Issue No: 1/2010 - MINDS

Wild Brother
Three Boats
Boats at Sea

MINDS’ Vision
To be a world-class voluntary
welfare organisation that advances
the development, well-being and
aspirations of persons with intellectual
disability and their integration into
society
MINDS Headquarters
800 Margaret Drive
Singapore 149310
Tel: 6479 5655 Fax: 6479 0706
Website: www.minds.org.sg
MINDS Centres
Idea Employment Development
Centre
29 Rosyth Road, Singapore 546190
Tel: 6282 4852 Fax: 6280 5078
SIA-MINDS Employment
Development Centre
800 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149310
Tel: 6473 1148 Fax: 6473 3885
Woodlands Employment
Development Centre
30 Woodlands Ring Road, #01-02
Singapore 737883
Tel: 6366 3966 Fax: 6366 7422
Ang Mo Kio Training & Development
Centre
Blk 134 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, #01-1677
Singapore 560134
Tel: 6456 4174 Fax: 6456 0570
Clementi Training & Development
Centre
Blk 304 Clementi Ave 4, #01-487
Singapore 120304
Tel: 6776 8743 Fax: 6776 8741
Napiri Training & Development Centre
7 Lorong Napiri, Singapore 547533
Tel: 6387 7662 Fax: 6387 3357
MINDS Special Education Schools
Fernvale Gardens School
7 Fernvale Road, Singapore 797635
Tel: 6481 6697 Fax: 6483 2631
Lee Kong Chian Gardens School
802 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149311
Tel: 6473 8332 Fax: 6473 4776
Towner Gardens School
1B Lengkong Lima, Singapore 417557
Tel: 6446 2612 Fax: 6243 7498
Woodlands Gardens School
30 Woodlands Ring Road, #01-01
Singapore 737883
Tel: 6468 0566 Fax: 6468 2142
MINDS Home
MINDSville@Napiri
7 Lorong Napiri
Singapore 547533
Tel: 6387 7662 Fax: 6387 3357
MINDS Social Enterprise
800 Margaret Drive
Singapore 149310
Tel: 6473 7512 ext 244
Fax: 6473 0831
CONTENTS
02 Message from the President
03 Interview with our new Patron,
Dr Cheong Choong Kong
04 Sports for the Mind
05 The World of Arts has no Boundaries
06 Celebrating Volunteerism
07 New Facilities in Fernvale and Woodlands
08 New MINDS shops
MINDS – Start a Social Enterprise contest
09 Most Outstanding Staff from MINDS
11 Two Outstanding SPED Teachers within MINDS
12 Our Valedictorians for 2009
13 Our Award-winning Volunteer, Mr Daniel Tan Tai Leng
14 Warming the Hearts through Art
15 Appreciation notes from MINDS
16 PAT Programme @ MINDSville
17 Planning for Tomorrow Today
18 Fast forward
Advisory Committee
The Public Relations, Education & Communications Committee
Chairman: Boo Chong Han
Members: Doreen Yap | Daniel Tan | Keh Eng Song | Desiree Lim
Editorial Committee
Advisors: Keh Eng Song | Jeannie Ho
Editor: Desiree Lim
Members: Anthony Tan | Jenny Alexander | Josephine Ong | Suzana
Soo | Prema Thevarajah | Ng Mun Wai | Stephen Shi | Koh Gee May
| Ling Chong Beng | Rose Kwek | Rosalyn Peng | Shafiyah Sarwan |
Mike Koh | Mimi Tan | Gerald Ng
Contributors: Jeanie Morgan | Leroy Lee | Shah Rizan bin Ramlee |
Sim Yen Cheng | Wahyudi bin Muhammad Saman
MINDSpeak is published by the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of
Singapore (MINDS).
Designed and printed by adamsapple.
© Copyright is held by the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced
or transmitted in any forms or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recordings or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher. All views and
opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of
publisher.

Message from
the President
When the Executive Committee started its term in September this year, it reviewed and set out the
strategic initiatives for MINDS over a 2-3 year time horizon. One of these strategic initiatives was
to better engage our stakeholders, that is, our members, clients, parents and caregivers, staff,
volunteers, donors, sponsors, regulators and funding bodies.
MINDSpeak will be one platform through which we can better engage our stakeholders.
Firstly, MINDSpeak will inform our readers of the many activities that persons with intellectual
disability (PIDs) are engaged in. By showcasing their talents and needs, we hope to create a better
understanding of PIDs, which is an important step for their integration into mainstream society. In
doing so, the work of our staff and their numerous projects and initiatives to empower PIDs and
improve their welfare will be highlighted.
Secondly, it will allow our allied health professionals, principals and teachers, caregivers and
volunteers to share their knowledge and experience. MINDSpeak can be a forum to discuss issues
that affect the lives and well-being of PIDs. Through informed dialogue and exchange of ideas, the
best ideas will often prevail, and this will be beneficial to improving the welfare of PIDs.
Last but not least, MINDSpeak will highlight the many unsung heroes and stars amongst our midst,
be they PIDs, caregivers, staff, volunteers, donors or sponsors. There are many who quietly and in
different ways try to make the lives of those around them better. Hopefully, MINDSpeak will also be
a source of inspiration to our readers, derived from the courage and can-do spirit of our PIDs and
caregivers, the passion and dedication of our staff, and the selfless generosity of our volunteers and
sponsors.
Engaging our stakeholders has to be a 2-way process, and I hope that as much as we try to
engage our stakeholders, they too will reach out to us and engage us, and thereby continue to be
a source of support, guidance and encouragement. In due course, we hope to harness information
technology to facilitate that two way process of dialogue and engagement.
Ultimately, MINDSpeak must represent the voice of all of MINDS, and that would include all our
stakeholders, and you who share our vision and mission of advancing the development, well-being
and aspirations of PIDs and their integration into society.
I am proud to launch this new issue of MINDSpeak, which carry in its pages the many facets and
colour of the lives of PIDs, and the people from different walks of life who, inasmuch as they give,
often find that they also receive, sometimes in unexpected ways.
I hope you will enjoy your copy of Mindspeak. Happy Reading.
Mr Conrad Campos
President of MINDS
02

Interview with our new Patron,
Dr Cheong Choong Kong
On September 2009, Miss Lee Seok
Tin stepped down as the Patron of
MINDS and Dr Cheong Choong Kong
joined us as the new Patron. MINDS
would like to convey our deepest
appreciation to Miss Lee for all her
time and commitment since the
inception of SARC/MINDS in 1962.
As we welcome Dr Cheong to our
MINDS family, MINDSpeak had a
little interview with this stalwart of the
industry.
MINDSpeak: Dr Cheong, thank you
so much for being our Patron. What
sparked off your interest in MINDS
initially? And what prompted you to
take on this additional role?
Dr Cheong: My acquaintance with
MINDS was made during my days as
CEO of Singapore Airlines. I recall we
wanted to adopt a worthy charity that
we could support not just with money,
but also through the voluntary efforts
of our employees. MINDS was an
easy choice. It needed to construct
the building on 800 Margaret Drive
and we were able and happy to
contribute the necessary funds. The
work of MINDS provided an avenue
for SIA people to help and interact
with people less well endowed, which
was also one of our aims.
When I was invited by MINDS to
become its Patron, I had no hesitation
in saying yes because of my past
association and shared values. It is an
honour.
MINDSpeak: We all know of your
acting role in the local television
sitcom “The Yang Sisters”. How did
you chance upon this role of San Poh.
Dr Cheong: I was asked, I went for
an audition, and the rest followed.
The acting experience was nothing
terribly new, but it was nonetheless
great fun.
MINDSpeak: You have served as
an Associate Professor and Head of
the Department for the University of
Malaya. You then took on a career
switch in 1974, left the academic
world and joined Singapore Airlines,
where you subsequently became
its CEO. In 1998, Fortune named
you Asian Businessman of the Year,
noting that SIA had an “unbroken
27-year record of profitability
through turbulent economic times”
What is your formula for such great
achievement?
Dr Cheong: There is no magic
formula. As always, it is all about
hard work, integrity, a deep sense of
responsibility to all stakeholders –
employees, customers and owners
in my case – and a good deal of luck.
These are crucial elements in any field
of activity, including those that staff
members of MINDS are engaged in.
MINDSpeak: Lastly, can we get
a quote from you on your general
feeling about Intellectual Disability
and/or about people with Intellectual
Disability?
Dr Cheong: The intellectually
disabled among us need our care
and protection. The support and
attention we give them can make a
big difference to their lives. And to
ours too.
03 mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people

Sports for the Mind
Text and photos by Desiree Lim
Encouraging sports is crucial in promoting healthy
lifestyle to everybody. This is even more crucial to
persons with intellectual disability as invaluable social,
physical and psychological skills can be taught and
transmitted to them during pre-Meet training and
preparation. The Sports Meet is also a time for them to
showcase their sports ability and gain a higher sense
of belonging and success. Caregivers, teachers and
trainers are also positively affected through the sports
activities.
This year, the MINDS Sports Meet took place at Yishun
Stadium on 24 April. The event was graced by CEO of
Singapore Sports Council, Mr Oon Jin Teik.
Many of the sports items at MINDS Sports Meet were
adapted sports which were modified to meet the needs
of persons with intellectual disability. A total of about
450 MINDS pupils and trainees, aged between six and
55 years old, took part in the 13 Sports Meet games this
year. This included a 4 X 100 meter relay between staff,
pupils and trainees, and a novelty activity involving some
35 parents and caregivers.
04

The various centres of MINDS had been conducting art programmes
as part of their social & recreational activities for their trainees.
Everyday, trainees with an inclination for arts are guided by staff and
volunteers to dabble in some forms of art and craft.
Over the years, the centres accumulated many art pieces which
prompted Clementi TDC to organise an art fair to showcase these
wonderful creations. This led to their first Art Fair and Exhibition in
2006. That event was a huge success with many guests requesting
to buy the art pieces on the spot. The ad-hoc sale then went on to
generate total sales proceeds of $750, which was eventually used to
pay for new art materials and classes.
The art fair became a biennale affair thereafter and this year, the
third Art Fair and Exhibition was held on 30 March 2010. This year
round, the Fair had an added element of art competition which was
extended to Ang Mo Kio TDC (ATDC) and Napiri TDC (NTDC). Three
professional judges were engaged to pick the winning art pieces
from the 57 participating artists.
Exco members and staff of MINDS with Guest of Honour,
Dr Amy Khor (front row, fourth from left).
The World of Arts has no Boundaries
Text and photos by Desiree Lim
Winners of the art competition
1st prize went to Huzaini of ATDC for his
creation of Wild Brother
2nd prize went to Mohd Halim Ahmad of
CTDC for his creation of Three Boats
3rd prize went to Tan Kow Seng of CTDC
for his creation of Boats at Sea
(All top three paintings were featured on
the cover page of this issue)
The Fair and prize presentation was graced by Guest of Honour,
Dr Amy Khor, Mayor of South West District and Senior Parliamentary
Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Water Resources. A total of
139 paintings and 96 craft pieces were exhibited at this year’s
fair. Browsing through the Fair, one would not have guessed that
these art pieces are created by people with intellectual disability,
certainly not one with high support needs – which reminds me of a
quote from Vincent van Gogh, “If you hear a voice within you say
‘you cannot paint’, then by all means, paint. And that voice will be
silenced.”
05 mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people
Training Officer Mr Joe Lazarie Rachmatt (middle)
and his trainees were on site to demonstrate
some painting techniques to the guests.

Celebrating Volunteerism
Text and photos by Desiree Lim
MINDS MYG (formerly known as MINDS Youth Group) held its annual Family
Day on 13 March 2010 at Fernvale Gardens School. Mr Laurence Lien, CEO
of NVPC, graced the event as the Guest of Honour.
More than 200 trainees and caregivers attended the event which was packed
with games, performances and carnival activities. The event theme was
Celebrating Volunteerism and was planned and executed by more than 60
MINDS MYG volunteers.
The event also marked the launch of a MINDS MYG coffee table book,
Simply Serve (right), which documents the personal stories and inspirations
of 50 dedicated volunteers, 27 caregivers and parents, and three
beneficiaries. The book also commemorates MINDS MYG’s journey through
the past 38 years of “Serving Persons with Intellectual Disability”. The
publication is made possible by Dr Lee Kum Tatt and his family.
A
B
C
D
A: Volunteer guitarists connection and
volunteer dancers performed for the crowd.
B: Mrs Lee Kum Tatt (middle) gave a touching
speech at the launch of Simply Serve.
C: Volunteers whipped up yummy snacks
for the crowd and an ice cream man was
engaged to keep the crowd cool.
D: (From left to right) Mr Daniel Tan,
Chairperson of MINDS MYG; Mr Conrad
Campos, President of MINDS; and Mr
Laurence Lien, CEO of NVPC.
06

New Facilities in Fernvale and Woodlands
Text by Desiree Lim & Dorothy Ng
On 17 July 2009, the new Fernvale
Gardens School (FGS) was officially
opened. Conveniently located in
the heartlands of Fernvale housing
estate and near Fernvale LRT, the
purpose-built school is bigger and
has better and newer facilities. Every
two classrooms also has a foldable
partition in between which facilitates
the introduction of team teaching in
the new school.
One unique feature of the new
school is the amphitheatre,
conceptualised with the aim of
providing an alternative venue for
CCA activities, dance performances
or other out-of-class activities.
Thanks to a generous donation from
Great Eastern, the School is able
to enhance the amphitheatre with a
rainforest mural and a good sound
system.
Art & Craft, Pre-vocational Training,
Music and Computer Lab, Sensory
Room and Gross Motor Room.
The new WEDC meanwhile is
geared to empowering 250 adults
with intellectual disability to integrate
into the mainstream society socially
and economically. The new Centre
features new facilities such as rooms
for occupational therapy, art & craft,
enterprise and vocational skills
training and a computer lab. It also
has an increased total capacity of
400.
With these new facilities, MINDS
is well positioned to advance
the development, well-being
and aspirations of persons with
intellectual disability and their
integration into society.
Then on 9 October 2009, MINDS
celebrated the official opening of
the Woodlands Gardens School
(WGS) and Woodlands Employment
Development Centre (WEDC) as well.
WGS and WEDC were built as
one dual-facility building along
Woodlands Ring Road. Pupils from
WGS can now be better integrated
into the adult’s world of the WEDC
within the same building. The 60
WGS teaching and non-teaching
staff can now deliver a higher quality
of special education and a more
complete curriculum to some 290
children with intellectual disability.
The new School occupies three
floors with 24 classrooms and other
rooms for Home Economics,
Posing with the performers from WGS and WEDC is Minister of Health, Mr Khaw Boon Wan,
who was the Guest of Honour for the day.
Minister for Education, Dr Ng Eng Hen (second from left) struck the gong and officially opened
FGS.
07 mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people

New MINDS shops
Text by Leroy Lee
Photo by Desiree Lim
The concept of MINDS’ social enterprises is to create
economic avenues that enable and encourage client
engagement in their daily lives, as well as facilitate training
of new vocational skills. These shops are therefore set
up to effectively sell donated items to MINDS from our
supportive donors and in the process churn revenue that
goes to paying our clients (as allowances) for their time
and effort spent at the thrift shops.
The opening of two new MINDS Shops means more
MINDS clients can be trained for retailing vocation. It also
means more outlets for MINDS to sell our donated items
which are used but in good conditions. We hope that our
MINDS Shops will continue to attract members of the
public staying around our centres – not only to come buy
the items, but to help integrate our clients with intellectual
disability back to mainstream society.
MINDS Shop @ Woodland
Location: 30 Woodlands Ring Road
Contact: 6366 3966
Opening Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10am – 3pm
MINDS Shop @ Napiri
Location: 7 Lorong Napiri
Contact: 6387 7662 ext 220
Opening Hours: Monday and Thursday 11am – 3pm
MINDS -
Start a Social
Enterprise
Contest
Photo by Ngee Ann Polytechnics School of
Humanities, Singapore.
MINDS launched a competition in
2009 for the Diploma in Business
and Social Enterprise students of
Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of
Humanities, Singapore. The MINDS
- Start a Social Enterprise Contest
was specially designed to arouse
the social entrepreneurship in our
youths and inspire innovative and
enterprising business proposals
to help create more employment
opportunities for people with
intellectual disability in Singapore.
The top three prizes went to the
following project groups:
Top prize
Team 8 – Cafes in Secondary
Schools
Second prize
MINDS Mantou – Fusion Mantous
Third prize
iMINDS – Environmentally-friendly
Mobile Car Wash
08

Most Outstanding Staff from MINDS
Text by Desiree Lim
Photos by MINDS HQ & MINDSville@Napiri
Nominees for MINDS’ Outstanding Teacher
Award 2010:
Nominees for MINDS’ Outstanding Training
Officer Award 2010:
(From left to right) Mr Naharendie bin Muhammad Jamil, Senior Teacher
of WGS; Mrs Sing-Wong Wai Yoke, Teacher of TGS; Ms Salina bte
Ismail, Teacher of LGS; and Ms Gina Romeo, Teacher of FGS.
Every two years, staff from all MINDS schools and
centres nominate who they think are deserving of the
Outstanding Teacher Award, Outstanding Training
Officer Award and Outstanding Care Staff Award.
(From left to right) Mr Chan Ho Kay, Community Facilitator of
MINDSville@Napiri (Hostel); Mr Simon Tng Sia Han, Training Officer of
Idea EDC; Mr Ramlan bin Rasidi, Training Officer of SIA-MINDS EDC;
and Ms Leena d/o Kamapalan, Training Officer of Woodlands EDC.
Nominees for MINDS’ Outstanding Care Staff
Award 2010:
Four nominated teachers and four training officers
were then interviewed by a panel of judges before the
decision for each award is made and announced. The
winner and runner-up were picked by the Management
team of MINDS for the category of Outstanding Caring
Staff.
To be the nominees and winners out of the strong
staff strength of more than 500 is definitely no easy
feat. MINDSpeak congratulates all the nominees and
winners, and extracts some quotes and advice from
them.
(From left to right) Ms Joyce A Valaria, Houseparent of MINDSville
(Hostel/Group Home); and Ms Lily Tong, Therapy Aide of MINDSville
(Home)
09 mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people

Quotes ...
From Winner and Nominees of
Most Outstanding Teacher Award
From Winner and Nominees of
Most Outstanding Training
Officer Award
From MINDS Management
Team on Winner and Runner-up
of Most Outstanding Care Staff
Salina Bte Ismail (Winner), Teacher
of LGS, now on secondment as
Supervisor to CTDC, 24 years of
service
“If I have never step into MINDS, I
would have been doing something
along the same line – something
that requires patience, resilience, the
most confusing, reactive, interactive,
thought provoking, rewarding, tiring,
complicated, fun…..…..job….”
Naharendie bin Muhammad Jamil,
Teacher of WGS, 11 years of
service
“If I have never step into MINDS,
I might not have gained the extra
experience. I have learnt a lot from
this job and appreciate life and
things more. I feel lucky and blessed
where I am now.”
Sing-Wong Wai Yoke, Teacher of
TGS, 34 years of service
“I was a MOE teacher seconded to
LGS in 1972. I was inspired to carry
on teaching pupils with disability due
to the dedication and passion shown
by the Principal, Ms Woo Ti Soo.”
Ramlan Bin Rasidi, (Winner),
Training Officer of SMEDC,
13 years of service
“If I have a million dollars, I will bring
the clients around the world for
a “MINDS PERFORM World Tour
Concert” for the world to know that
Persons with Intellectually Disabilities
are not disabled in music and
dance.”
Chan Hon Kay, Community
Facilitator of MINDSville (hostel),
5 years of service
“If I have a million dollars, I will
entrust the money to a reputable
firm to set up a trust fund. The
interest generated will go to fund
yearly trainings for deserving
Training Officers.”
Leena d/o Kamapalan, Training
Officer of WEDC, 16 years of
service
“When the going gets tough, I
remember what my husband tells me
‘It’s all about attitude to get through
your problems. Good attitude brings
you to greater altitudes!’”
Lily Tong, Therapy Aide of
MINDSville (Home), 7 years of
service
“Lily is cheerful, calm and highly
motivated to get residents into
therapy for their well-being.”
Joyce A Valaria, Houseparent of
MINDSville (Hostel/Group Home),
2 years of service
“Joyce is full of initiative, attentive
and able to multi-task to serve the
residents.”
Gina Romeo, Teacher – FGS,
18 years of service
“My mantra has always been to
show love, care and concern for
my students. This is something that
money cannot buy.”
Simon Tng, Training Officer of
IEDC, 6 years of service
“When the going gets tough, I
remember the advice of my direct
supervisor. He said, ‘Whether you
think you can or can’t, just do what
is expected of you and a little bit
more!’”
10

Two Outstanding SPED
Teachers within MINDS
Text by Desiree Lim & Jeanie Morgan
On 13 November 2009, three
teachers in Singapore received the
Outstanding SPecial EDucation
(SPED) Teacher Award (OSTA) from
the hands of Ms Grace Fu, Senior
Minister of State, Ministry of National
Development and Ministry of
Education.
The OSTAs are given out annually
to honour the recipients as
outstanding SPED teachers who
have demonstrated the passion,
commitment, courage and
perseverance needed to nurture
and inspire our children with special
needs.
Out of the three award-winning
teachers are two of our very own
teachers from MINDS SPED
schools and they are Mdm Jenny
Lim Geok Hong of Lee Kong Chian
Gardens School (LGS) and Ms
Erni Noorhaidah bte Ahmad of
Woodlands Gardens School (WGS).
Mdm Lim devoted her entire
career life to teaching children with
intellectual disability at MINDS.
Her commitment to the school
and dedication to her pupils was
apparent since she first joined
MINDS in 1988. Her passion instilled
in her a thirst for knowledge and this
led to her further achievement of
Diploma in Disability Studies on top
of her basic degree. Today, Mdm Lim
is the vice principal of LGS and is
pursuing her Masters degree.
Mdm Lim (middle) and Ms Erni (fourth from right) with their colleagues from MINDS at the MOE-
NCSS SPED Teacher Award Presentation Ceremony 2009.
Ms Erni began her SPED teaching
career with MINDS in 1992. She
teaches pre-vocation skills to
students of senior level. Talented
in music and dance, Ms Erni
choreographs and teaches her
students dance as well. She has also
been a regular volunteer for Special
Olympics for the past 17 years.
On her receipt of the award, Ms Erni
said, “This award to me is not an
individual win but a collaborative
effort from everyone that has
touched my life direct or indirectly
in this field. It is a win for all special
education teachers and a reminder
for us to strive even more to enhance
the standard of teaching and learning
in SPED. With this award, the work of
special educators is being
recognised and is highly regarded.
And hopefully it will attract more
people into this field.”
A career in teaching children with
intellectual disability is a very
demanding and tough choice.
People who stayed on and become
effective educators are few. But
those who went further as to make a
difference to the children, the school
and the industry are rare gems. Here
within MINDS, we celebrate the
contributions and achievements of
two of own gems. To Ms Erni and
Mdm Lim, thank you for your hard
work all along. You have made us
proud.
11 mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people

Our Valedictorians for 2009
Photo by Tan Chuan Mien
A total of 119 graduants left the four
MINDS SPecial EDucation schools
at the end of 2009. The graduation
ceremony was held at Spring
Singapore on the 14 November
2009, and the Guest of Honour was
Dr Amy Khor, Mayor of South West
District and Senior Parliamentary
Secretary of Ministry of Environment
and Water Resources.
The two valedictorians were Cassie
Goh Jia Jing of Towner Gardens
School (TGS) and Brandon Wong
of Fernvale Gardens School (FGS).
Our Editorial team seeks to know
more about them through an email
interview.
How do you both feel about being
selected as the valedictorians for
MINDS this year?
Cassie: I feel very happy and proud.
Brandon: I feel very happy, excited
and surprised.
What do you think you will miss
most about your life as a student?
Cassie: I will also miss going to
school to learn new skills like Math,
reading, dancing and cooking.
Brandon: I will miss Mdm Ross, Mrs
Chin, Miss Lim, all the activities and
my friends.
One thing my teachers taught me
which I will always remember is ...
Cassie: …to be confident about
myself and to believe that I can
achieve all my dreams.
Brandon: …the housecraft lesson
because I can cook egg, fry rice and
chicken wing.
Brandon Wong (left) and Cassie Goh (right)
What are your plans for the future?
Cassie: I want to get a job and make
many new friends at my workplace.
I hope that I can find a job that I
really like. My dream is to work in
an office and to be a good dancer.
I want to travel around the world
and represent Singapore in dance
competitions.
Brandon: In future I want to work
at Woodlands EDC, I want to earn
money to buy clothes.
Any other comments that you wish
to share with our readers?
Cassie: I want to thank all my
teachers at TGS for everything they
have done for me. Without them, I
would not be who I am today. I will
miss you all very much. I hope to
meet all of you again when I come
back to the school to visit you. I
hope to keep in touch with all of you
through email.
Brandon: I want to thank all
teachers, Godma, Aunty Doris, and I
want to thank GOD.
12

Our Award-Winning Volunteer,
Mr Daniel Tan Tai Leng
Text by Desiree Lim
Photo by HSBC Singapore
Daniel Tan receiving his award from Mr S.R. Nathan,
President of Singapore (middle) on 25 August 2009. On the
far left is Mr Guy Harvey-Samuel, CEO of HSBC Singapore.
The HSBC Youth Excellence Award for Leadership
and Community Service 2009 went to our volunteer,
Mr Daniel Tan Tai Leng. Mr Tan has been volunteering
with MINDS since 1998 and is currently an EXCO
member.
MINDS congratulates Mr Tan, there are some
inspirational words from Mr Tan’s acceptance speech
at the award ceremony.
On the limits of being judgemental,
“How often have we struck someone off before giving
him or her a chance? Taking a step back from the
fast-paced and merit-focused environment we live in, I
choose instead to focus on living in a community called
humanity. This world is broadly diverse and judging will
only serve to exclude.”
On the unique rhythms of people with intellectual
disabilities,
13 mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people
“In taking the journeys in one’s life, some may need
more time than others while some may need a bit of
assistance for long stretches. Maybe we should embrace
these realities – and its beauty – of the beneficiaries’ lives
and help them to live with dignity. Perhaps we should
start worrying less about how to make them better
tomorrow than what they are today. Only by respecting
one’s own rhythm can one complete one’s life journey
meaningfully.”
On hoping from possibilities,
“I first heard the story about one beneficiary being
married and questioned whether he married out of his
free will or it was his parents’ wishes. I even wondered
if he understood the concept of marriage and whether
it would even last… Perhaps we should not let our
perceptions of what the beneficiaries can do limit what
they can really do. Maybe sometimes it is because we
tend to be overprotective but indeed the possibilities
can be infinite if only we allow them the space and
acceptance.”

Warming the Hearts through Art
Text by volunteer artist, Ms Alpana Vij
Ms Vij (third from right) in one of arts & crafts classes with MINDS’ trainees
“Art is the song that bursts forth from the silence within”
– this is how someone once described the process of art
making. The truth of this statement is brought home to
me every Tuesday morning when I spend a few creative
hours with the young people at SIA-MINDS Employment
Development Centre (SMEDC).
What strikes me most about this group is their zeal for
art. Rarely has any suggestion of mine met with anything
less than complete and unequivocal enthusiasm. They
relish a challenge and fearlessly want to try new things.
“Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment”, said the
13th century poet Rumi. This little group may never have
heard of him but sure do follow his advice. It is hard
not to get caught up in their exuberance. To them every
new idea, process, device is exciting and filled with
interesting, unknown possibilities. I love their enthusiasm
because it is the perfect antidote to jaded senses. I see
the world through their eyes and it once again appears
wonderful and colourful, with unknown paths just waiting
to be explored.
I always enjoy the companionable silence that descends
upon the room once they start painting. Heads down,
they are completely engrossed in their work, only looking
up to get some more paint or to give a quick nod of
appreciation to a friend’s work. This is what art making
should be – a time of communicating with one’s inner
self, losing the sense of time and space, expressing
one’s emotions in color, texture and line.
The time I spend at MINDS is very special to me. I learn
so much from their zest for life and the genuine kindness
and camaraderie they share with one another. The
rousing welcome I, or any of the training officers always
get anytime one of us enters the room is enough to warm
anyone’s heart.
I must commend the very dedicated training officers
and managers of this Centre. They have created a home
away from home for these young people that is a place
of hope, security and dignity and above all a place full of
happiness and laughter.
14

Appreciation
Notes from
MINDS
When Singapore Airlines (SIA) was celebrating its
50th Anniversary, its management decided to form an
SIA-MINDS Project Committee to consider making a
significant donation and have staff involved in a long
term commitment in a VWO of choice. The Committee
decided on MINDS and a sum of S$4m was donated to
MINDS for the building of the SIA-MINDS EDC located in
Margaret Drive.
Singapore Airlines and its volunteer staff continued their
good work with MINDS even till today. MINDS would
like to thank everyone in SIA for their commitment
throughout the 10 years. Their efforts and contributions
will go a long way for our pupils and clients.
Special thanks to ComfortDelGro and its cabbies from
Cabbycare Charity Group for their generous free rides to
our Children’s Wing over the past few years and the kind
donation of $10,000 in March 2010.
Special thanks to all the pupils, staff and Board of Ngee
Ann Primary School – for their enduring collaboration
with Towner Gardens School and their enormous
efforts put in to raise $70,000 via their 70th Anniversary
Celebrations.
15 mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people

PAT Programme @ MINDSville
Text by Desiree Lim
Photos by MINDSville@Napiri
Pet Assisted Therapy (PAT) has been
gaining international recognition for
the positive impact it can have in the
lives of many people. When designed
and implemented appropriately,
PAT programme can improve the
physical, social, emotional and/
or cognitive functioning of the
beneficiaries, ranging from children
to elderly and even people with
disability.
MINDSville understood the benefits and
potential of the therapy hence began
working with Therapy Dogs, Singapore
(TDS) back in December 2007.
Conducted on the third or last Friday
of every month, volunteers from
TDS would bring their certified and
trained dogs to MINDSville and
allowed clients (both ambulant and
wheelchair-bound) to interact with
the dogs through skill-based training
programme. Since then, nearly 20
such sessions had been successfully
conducted.
The therapy sessions:
Each PAT session began with TDS
volunteers and their dogs greeting
the clients of MINDSville. The trained
dogs helped to break all ice between
the volunteers and the clients.
Simple Animal Assisted Activities
(AAA) would then be conducted,
such as putting small dogs onto
the laps of clients to be stroked
or getting larger dogs to “feet
up” onto the clients to be patted.
Sometimes, the dogs performed
tricks to entertain the clients, or the
volunteers would encourage the
clients to give the dogs little treats.
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)
activities may then be tailored
to help specific clients achieve
desired benefits, including walking
the dogs, throwing dumbbells of
different weights and sizes, and
brushing the dogs’ fur. The TDS
volunteers took the initiative to
strike up conversations with the
clients and encourage them to talk
about themselves - these helped to
strengthen the bonds of friendship
among them over time.
About Therapy Dogs, Singapore (TDS)
The result we observed:
Most of our clients enjoyed
and participated actively in this
programme. Many residents liked to
touch and feel the dog – they even
danced in front of the dog! Residents
who are sensitive to touch are now
able to pat the dogs, comb their furs
and even feed them. All residents
were so excited about each session
and they really looked forward to
seeing the dogs.
After several sessions, we noticed
that some residents who seldom
interact with others are now
spending more time playing with
the dogs. These same few residents
seemed to have gained a higher level
of confidence and self esteem too.
With the help of dogs which they
are familiar with, these few residents
are also now able to walk for a long
distance, while others are now able
to give simple instructions to the
dogs. Through the therapies, some
residents also experienced improved
the motor coordination of their
hands.
TDS is a non-profit voluntary organisation set up by a group of
caring dog-owners who seek to share the unconditional love
and affection of their dogs with society’s underprivileged and to
provide PAT to meet their physical and emotional needs. TDS was
formed in early 2004 by volunteers including professionals and
homemakers to retirees and students.
16

Planning for Tomorrow Today
Text by Office of the Public Guardian, MCYS
Our ability to make decisions
can be weakened by a severe
accident or illness. With the
Mental Capacity Act, the elderly
in particular can benefit from
advanced planning for such an
eventuality.
63-year-old retiree Lim Chong Tong
is concerned that he may suffer from
dementia one day and lose his ability
to make decisions. He planned to
get his youngest son Boon Keong,
a bank employee, to manage his
financial affairs for him should that
happen.
His worry is not unfounded as
geriatric illnesses like Alzheimer’s
disease has become more prevalent
in Singapore.
Our proportion of senior citizens
aged 65 and above is estimated to
reach 18.7% in 2030 and according
to a study by the United Nations,
Singapore would be the world’s
fourth oldest country by 2050. These
forecasts, on top of the nation’s low
fertility rate, exert mounting pressure
on our younger generation to take
care of their elders.
About the Act
In line with the government’s
efforts to develop strong social
infrastructure to support this greying
trend, the Ministry of Community
Development, Youth and Sports
introduced the Mental Capacity Act
that was passed by Parliament in
September 2008.
Under the Act, individuals aged 21
years or older (known as the “donor”)
and who have the mental capacity
to make a Lasting Power of Attorney
(LPA) can appoint one or more
persons (known as the “donee”)
whom they trust to make decisions
for them in the event they lose their
mental capacity.
With such flexibility, Chong Tong can
benefit from the ideal arrangement of
appointing his eldest daughter Swee
Lin, who is meticulous and caring,
to look after his personal welfare
matters, while Boon Keong handles
his financial matters.
In order to authorise both children as
his legal deputies decision-making
proxies, Chong Tong needs to make
and register the LPA with the Office
of the Public Guardian (OPG).
He can also specify in his LPA the
authorities that each of them have
with regard to the respective areas
they are appointed to act on his
behalf and the type of decisions they
can make, such as managing his
bank account, deciding where he is
to live, giving consent to his medical
treatment.
This allows him to indicate his
preferences and in so doing, provide
clarity for all the parties involved, so
that they know when to act and for
what purposes. Most importantly, all
these arrangements will give Chong
Tong and his family a peace of mind.
As unexpected crisis can befall at
any time, it is wise to take charge
and plan ahead like Chong Tong.
To find out more about the Mental
Capacity Act, visit the OPG website
at www.publicguardian.gov.sg.
You can also call the OPG at
1800 226 6222 or email to
enquiry@publicguardian.gov.sg for
queries or information on upcoming
activities.
17 mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people

Fast Forward
Parents and caregivers might want to note the following Caregivers Workshop which is
coming up soon:
Workshop:
Physical Activities for ADL Training and Fitness Programme at home
and community.
Date : Saturday, 21 August 2010
Time:
10.00am to 12.15pm
Venue:
MHP - MINDSville@Napiri
Recommended for: Parents and caregivers of clients (above 18 years old) from
MINDS TDCs
Interested caregivers please call Mr Tin Maung Aye at 6468 0566.
Seats are on first-come-first-serve basis.
18

About MINDS
MINDS stands for Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of
Singapore. MINDS started with a single classroom of 26 children
back in 1962. 47 years later, MINDS has grown to be one of the
oldest and biggest VWOs in Singapore. MINDS’ services include
four special education schools, three sheltered workshops,
three day activity centres and a multi-service residential facility
catering to a broad spectrum of ages and needs of persons with
intellectual disability. MINDS serves about 2,400 clients in the 11
facilities located island-wide. MINDS had received strong support
from various funding bodies, the community, corporations and
individuals. It is our vision to grow and become a world-class
VWO that advances the development, well-being and aspirations
of persons with intellectual disability and their integration back
into society.