$1m fund to support those with disabilities in S’pore through arts bursaries, scholarships

SINGAPORE – Madam Elise Ng has difficulties communicating with her son, who is intellectually disabled and cannot speak.

So when Mr Gary Chong attended his first art class, she was delighted to see how he was able to express himself. The 27-year-old loves painting landscapes, but art therapy, with all the materials required and other programme costs, is expensive.

To get help to cover the costs, Madam Ng, a 52-year-old housewife, will be applying on Mr Chong’s behalf for the Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Award (KLSHA).

It was launched on Nov 20 at the North East Community Development Council (CDC) in Our Tampines Hub. Mr Kiat Lim, patron of Shaping Hearts, was present.

Mr Lim, son of tycoon Peter Lim, is the executive vice-chairman of Thomson Medical Group and chairman of RSP Architects. He has committed $1,000,000 over the next five years to funding the award.

“Art is a form of alternative expression. Some are unable to communicate as well, or be as expressive physically, so I think art is something that can allow them to express themselves in an alternative form,” said Mr Lim.

The award was formerly known as the North East HeARTS Award. Organised by the North East CDC, it was introduced in April 2024.

It was renamed following Mr Lim’s donation, which was the largest made to the award by an individual.

It is an annual scholarship and bursary programme that aims to provide financial assistance to children and youth with disabilities, to help them further pursue their passion in art. These disabilities can be mental or physical, including visual impairments, deafness, autism and Down syndrome.

The award is part of a larger inclusive art festival, Shaping Hearts, that holds an art exhibition for artists with disabilities to display their artworks. These art pieces can also be bought by members of the public.

Mr Desmond Choo, Mayor of North East District, said: “I think art is a language that binds people together. Especially for special needs communities where some are non-verbal, paintings express their needs and desires. Art can be turned into a form of income for them.”

The North East HeARTS award provided 20 bursaries and 10 scholarships to make art education more accessible.

Now with Mr Lim’s support, the KLSHA will offer 10 scholarships and 100 bursaries for up to 110 recipients annually.

The award will retain its two categories – Shining Award and Encouraging Award – both of which are for children and youth seven years old and above.

The Shining Award is for applicants who have attained a good level of art proficiency and want to further develop their skills professionally, such as by learning a new art medium or learning from a professional.

The Encouraging Award is for applicants who use art to express themselves and develop important skills, including communication, social skills, and fine and gross motor skills.

A new category has been introduced for children who are seven years old and younger – the Budding Award. This emphasises the importance of early intervention, allowing young children with disabilities to nurture their artistic talent and foster their social skills and fine and gross motor skills.

Budding Award recipients will receive a grant of $1,000 each, Encouraging Award recipients $2,000 each and Shining Award recipients $5,000 each.

Mr Chong is looking to apply for the Encouraging Award.

Madam Ng said: “This award is helpful for us to help cover the costs for Gary’s art classes.”

Applications for the award are open. To be eligible, applicants must be Singapore citizens or permanent residents, and either a Shaping Hearts participant or North East district resident.

The Encouraging and Budding Awards are for families with a gross per capita income of $1,500 and below, while the Shining Award has no income requirement.

Applications close on Jan 31, 2025.

“I am happy to see Gary able to express himself. I hope he will continue to enjoy art,” said Madam Ng.