 years old, is a researcher, multi-artist, board member of the Disabled People’s Association and one of the founding directors of K9 Assistance (Ltd). Diagnosed as autistic at the age of 42, she is a disability advocate and mentor for aspiring artists and researchers who has published, performed and exhibited her transdisciplinary work internationally.
She is nominated by Very Special Arts Singapore.
Chin Heng, 71 years old, was born with profound hearing loss and dedicated his life to teaching for more than 45 years. He is a pioneer in the field of education for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Singapore and was instrumental in introducing various teaching approaches and sign languages used locally.
He is nominated by Singapore Association for the Deaf.
GCT Enable Awards (UBS Promise) 2021 Awardees
Allan, 23 years old, was born with Down syndrome and faced multiple medical conditions growing up. Despite his hearing and speech limitations, Allan is an active advocate for persons with special needs, representing the disabled community at conferences in Singapore and internationally.
He is nominated by Down Syndrome Association (Singapore).
Kishon, 29 years old, lost the ability to walk when he was struck with a spinal stroke in 2018. He worked hard to upskill himself and today, is Singapore’s first Customer Experience Inclusivity Officer for a public transport operator. Through his work, he creates a more inclusive and caring commuting culture in Singapore.
He is nominated by SPD.
Rosalind, 43 years old, was born deaf and has been active in volunteering work with multiple organisations. Passionate about positively impacting the lives of others, she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Counselling at Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and aspires to be a counsellor for the disadvantaged.
She is nominated by Singapore University of Social Sciences.
Joan, 25 years old, is a National Goalball player who has to cope with a deteriorating eye condition. She uses her own unique experience to inspire others who are visually impaired and advocates for a more inclusive society.
She is nominated by Singapore Disability Sports Council and Ms Amanda Chong.
Arshad, 24 years old, was diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at a very young age and was raised by a single mother. He founded Inclusivity 4 All, an online concert series, to provide a unique platform for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents as well as raise funds for the underprivileged in Singapore.
He is nominated by Ms Shajeetha Ameen.
Noah, 20 years old, is a visual artist and a Special Olympics Singapore bowling athlete who was diagnosed with autism at two years old. He leverages his artistic talent to create artworks to raise funds for the community and actively participates in advocacy events to raise awareness for persons with disabilities.
He is nominated by Very Special Arts Singapore.
Whee Boon, 56 years old, has an acquired disability due to a bacterial infection in 2015. Despite the challenges, Whee Boon has retained his zest for life, been gainfully employed and continues to provide support to amputees and inspire those around him. He is also a member of the National Wheelchair Rugby team and has participated in five international tournaments since 2017.
He is nominated by Chemical Industries Employees Union.
Steve, 40 years old, is a tandem cyclist and public speaker who represented Singapore at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games this year. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in 2004, an incurable eye condition which will eventually lead to total blindness, Steve works closely with social enterprises to conduct educational talks and workshops for schools and corporates.
He is nominated by Para Cycling Federation of Singapore.
Elliot, 21 years old, was diagnosed with bilateral severe-to-profound hearing loss at a young age. He learnt how to cope with his disability in everyday situations and gives back to the community regularly. An aspiring lawyer for the disadvantaged, Elliot is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at the Singapore Management University.
He is nominated by Singapore Management University.
Winston, 33 years old, is a disability inclusion advocate who was diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss at the age of four. He has been an active volunteer with SPD and SG Enable and is currently employed at Temasek Polytechnic’s Special Educational Needs Support Division.
He is nominated by Temasek Polytechnic.
GCT Enable Awards (UBS Achievement) 2020 Awardees
Mdm Lim, 76 years old, is a veteran artist and founder of Singapore’s first auction house who has dedicated her life to the development of Singapore’s art culture. Undaunted by the daily challenges that came with her diagnosis of muscular dystrophy at the age of 50, she continues to paint and rally the community to help the underprivileged through art.
She is nominated by Mr Steven Fu.
Sherena, 61 years old,was told she would not live beyond 25 years when diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 15. She has since defied the odds and was a prime mover in implementing innovative services across the nation that has empowered and integrated people with disabilities, including co-founding the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore).
She is nominated by Mr Akash Mohapatra.
Azariah, 29 years old, is an accomplished pianist with hearing impairment,committed to using his talent to give back to the community through inspirational talks and performances at fundraising concerts. The recipient of numerous local and international awards, he has put Singapore on the map of the music world through his achievements.
He is nominated by Very Special Arts Singapore.
William, a 63-year-old physician by profession, is an Asian Para Games triple gold medalist, accomplished wheelchair marathoner and a social activist, who has an acquired disability after contracting polio at the age of two. He has played an active role in advocating for persons with disabilities, including in his capacity as the President of the Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA).
He is nominated by Mr Kevin Pang.
GCT Enable Awards (UBS Promise) 2020 Awardees
James, 29 years old, is an exceptional Irish traditional musician with autism. As a flutist, he has been using his talent to give back to society and spread the message of inclusion by performing at events such as the True Colours Festival.
He is nominated by Asia-Europe Foundation where he works, and Mr Edward Lim Xun Qian.
Adelyn is a 19-year-old singer who was born with a rare eye disorder. Undeterred by her visual impairment,she continues to develop her talent and passion for singing. She has been performing since 2010 and is an active advocate for the visually impaired.
She is nominated by ITE College East.
Peter, 25 years old, is a Technology for Good advocate with hearing impairment. Not only is he dedicated to creating a more inclusive workspace for persons with disabilities, he also looks to encourage his able-bodied peers to achieve their goals.
He is nominated by Professor David Lee Kuo Chuen and Mr Tham Yun Zhi.
Samuel is a 21-year-old piano and guzheng hobbyist who has an acquired disability due to extensive acid burns. Highly committed to helping the less fortunate and promoting social inclusivity, he has been performing regularly at multiple charity events.
He is nominated by Club Rainbow (Singapore).
Zui Young, 29 years old, is a Technology for Good advocate who was born with high astigmatism. He has been instrumental in promoting an inclusive hiring process at the Government Technology Agency where he works at and also advocates for workplace inclusivity by speaking engagements.
He is nominated by Government Technology Agency.
Nurul, 35 years old, is a two-time Paralympian Boccia athlete and an accredited tax specialist with spinal muscular atrophy. She serves as a mentor to promising Boccia athletes from the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore) and is actively involved in the para sports movement internationally.
She is nominated by Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore).
Ivan is a 35-year-old Taekwondo and Kummooyeh Coach with hearing impairment. He has participated in multiple national championships and also represented Singapore in the Deaflympics. He has been inspiring the next generation of martial arts practitioners since 2008.
He is nominated by Han Academy Pte Ltd.
Alister, 26 years old, was born with Cerebral Palsy and shares his personal story to champion for inclusivity for persons with disabilities. He volunteers actively in Singapore, and not bound by geographical limitations, has also travelled to Australia, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam on more than 30 mission trips and community outreach programmes.
He is nominated by Ms Priscilla Gan and Ms Ong Shui Xian.
Danial, also known by his stage name Wheelsmith, is a 26-year-old rapper, music producer, actor and national wheelchair rugby player. Having been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of four, he is passionate about changing people’s attitudes towards disability and was part of the National Day Parade’s first-ever segment devoted to hip-hop music in 2019.
He is nominated by Access Path Productions.
Megan is a 14-year-old dancer with Down syndrome and is the first and only dancer enrolled into the Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) Fusion Dance Enrichment Programme before the age of 18. It was no surprise when she was selected to join the Special Olympics Singapore Dancesport team and is currently preparing for the Special Olympics Dance Sports Event.
She is nominated by Down Syndrome Association (Singapore).
Joshua, 23 years old, is a visually impaired disability advocate who lost his vision due to congenital glaucoma. Realising there are many other persons with disabilities who need better representation in Singapore’s community, Joshua has spent the past five years advocating for accessibility and inclusivity.
He is nominated by three organisations, namely: iC2 PrepHouse Limited, Singapore Management University and Temasek Polytechnic.
Liang Le is a 28-year-old entrepreneur with an acquired disability due to a spinal injury. Her webstore, Arete First, has grown to have an e-commerce presence across multiple platforms like Lazada, Shopee, Ebay and Amazon.com. She now serves as a mentor as part of the SPD Transition to Employment Programme to inspire others to pursue their passions.
She is nominated by SPD.
GCT Enable Awards (UBS Achievement) 2019 Awardees
62-year-old Michael Ngu, is one of Singapore’s leading architects, best known for his commercial projects in the downtown financial district. As the President & CEO of architects 61, he has built it to become one of the top three firms in Singapore and the region. Furthermore, his selfless acts and active contribution to the community are truly an inspiration to others.
He is nominated by a close friend, Mr Tag Sin Siew and supported by many fellow architect compatriots.
Tan Guan Heng, 82 years old, is a trailblazer and veteran of the social service sector. Tan Guan Heng became blind when the retina in both eyes detached while he was in University. Undefeated, he went on to be an author and dedicated more than half his life to community service. Most notably, he was the first visually impaired President of the Singapore Association for the Blind (now known as Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped) from 1975 to 1980, and also served as its President from 2006 to 2012.
He is nominated by Musical Theatre Ltd, the organisation that put up a musical based off his book, My Love is Blind.
Yip Pin Xiu, 27 years old, is no stranger to many. She is a three-time Paralympic gold medallist, and has broken two world records to date. Her recent appointment as a Nominated Member of Parliament provided a platform for her to contribute her views to shape the disability sports systems and encourage integration.
She is nominated by the Singapore Disability Sports Council, the national sports body for the disabled in Singapore.
GCT Enable Awards (UBS Promise) 2019 Awardees
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.
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