The North East Neighborhood Growth Council (NE CDC) introduced the inaugural Kiat Lim–Shaping Hearts Award yesterday (Sep 25) at The Fullerton Lodge Singapore.
The occasion, graced by David Neo, Performing Minister for Tradition, Neighborhood and Youth, honoured 83 individuals with disabilities (PwDs) with artwork scholarships, bursaries, and early intervention grants to assist their inventive improvement.
Backed by the Lim Household Basis with a S$1 million, five-year dedication from entrepreneur Kiat Lim, The Kiat Lim–Shaping Hearts Award was launched in Nov final yr. It’s a part of NE CDC’s ongoing Shaping Hearts initiative, Singapore’s largest inclusive arts programme, which gives PwDs platforms to showcase and develop their creativity.
Mayor Baey Yam Keng of North East District mentioned: “The Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Award reinforces our dedication to make sure that individuals with disabilities have equal entry to alternatives that assist their development, creativity, and confidence.”
“This initiative is just not solely a recognition of their inventive abilities—it displays our collaborative power once we rally behind inclusion. With devoted companions like Kiat Lim, whose assist goes past funding to strategic collaboration, we are able to construct bigger platforms and create a long-lasting impression for our artists.”
Supporting artists throughout all levels
The awards have been introduced in three classes:
- Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Shining Award: For artists demonstrating superior proficiency {and professional} potential. Recipients obtained an award plaque and S$5,000.
- Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Encouraging Award: For people utilizing artwork in every day life for private or social improvement. Recipients obtained an award plaque and S$2,000.
- Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Budding Award: For kids under seven, utilizing artwork as an early intervention device. Recipients obtained an award plaque and S$1,000.
They assist recipients’ wants, together with coaching to discover new artwork types, utilizing artwork to construct communication and motor abilities, and buying artwork supplies.
The awards additionally construct on the council’s earlier HeARTS Award, which supplied 20 bursaries and 10 scholarships to PwDs in 2024. Previous HeARTS recipients have gone on to pursue formal artwork schooling, mentor friends, and showcase their work publicly.
“This initiative is about creating actual alternatives for individuals with disabilities—not simply to showcase their inventive expertise, however to be embraced as an integral a part of Singapore,” mentioned Lim.
I imagine that once we give individuals with disabilities the assist and visibility they deserve, we create a stronger and extra compassionate society. I’m proud to face behind an initiative that uplifts these voices and helps them shine by way of the Lim Household Basis.
Constructing an inclusive arts ecosystem
The occasion final night featured a particular apperance by JJ Lin, Founder & CEO of JFJ Productions, who joined Minister Neo, Mayor Baey, Minister of State Desmond Choo, and Kiat Lim in finishing a collaborative art work with a Shaping Hearts particular wants artist. The piece shall be displayed at upcoming Shaping Hearts 2025 exhibitions.
Friends have been additionally moved by a efficiency by Adelyn Koh, a younger artist with particular wants, earlier than the awards presentation and a silent public sale in assist of artists with disabilities.
For a lot of recipients, the popularity was a catalyst for development. “Receiving the Shining Award pushed me to take my artwork to the following stage,” mentioned Ashley Ang, an award recipient. “It gave me the assist and perception I wanted to strive new strategies, discover new concepts, and take extra pleasure in what I create.”
With initiatives like this, NE CDC continues to increase Shaping Hearts alongside its companions, offering platforms for individuals with disabilities to showcase their abilities, encourage the group, and pursue significant livelihoods by way of their artwork.
Featured Picture Credit score: Vulcan Publish
Elevate your perspective with NextTech Information, the place innovation meets perception.
Uncover the newest breakthroughs, get unique updates, and join with a world community of future-focused thinkers.
Unlock tomorrow’s developments as we speak: learn extra, subscribe to our e-newsletter, and develop into a part of the NextTech group at NextTech-news.com
