Ms Ang Bee Lian, CEO National Council of Social Service

Mr Lee Kim Siang , Chairman of the Society of Moral Charities

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and gentlemen

1.                A very good morning. I am very pleased to join all of you today at the Abilities Roadshow 2008. The Roadshow serves as an important reminder for all of us to look at the strengths and abilities of persons with disabilities who live and work amongst us.

DIRC

2.                Firstly, I would like to commend the Disability Information and Referral Centre (DIRC) for their efforts and dedication in providing a one-stop information and referral service.

3.                Within three years, it has expanded to include coordinating referrals for disability programmes and grown into a key player in promoting awareness on disability issues. Today’s event is a good example. I would like to commend the Chairman of the Society of Moral Charities, Mr Lee Kim Siang, for pioneering the work that has brought DIRC to where it is today. I would also like to commend the DIRC for their laudable effort in organising this event together with the support from the National Council of Social Service (NCSS).

APB Foundation Scholarship

4.                I am delighted today to present three APB Foundation Scholarship awards worth a total of $132,000. These undergraduate scholarships for Persons with Disabilities are sponsored by Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Foundation in partnership with the NCSS.

5.                Since 2004, eight individuals have won this scholarship and have gone on to pursue undergraduate degrees at local universities. Of these, three scholars have since graduated and secured jobs upon their graduation. One of them, Mr Liew Chong Choon, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, graduated from the Singapore Management University. He is now an officer in MCYS working on policies for the Elderly. And I can tell you that he more than pulls his weight.

6.      This year, APB Foundation has collaborated with NCSS to widen the scope of its Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities. I am pleased to note that it is now extended to students with other disabilities such as the hearing and visually impaired in order to benefit more Persons with Disabilities. It is always heartening to see corporations stepping up and contributing to the needs of society. They are an important part of our Many Helping Hands.

7.      To our young scholars, Jeffrey Soh, Fiona Tan and Benjamin Koh, I wish you all the best in your academic pursuits and career.

8.      Finally, I would like to thank all the sponsors and organisers for supporting this event and the worthy cause to make a difference in the lives of the needy.

9.      With that, I wish everyone a pleasant and enjoyable day ahead. 

Thank you.