READ MORE - National Council of Social Service

A publication of the National Council of Social Service APRIL 2012
Unlocking
Potential
Meeting EIPIC Needs
Different Abilities,
Same Motivations
Continuing Care
at the heart of what matters

Contents
FOREWORD
IN MEMORY OF… 01
• A Tribute to Two Humanitarian
Heavyweights
NCSS PULSE 02
• Grooming Future Leaders
• One-stop HR Portal for VWOs
• FSCs Increase Access for Families to Get Help
• Inaugural NCSS Award Winner for Top
Nanyang Polytechnic Student
• A Record High for Funds Raised
• Going the Extra Mile
10 MINUTES WITH… 06
• Outstanding Special Education Teachers
EDITORIAL
Goh Siew Hian
Pamela Phua
George Suah
Chew Kia Huey
Tuber Productions Pte Ltd
CONTRIBUTIONS BY
Joann Chen
PUBLISHED BY
NCSS Corporate Communications Division
National Council of Social Service
170 Ghim Moh Road Singapore 279621
Tel: 6210 2500 Fax: 6210 2540
www.ncss.org.sg
Foreword
In the social service sector, we meet amazingly resilient people with disabilities who show
that they can do meaningful work and contribute to society.
Together with our member Voluntary Welfare Organisations, the National Council of
Social Service (NCSS) helps them maximise their education and training, and to work with
the employers to make the transition to the workforce more seamless. We congratulate
all the Enabling Employers Award winners for their exemplary efforts in employing and
integrating persons with disabilities within their workforce.
This issue of Rapport, we look at the social services to support people with disabilities
in their employment efforts, such as the Job Placement Job Support programme with
partners like the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) and the
Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD) (pages 15-16). In 10 Minutes With… we talk to
two educators who have been recognised for their work in special education schools to
find out what drives them to excel in such a demanding field (page 6).
To further boost the professionalism of the social service sector, NCSS launched the Social
Service Talent Development Scheme (page 2) which will prepare social service leaders for
the future and train specialists for social work practice leadership. This issue will also take a
look at the recent developments to improve social services for families (page 3).
To stay relevant and ahead of the curve, we will keep on innovating and exploring new
ideas to enhance service delivery and make a discernible impact in the lives of people who
need and seek our help.
NCSS NEWSBITES 07
• Christmas Tidings Bring Joy to Community
Chest Beneficiaries
• Youth Performances Dazzle at ‘ComChest
Truehearts 2011’
• Embracing Possibilities, Forging Ahead
SYNERGY 10
• Working Together Works
DIRECTORY (Disability Services) 12
IN FOCUS 14
• Reaching Out to the Young
• Meeting EIPIC Needs
• Different Abilities, Same Motivations
SSTI COURSE HIGHLIGHTS 19
INSIGHT 20
• Continuing Care
• Giving Back
PARTNERSHIPS 23
• SingTel Connects with the Community
• Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation’s
Big-hearted Donation to Community Chest
• Fueling Up for Charity
• Singapore’s Celebrity Chefs Cook Up for
Community Chest
SNAPSHOTS 25
• SACS Celebrates Mental Wellness
• Realms of Hope Project to Equip Youth
for the Future
• LivEnabled Week 2011
• Upcoming Events
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Our grateful thanks to the following individuals and organisations who have contributed quotes or photographs to
this publication. And our apologies to those whom we may have inadvertently left out.
Ang Mo Kio FSC, AWWA School, Canon Singapore Pte Ltd, Centre for Enabled Living, DBS Private Bank, Japanese
Association of Singapore, Katong School, Metta Preschool, Ministry of Education, Movement for the Intellectually Disabled
of Singapore, National Library Board, Shell Companies in Singapore, Silver Ribbon (Singapore), Singapore Anglican
Community Services, Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation, Singapore Power Ltd, Singapore Press Holdings Limited,
Singapore Telecommunications Limited, Society for the Physically Disabled, Special Needs Trust Company, Tanglin School
The views and opinions expressed in Rapport do not necessarily reflect those of NCSS.
Have a comment, suggestion or feedback to share with the editorial team? Email us at ncss_webmaster@ncss.gov.sg
Rapport is a publication by NCSS. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means
without the permission of the publisher.
All information correct as at time of publishing.
Ms Ang Bee Lian
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
National Council of Social Service
In Memory of...
We mark the passing of two remarkable women, who were leaders and
pioneers in social services in Singapore.
Ms Teresa Hsu Chih (born in 1898 in Swatow, China) passed away on
7 December 2011 at the age of 113. The centenarian devoted her life to
helping the poor and needy.
As a qualified nurse, Ms Hsu cared for the sick and poor, and volunteered her
services to humanitarian organisations such as the International Voluntary
Service for Peace in Europe in her younger days.
Ms Hsu moved to Singapore in 1963 and became the matron of Kwong Wai
Shiu Hospital. In 1965, she set up the Home for the Aged Sick, realising her
dream of establishing a home to care for those without family or the means
to care for themselves.
Ms Hsu retired in 1983, but tirelessly continued her Heart to Heart Service
where a team of volunteers joined her to distribute food items to the needy
elderly living in one-room rental flats all over Singapore.
She was recognised for her efforts and awarded the Public Service Star in
2009 and the National Volunteerism and Philanthropy Special Recognition
Award in 2005. Her selfless acts in serving others, her warmth and empathy
had been a source of comfort for many who had benefited from her care,
and she has left a legacy to inspire the younger generation in the social
service sector.
A TRIBUTE TO TWO
HUMANITARIAN
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Madam Alice Goh was a pioneer of children’s social centres in Singapore.
She was widely remembered as an able administrator who was also
popular. Madam Alice Goh was the first wife of Dr Goh Keng Swee, former
Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore and Minister for Finance, Defence and
Education. She passed away on 20 January 2012 at the age of 86.
She joined the Social Welfare Department in the 1950s where she handled
several challenging issues relating to children’s welfare, including tackling
malnutrition amongst children. She was with the department until the late
1970s, and was a stalwart champion of children’s causes.
Both women have made a lasting mark in the social service landscape, and
more importantly, made an impact on many lives through alleviating the
plight of the disadvantaged children, the aged and the sick in Singapore.
They will be remembered with gratitude for their significant contributions
to our nation and community.
01

02
NCSS Pulse NCSS Pulse
03
GROOMING
FUTURE LEADERS
A new career development scheme to nurture leaders for the social
service sector
It was a welcomed move to boost the professionalism of the social
service sector when the Social Service Talent Development Scheme
(SSTDS) was officially launched on 19 October 2011 at NCSS by Dr S
Vasoo, Chairman of the SSTD Panel and Associate Professorial Fellow
from the National University of Singapore Department of Social Work.
The scheme aims to establish a pipeline of future leaders by
developing and managing a pool of talents with high potential to lead
the social service sector.
There are two development tracks offered under SSTDS, one to train
future leaders for organisational leadership, and another to train
specialists for social work practice leadership. Individuals identified
for SSTDS will be given comprehensive training in essential skills to
manage and lead non-profit organisations in the social service sector.
Where needed, they might also be sent for relevant postgraduate
programmes. Those identified for the specialist track will be given
fellowships to pursue specialised training or work attachments at
reputable overseas agencies.
Work attachment stints in NCSS and MCYS will also be arranged to
expose them to policy formulation and administration work, and
they will also be matched with a mentor. Funding and salary support
will be provided to the individuals and organisations involved.
Ms Ang Bee Lian, CEO of NCSS, noted:“Its strategic value lies in
the long term benefits – with a ready pool of well-rounded leaders
and specialists to call on in the future, raising the capability and
professionalism of the sector as a whole and nurturing the next
generation of leaders to bring the social service sector to even
greater heights.”
NCSS has also reviewed existing capability-building efforts for social
workers and increased opportunities for professional growth. The
Professional and Leadership Development Scheme, in place since
2008, has been refined to include training in advanced social work
skills and consultations for clinical supervision. The Social Service
Training Institute (SSTI), the NCSS Academy, will progressively offer
new skills training courses for social workers.
ONE-STOP
HR PORTAL
FOR VWOs
March 2012 saw the introduction of a new one-stop Human
Resource (HR) portal within the NCSS website. Member Voluntary
Welfare Organisations (VWOs) can obtain updates on the latest
changes to the HR landscape, view upcoming events such as HR
briefings for VWOs, useful guides and resources which VWOs can
refer to at their workplaces.
“The HR portal is a gateway where member VWOs can access
useful HR-related information, including best practices, policies
and statutory requirements. By centralising useful HR information
together, member VWOs will be able to keep up with the latest HR
developments in the industry quickly and conveniently,” said
Ms Angela Yak, Director of Sector Manpower and Corporate
Planning Division, NCSS.
FSCs INCREASE ACCESS FOR
FAMILIES TO GET HELP
FSCs play a crucial role in our communities providing assistance,
casework and counselling to families.
At the FSC Seminar 2012, organised by NCSS on 9 February 2012,
Acting Minister for the Ministry of Community Development,
Youth and Sports (MCYS) Mr Chan Chun Sing announced that
each FSC will receive funding to hire an additional social service
professional to improve the FSC’s outreach to vulnerable families
and collaboration with other community touch points such
INAUGURAL NCSS
AWARD WINNER
FOR TOP NANYANG
POLYTECHNIC STUDENT
Ms Nur Syafiqah Binte Jami’ah was awarded the inaugural NCSS Award for
Top Student at Nanyang Polytechnic in 2011. The 18-year old was top of her
pioneer class in the Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work) programme.
The diploma programme was launched in 2010 to introduce the social work
profession to polytechnic students.
as Community Development Councils, schools and grassroots
organisations. He also announced from October 2012, the caseloads
of FSC social workers will be reduced from 1:50 to 1:40. This will
allow them to invest more time on their cases and provide intensive
social work intervention to help families with more complex needs.
The work of both the FSC Advisory Council and Committee for
Practice Standards contributed significantly to the latest initiatives.
Both were formed in July 2011 to look into enhancing the strategic
and professional leadership in FSCs.
The FSC Advisory Council represents FSCs in the engagement of key
stakeholders and serves as an advocate for the needs and interest
of FSCs.
NCSS will work with the Committee for Practice Standards to
develop a Code of Professional Practice for FSCs. The Code will
standardise FSC operations and level up practice standards. Social
workers starting out at FSCs can use this as a practice guide to help
them deliver their core work. More experienced social workers can
use it to guide their supervision and organisational management at
the FSCs. The Code will be ready by end of Financial Year 2012.
Another significant new development is the introduction of the
branch FSC, supported by full-fledged main FSCs, which will
bring FSC services closer to the residents within the community.
Mr Vincent Ng, Executive Director of Ang Mo Kio FSC, said:
“Residents are more likely to seek help if there is a centre near their
home. The elderly will also benefit from this.”
10 more full-fledged and branch FSCs will be built over the next
three years, bringing the total to 51 FSCs.
The first branch FSC will be built in Ang Mo Kio, and ready in late
2012, and the next full-fledged FSC will be in Jurong by mid-2013.

04
NCSS Pulse NCSS Pulse
05
President and Mrs Tony Tan Keng Yam with Gan Sun Ling, a Community Chest beneficiary, at the Community Chest Awards 2011
A RECORD HIGH FOR
FUNDS RAISED
Community Chest honours donors for their generous contributions
Community Chest honoured its individual and corporate donors in
two ceremonies held on 27 September 2011 and 13 October 2011.
The October event, held at the Istana, marked the first Community
Chest event with President Tony Tan Keng Yam as the new Patronin-Chief
of NCSS.
Award recipients raised a record sum of over $48 million, an
increase of 13% from the previous year. The group receiving the
Special Events Platinum Awards registered an impressive 28% jump
from the previous year, with contributions totaling $9.7 million.
Mr Eric Low, Chairman of the Community Chest Awards Committee,
who noted this encouraging trend, said: “We hope these efforts
will create a ripple effect in the community and encourage more
organisations and individuals to do their part for the needy in our
community.”
First-time award recipients such as Longines (The Swatch Group
S.E.A. (S) Pte Ltd), Marina Bay Sands (MBS) Pte Ltd, BSH Home
Appliances Pte Ltd (BSH) and Resorts World Sentosa Pte Ltd
explored creative ways to raise funds. This included donating
$40,000 worth of coins thrown into an art installation resembling
a ‘wishing well’ at MBS, and the sale of fridge-shaped Christmas
cakes by BSH during the festive season.
Among the Special Events Platinum Award recipients, Singapore
Airlines raised over $1.4 million through the launch and sale
of their cookbook ‘Above and Beyond’. MediaCorp Pte Ltd
raised over $500,000 through their MediaCorp Charity Fund
2010 project, earning the Special Events Gold award for their
‘MediaCorp Christmas Gives’ project and the 5-year Outstanding
Special Events Award.
The top honour, the Pinnacle Award, went to two organisations
who have been longtime supporters of Community Chest.
They are Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) - HQ Commando and
Singapore Police Force (SPF) - “G” Division (Bedok Police Division).
For the past 21 years, both organisations have maintained a
Platinum or Gold level contribution to SHARE, the Community
Chest monthly donation programme which provides a stable
source of funds for its beneficiaries.
“Over the years, many of our valuable partners have stood by
us, during good and bad times in our economy, to help the less
fortunate. Community Chest is deeply grateful to them,” said
Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman of Community Chest.
Three first-timers also won the Corporate Platinum Award. YTL
Corporation donated $850,000 to Community Chest while IIFL
Securities Pte Ltd donated all commissions from its first week
of trading operations on the Singapore Exchange. And Kwan Im
Thong Hood Cho Temple pledged a yearly donation of $360,000
to Community Chest over three years.
GOING THE
EXTRA MILE
Social workers with passion and dedication
receive top honours
Two social workers were honoured at a ceremony hosted by
President Tony Tan at the Istana on 14 November 2011. The annual
event was organised by the Singapore Association of Social
Workers (SASW), with support from MCYS, NCSS and ExxonMobil
Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (ExxonMobil).
Ms Ng Tzer Wee, a principal medical social worker at Tan Tock Seng
Hospital, was awarded the Outstanding Social Worker Award, the
profession’s top honour, for her work in palliative care and her
dedication towards her clients and their families. Ms Ng has been a
social worker since 1995. She was also the first local medical social
worker to attend training in the area of palliative care. During the
SARS outbreak in 2003, she worked tirelessly and embraced her
clients’ needs as her primary concern. Ms Ng also demonstrated
great zeal and creativity in addressing the needs of her clients.
Despite her busy schedule, she takes time off to train other
medical, nursing and social work professionals.
Ms Ng received a trophy and Certificate of Award, a Personal
Development Grant of $5,000 sponsored by ExxonMobil, a $1,000
cash award, and sponsorship for Professional and Leadership
Development training worth $24,000 from MCYS.
The 2011 Promising Social Worker Award went to Mr Mohamed
Fareez Bin Mohamed Fahmy, Centre Manager of NEXUS Family
Resource Centre (NEXUS FRC). Mr Mohamed Fareez was
acknowledged for his work in helping prison inmates to reintegrate
with their families and improve their lives after release. He even
took the initiative to open NEXUS FRC every Saturday to help
inmates who are released on Saturdays. Of his award, he said
modestly: “This is a win for my agency and social work as a whole.”
Mr Mohamed Fareez received a Certificate of Award, a Personal
Development Grant of $4,000 sponsored by ExxonMobil and a
$1,000 cash award from MCYS.
Commending the deserving recipients, Mr Alvin Chua, President of
SASW, said: “The winners we celebrate today have each gone the
extra mile and inspired us in their own ways with their dedication,
passion and leadership. We are truly proud of their achievements
and we hope that their remarkable journey will encourage other
social workers to aspire towards excellence as well.”

06
10 Minutes With... NCSS Newsbites
07
OUTSTANDING
SPECIAL
EDUCATION
TEACHERS
The Outstanding Special Education (SPED) Teacher Award is given
out annually by MOE and NCSS to teachers to recognise their
passion and commitment in helping their students with special
needs realise their potential.
The Outstanding SPED Teacher Award 2011 recipients are Madam
Choo Pee Ling (CPL) who has been with Katong School for 15 years
(shown in top photo) and Ms Wong Wai Sian (WWS) who has been
teaching at Tanglin School since 2005 (in bottom photo). Rapport
catches up with these two inspiring and tireless individuals…
1 WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO JOIN THE SPED FIELD AND WHAT
KEEPS YOU GOING?
CPL: The belief in the school’s philosophy that every child can
learn, achieve and contribute when given proper guidance.
It is fulfilling to walk the journey with the students, recognising
their potential and empowering them with the necessary skills
and knowledge for integration into the community.
Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited.
Reproduced with permission
WWS: At MINDS, I felt a sense of affinity with the children as a
result of my volunteering experience. It was a natural progression
for me to want to become a special needs teacher. What keeps me
going is knowing that with nurturing, they have the potential to
become contributing members in our society.
2 THE SPED FIELD IS A DEMANDING ONE. WHAT QUALITIES DO
YOU NEED TO ENTER THIS FIELD?
CPL: Teaching calls for dedicated professionals who go all out and
ensure that every lesson is a gift to our students to equip them
with essential life skills and knowledge.
WWS: Patience, which is still a work-in-progress for me! Other key
qualities are to cultivate a listening attitude, so you can respond
and understand their needs, have passion and go the extra mile for
them.
3 WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE WHEN
WORKING WITH SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS?
CPL: One of them is dealing with parents who are still in denial
and do not accept their child’s limitations. Another is working with
pupils from disadvantaged homes as there is little or no schoolhome
partnership that the teacher can leverage on and work
with the parents. These parents are usually trying to make ends
meet and are hard pressed for time, but when parents sense that
teachers are genuine and sincere about helping them, they will
cooperate and act in their child’s best interest.
WWS: Burn-out is a danger. When faced with this, I take time
out to recharge and reflect on the root causes of the problems
faced. I find that confiding in someone who is close to you and
understands your role can help, like a mentor or colleague.
4 DO YOU HAVE ANY INSPIRATIONAL STORIES TO SHARE WITH
OUR READERS?
CPL: It is important to know the child well, e.g. his/her
interests and strengths. I remember there was a boy who was
underperforming and had low self-esteem when he came
to Katong School. After discovering that he liked singing,
opportunities were created for him to show his talent in class
and in school. This impacted him positively and now, not only is
he doing well in his studies, he has also become confident and is
popular with his peers.
WWS: It is not a singular story that stands out, but every story is
special and each child is inspirational in their unique ways. More
importantly, the students remember you for who you are and how
you have made the difference in their lives. We leave an indelible
mark in their lives that is irrevocable.
5 WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS OF SPED
TEACHERS?
CPL: People tend to think that teaching is a half-day job and they
are just babysitters to children with special needs who are not
capable of learning. This is untrue and to be an effective SPED
teacher, one has to be very committed and this entails home
visits to get to know the child and his/her family better in order
to customise resources and strategise plans according to the
individual student’s needs and strengths. Building rapport and
collaboration with the family is an essential part of reinforcing
learning and development.
WWS: I came into the special needs field with the intention to give.
As it turns out, we may be receiving more along the way. However,
one thing remains the same, the conviction that they are able
individuals, capable of giving to others too, has never changed
over the years.
The annual year-end fund-raising efforts of Community Chest
were a rousing success this past Christmas season, having
received support from many big-hearted organisations and
members of the public.
Yuletide festivities began with the annual Christmas Light-Up
2011 Switch-On Ceremony on 19 November 2011, made possible
with the support of Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the
event’s main sponsor of 21 years, the Hitachi Group of Companies
(Hitachi). STB has been providing Community Chest with this
fund-raising platform since 1988 while Hitachi has generously
donated $200,000 last year, bringing their total contributions
over the past two decades to $3.5 million. In addition, LianBee-
Jeco Pte Ltd donated $70,000 and Evangel Family Church
donated about $30,000 to the cause.
This 24-year light-up tradition was launched for the first time by
President Tony Tan at Ngee Ann City. Themed “Christmas Blooms
in Singapore”, the visually stunning affair was made even more
CHRISTMAS
TIDINGS
BRING JOY TO
COMMUNITY
CHEST
BENEFICIARIES
dazzling through the participation of 5,000 members of the public
who carried battery-operated candles along Orchard Road.
The candles were a unique fund-raising initiative by Celebrate
Christmas in Singapore, organiser of carolling performances and
activities along Orchard Road and Marina Bay during the Christmas
season. With every candle distributed, the Orchard Road Business
Association, which sponsored the venue for the Light-Up, donated
one dollar to Community Chest.
A group of nine talented youth from the Students Care Service
(Yishun SYNC Programme), who make up award-winning dance
troupe ‘Street Prodigy’, gave a hip-hop performance during the
Switch-On Ceremony. They were amongst the 300,000 beneficiaries
that have been able to thrive and flourish from the continued
efforts of Community Chest and its generous supporters.
To extend its fund-raising efforts, Community Chest partnered with
the Urban Redevelopment Authority to place 20 Norfolk Pine trees
along the Waterfront Promenade at Marina Bay.
The 10-foot tall ‘ChariTrees’ were adopted by 17 organisations which
made donations and decorated the trees to liven up the Christmas
atmosphere at Marina Bay. Some organisations embraced the true
spirit of the season by arranging for their staff and Community
Chest beneficiaries to decorate the trees together, bringing cheer
to the beneficiaries. The trees were fitted with LED lights and lit up
as part of the Christmas Light-Up 2011 Switch-On Ceremony.
Ms Tan Bee Heong, Director of Community Chest, was deeply
appreciative of the efforts of all the organisations involved in
the project. “These organisations have truly made this season
celebratory for our beneficiaries through their donations. Besides
helping the needy in society, they have also made it possible for the
public to enjoy and celebrate the yuletide season,” she said.

08
NCSS Newsbites NCSS Newsbites
09
YOUTH PERFORMANCES
DAZZLE AT ‘COMCHEST
TRUEHEARTS 2011’
Young beneficiaries of Community Chest shared the stage with
popular MediaCorp artistes at ‘ComChest TrueHearts 2011’,
entertaining audiences with high-octane performances at Marina
Bay Sands on 27 November 2011.
The event showcased the talents and hard work of the young
Community Chest beneficiaries, and focused on encouraging the
younger generation to be more involved in charitable causes. It
has also been nominated in the ‘Best Variety Special’ category for
MediaCorp’s Star Awards 2012, which would be held on 22 and
29 April.
“We have mobilised youth to spearhead ‘ComChest TrueHearts 2011’
and we hope their energy, drive and passion will help Community
Chest garner more support and generate greater awareness,”
said Mr Edmund Tie, Chairman of the ‘ComChest TrueHearts 2011’
organising committee.
Amongst the many young participants was 11-year-old Timothy
Leong, a Chaoyang School student diagnosed with mild intellectual
disability three years ago. He celebrated a special 12 th birthday
with the ‘Love Harmonics’ performance on the show after weeks of
diligent practice.
“I enjoy music and I am very happy to be able to do something
different on my birthday through using my talents to raise funds
to help others in need like me,” he said, prior to a heart-warming
performance alongside MediaCorp artiste Ms Teresa Tseng.
Teresa was one of the 21 artistes making up a star-studded cast at
the fund-raising event which included MediaCorp talents like
Ms Michelle Chong and Mr Alaric Tay from ‘The Noose’, Ms Patricia
Mok and Ms Michelle Tay from ‘Paris and Milan’, Mr Andie Chen, as
well as young artistes from the top-rated drama ‘On The Fringe’.
Performers from ‘Circus In Motion’ and the young beneficiaries from
Metta School and Katong School put up an electrifying fire-twirling
performance that kept audiences at the edge of their seats.
The stunning line-up of performers also included popular foreign
acts like Mr Aska Yang, Ms Zhang Yun Jing and Mr Alien Huang
who serenaded the audience with their hit songs, while veterans
Ms Michelle Yim and Mr Ha Yu entertained with evergreen classics.
Leading cast members Ms Jemma Rix and Ms Suzie Mathers of
Broadway hit musical “WICKED” sang a mesmerising duet for their
first public performance together. Popular actress Ms Rui En sang
the ‘ComChest TrueHearts 2011’ theme song ‘关怀是阳光’ which
ended the show on a high note.
The televised ‘ComChest TrueHearts 2011’ raised about $4.1 million,
which will go towards helping children with special needs, youthat-risk,
people with disabilities, frail and lonely elderly, as well as
families in need.
As part of the fund-raising efforts, promotional videos were
specially created featuring Community Chest beneficiaries,
31-year-old Mr Lim Jit Kiang and 16-year-old Jannell Tan, making
handicrafts and baking cupcakes with Acting Minister for MCYS
Mr Chan Chun Sing and Education Minister Mr Heng Swee Keat.
EMBRACING POSSIBILITIES,
FORGING AHEAD
By Ms Joann Chen, Senior Executive, Children Disability Services,
NCSS
The inaugural SPED conference, formerly known as the SPED Learning
Day, was held on 2 November 2011 for professional staff in the SPED
community, including teachers, allied health professionals, and key
stakeholders.
The theme for the conference was ‘Special Education: Embracing
Possibilities, Forging Ahead’. Ms Juliana Taymans, a professor of
special education from George Washington University, USA, who was
the keynote speaker, spoke on the importance of self-determination
skills for students and strategies which teachers and parents could
apply to develop self-determination in students with special needs.
In her speech, the Guest-of-Honour, Ms Sim Ann, Senior
Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Law, shared on the
Ministry of Education (MOE)’s initiatives to enhance special
education outcomes, vocational education and school placement
of students with special needs. These included enhancing quality
through teacher development, curriculum and pedagogy, increasing
accessibility to special education and strengthening support for
families with more assistance.
Concurrent sessions were also conducted by speakers from the
National Institute of Education and Nanyang Technological University,
covering topics like physical education and self-care for children
with special needs. Principals and teachers from Bukit View Primary
School, Fuhua Primary School, Northlight School, and Warringa Park
School were also invited to share 21 st Century skills that might be
transferable to the SPED schools. The SPED schools also set up booths
to showcase their programmes such as an exhibition gallery that
displayed paintings and artworks by SPED students.
Two teachers were awarded the MOE-NCSS
Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award 2011
at the SPED conference. The recipients were Madam
Choo Pee Ling from Katong School and Ms Wong Wai
Sian from Tanglin School. (Turn to page 5 to read more
about these inspiring individuals.)
The annual Innovation Award recipients were Delta
Senior School, Community Chest-supported Rainbow
Centre – Margaret Drive School (RCMDS) and Towner
Gardens School.
RCMDS was recognised for Health Education for
Absolute Learning (H.E.A.L), which helped students
with Autism Spectrum Disorder maintain a healthier
diet. Students who went through H.E.A.L showed an
improvement in physical strength and endurance as
well as their levels of alertness and readiness to learn.
Students also showed significant progress in their
communication skills.
Delta Senior School was acknowledged for their
efforts in enhancing employer partnerships.
A network of committed employers was developed
to formalise community-based training programmes,
co-develop Workforce Skills Qualifications curricula,
boost career progression, and empower and engage
caregivers and staff. To date, the school has worked
with a total of 35 employers.
Towner Gardens School innovatively used iPad as
a learning tool, which increased students’ selfefficacy
in individual learning, led to better cognitive
functioning and enhanced social skills. Improvement
was also found in behavioural modifications and
vocabulary. Non-verbal students also used it as a
communication tool.

Synergy Synergy
10 11
WORKING
TOGETHER
WORKS
Teaming up to maximise impact
Co-written By Ms Joann Chen, Senior Executive, Children Disability Services, NCSS
Mrs Elaine Ng, CEO of NLB, giving her address at the event
One of Japanese poet Ryunosuke
Satoro’s famous quotes is: “Individually,
we are one drop. Together, we are an
ocean.” This issue, Rapport spotlights the
strength of collaborative partnerships in
the mental health arena.
MEANINGFUL JOINT INITIATIVES
Each year, over 100 countries commemorate World Mental Health
Day (WMHD) with activities and events aimed at awareness and
advocacy of mental health issues.
In Singapore, the commemoration of WMHD was held on
9 October 2011. It was the first time the National Library Board
(NLB) and Silver Ribbon (Singapore) (SRS) celebrated the
event together. Minister of State for Finance and Transport Mrs
Josephine Teo was the Guest-of-Honour. Dr Lee Cheng, President,
SRS and Mrs Elaine Ng, CEO, NLB were also present at the event.
Mrs Elaine Ng said: “We hope that by reading more, Singaporeans
will gain a better understanding of mental conditions and the
difficulties that patients go through, and also be inspired to
maintain healthy lifestyles for themselves.”
NLB and SRS have been collaborating to raise mental health
awareness since 2006 with the provision of free mental health
talks for readers at various libraries and educating them on health
issues as well as organising forums and exhibitions.
Executive Director for SRS, Ms Porsche Poh, said: “Since its
inception in 2006, SRS recognises the importance of collaborative
effort in mental health advocacy and promotion. We would
like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those sincere and
friendly organisations such as NLB for responding to our call for
partnership with an open mind.”
WMHD Corners were also set up across 23 libraries during the
month of October to feature reading materials on mental health.
These resource centres showcased the respective libraries’
collection on the topic and a promotion was launched to
encourage readership.
From March 2012 onwards, two libraries, namely Marine Parade
Public Library and Jurong Regional Library, would be displaying
artworks of patients with mental conditions. The exhibition, which
will run for an entire year, will help raise public awareness and
generate revenue for people with mental illness.
Mrs Ng explained the decision to use art as one of the outreach
avenues. “Art is a good outlet for patients to express themselves
freely, and we hope that by providing this platform, it will
encourage them to develop their talents and have an opportunity
to give back to society in their own ways,” she said.
SHARING AND CARING
Another platform which benefited from collaboration is the
social workers and psychologists networks. Both networks were
set up for social workers and psychologists in SPED schools and
EIPIC centres to support and learn from each other. The platform
is used to share experiences, discuss areas of common impact,
network and build closer rapport and partnership. The aim is to
promote quality services in addressing the behavioural, social and
emotional needs of children, students and their families. It also
aims to facilitate research and the development of professional
skills amongst social workers and psychologists.
Social workers network meetings were held with the support of
a social worker resource team comprising NCSS representatives
and social workers from SPED schools, including Community
Chest supported-Rainbow Centre, Metta School, Fernvale Gardens
School and Grace Orchard School.
“Through the networking sessions, I was able to find affirmation
from fellow social workers on some of the common issues we
faced working in the disability sector. It is also a good platform to
get updates on new initiatives and feedback in the sector,” said
Ms Ong Lay Hoon, social worker from MINDS.
A psychologists network meeting was held last year with support
from a psychologist resource team involving Pathlight School,
AWWA School and Rainbow Centre representatives.
Ms Chin Hsiao Yun, a psychologist from AWWA School and
member of the psychologists network organising committee, said:
“I think that the psychologists network among EIPIC centres and
SPED schools is a meaningful and progressive step to foster closer
ties among various schools that serve the needs of students with
special needs. In particular, it enables psychologists serving a
spectrum of special needs to gain insight into one another’s work
experience as well as the educational options that are available to
various students.”
Collectively, both resource teams organised a combined social
workers and psychologists network held in June 2011.
Commenting on the benefits of the networks, Ms Chin said: “When
we gather as a group, we share more freely our struggles and joys
in an informal environment. Through sharing sessions, we find our
emotional support in knowing that we face similar struggles. There
would always be someone who would offer a useful suggestion
or inspire us with an idea or a comment. As we understand one
another’s work better, we improve our working relations, which in
turn support our collaborative efforts in serving our students.”

12
Directory Directory
13
DIRECTORY OF NCSS-FUNDED DISABILITY SERVICES
DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES (DACs)
PROGRAMMES CONTACT NO.
Autism Association Singapore (AAS) – 6287 4727
Eden Centre for Adults
Metta DAC for the Intellectually Disabled 6385 2913
(Hougang)
MINDS Ang Mo Kio Training & Development 6456 0570
Centre 6456 4174
MINDS Clementi Training & Development Centre 6776 8743
6776 8745
MINDS Napiri Training & Development Centre 6387 7662
SPD DAC 6579 0700
SUN-DAC Centre for the Disabled (Bedok) 6442 6395
SUN-DAC Centre for the Disabled (Choa Chu Kang) 6763 6234
The Singapore Cheshire Home Day Care Centre 6284 0966
The Spastic Children’s Association of Singapore 6585 5600
(SCAS) DAC
HOSTELS
PROGRAMMES CONTACT NO.
MINDSVille@Napiri – Hostel/Group Home 6387 7662
TOUCH Ubi Hostel 6744 9712
INTEGRATION SUPPORT
PROGRAMMES CONTACT NO.
MINDS Community Group Home 6479 5655
Moral Therapy Hub 6471 4270
SADeaf Deaf Access 6344 8274
Singapore Association of the Visually 6251 4331
Handicapped Low Vision Clinic
Society of Moral Charities (SOMC) – Community 6846 1171
Integration Support Programme for People with
Visual Impairment
SPD Assistive Technology Centre 6579 0715
SPD Specialised Care Management Programme 6579 0700
SPD Therapy Hub 6579 0759
OPEN EMPLOYMENT
PROGRAMMES CONTACT NO.
Autism Resource Centre (ARC) Vocational Training 6323 3258
& Job Placement Job Support (JPJS) Programme
Bizlink Employment Placement Division 6449 5652
Bizlink Vocational Assessment Division 6449 5652
MINDS JPJS Programme 6479 5655
SPD Employment Support Programme 6579 0700
PRODUCTION WORKSHOPS/
SHELTERED WORKSHOPS
PROGRAMMES CONTACT NO.
Bizlink Centre Singapore Ltd 6449 5652
MINDS Idea Employment Development Centre 6282 4852
MINDS Woodlands Employment Development 6366 3966
Centre
SIA-MINDS Employment Development Centre 6473 1148
SCAS Goodwill Rehabilitation & Occupational 6585 5600
Workshop
SOMC for the Visually Handicapped 6846 1171
SPD Production Workshop 6579 0700
SPD Work Activity Centre 6579 0700
RESIDENTIAL HOMES
PROGRAMMES CONTACT NO.
MINDSVille@Napiri – Home 6387 7662
The Singapore Cheshire Home 6284 0966
EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMMES
FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN (EIPIC)
PROGRAMMES CONTACT NO.
AAS – Autism Children’s Centre (Clementi) 6773 6930
AAS – Autism Children’s Centre (Simei) 6783 7066
ARC – WeCAN Early Intervention Programme 6323 3258
AWWA Early Years Centre 6511 5300
Canossian EIPIC 6749 8971
Fei Yue EIPIC Centre 6565 6260
Metta Preschool @ Punggol 6483 9585
Metta Preschool @ Simei 6580 4653
Rainbow Centre Early Intervention Programme – 6472 7077
Margaret Drive (RC EIPMD)
Rainbow Centre Early Intervention Programme – 6482 2592
Yishun Park (RC EIPYP)
SCAS EIPIC 6585 5647
SPD Building Bridges EIPIC Centre 6579 0700
Thye Hua Kwan (THK) Moral EIPIC Centre 6762 9125
(Choa Chu Kang) 6465 2167
THK Moral EIPIC Centre (Woodlands) 6362 6215
6362 5371
6368 2820
COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SUPPORT
PROGRAMMES CONTACT NO.
AWWA Teach Me Services 6511 5210
SADeaf Community Integration Support for the 6344 8274
Hearing Impaired
SCAS Therapy Rehabilitation 6585 5600
SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS
PROGRAMMES CONTACT NO.
Chaoyang School 6456 6922
Delta Senior School 6276 3818
Katong School 6445 8027
Tanglin School 6475 1511
AWWA School 6511 5280
Canossian School 6749 8971
Eden School 6265 7400
Grace Orchard School 6561 9128
Lighthouse School 6250 3755
Metta School 6788 5800
Fernvale Gardens School 6481 6697
Lee Kong Chian Gardens School 6473 8332
Towner Gardens School 6446 2612
Woodlands Gardens School 6468 0566
Pathlight School 6459 9951
Rainbow Centre (Margaret Drive School) 6472 7077
Rainbow Centre (Yishun Park School) 6482 2592
Singapore School for the Deaf 6345 0343
Spastic Children’s Association School 6585 5634
St Andrew’s Autism School 6517 3800
For more information on the disability services, you can also visit www.cel.sg or call the Infoline at 1800 8585 885.
(Infoline operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm).

14
In Focus In Focus
15
REACHING
OUT TO THE
YOUNG
Mental health community network expanded
to SPED schools
Started in 2007, Response, Early Intervention and Assessment in
Community Mental Health (REACH) is a programme under the
National Mental Health Blueprint, serving the mental health needs
of children and youth of school-going age. A network of multidisciplinary
teams of mental health professionals, which include
doctors, psychologists, medical social workers, occupational
therapists and nurses, are involved in the programme.
The REACH teams collaborate with many partners such as MOE,
family doctors, NCSS, VWOs and the Health Promotion Board
to provide early identification, support and intervention for
children and youth with emotional and behavioural difficulties
and related mental health problems. The teams collaborate with
VWOs and FSCs to provide early detection and intervention of
youth who have dropped out of schools. The teams also provide
training and helpline assistance to school personnel to identify
and support these students, and work with general practitioners
in the community on diagnosis and management of mental health
problems.
The REACH programme has been progressively initiated in the
north, south and east school zones, led by the Institute of Mental
Health, and in the west zone by the National University Health
System. Since August 2011, the programme has been implemented
in all 362 mainstream schools. Since 10 October 2011, REACH has
been piloted at four SPED schools. They are Delta Senior School,
Canossian School, The Spastic Children’s Association School and
Lee Kong Chian Gardens School.
Associate Professor Daniel Fung, Programme Director at REACH,
commented: “With REACH successfully implemented in all
mainstream schools, it is a natural progression to reach out to the
SPED schools. REACH will leverage on its five years of experience
working with mainstream schools to provide early intervention,
support and training to SPED schools to improve the mental health
of students with special needs.”
There are plans to introduce the programme to all 20 SPED schools
by 2013. Ms Jacqueline Goh, psychologist at Lee Kong Chian
Gardens School, said: “Working together with REACH to provide a
concerted and integrated support system to promote and enhance
the social and emotional well-being of our students with special
needs, is a highly anticipated collaborative project for our school
which will meet the specific needs of our students.”
REACH also organised three workshops conducted by in-house
psychologists and psychiatrists for the benefit of all SPED school
staff. Two workshops trained 40 staff from 18 SPED schools
while the last workshop was organised as a week-long training
seminar conducted by Dr Robin Friedlander, Clinical Assistant
Professor from the University of British Columbia who specialises
in developmental disabilities. A total of 109 staff from 19 SPED
schools was trained at the seminar.

16
In Focus In Focus
17
MEETING
EIPIC
NEEDS
Bridging gaps and enhancing strengths
in services for children with special needs
By Ms Joann Chen, Senior Executive, Children Disability Services,
NCSS
Each year, an average of 1,500 children diagnosed with special
needs are helped by the Early Intervention Programme for
Infants and Children (EIPIC). Currently, a total of 14 EIPIC centres
in Singapore provide early intervention services for children
from birth to 6 years old with intellectual disabilities, sensory
impairments, physical disabilities, global development delay,
multiple disabilities or autism.
NCSS collaborated with KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
(KKH) and National University Hospital for a consultancy project
to enhance service quality and standards as well as bridge gaps
across the EIPIC programmes. The consultancy project was one of
the key recommendations made through the EIPIC baseline study,
which sought to establish the baseline of service delivery at EIPIC
centres and understand parents’ perception of the usefulness of the
programme.
There are three phases to the project. During the diagnostic phase
of about 10 weeks, the consultancy team, which comprises senior
early intervention experts, including doctor, senior psychologists
and physio, speech and occupational therapists, will work with the
EIPIC centres to identify gaps, strengths and needs.
A Centre Development Plan (CDP) is then developed. The CDP covers
areas such as professional practices, supervision and mentoring,
and caregiver training and support. Professional practices include
establishing clear roles of various professionals in the intervention
process. This ensures the development of a standardised and
comprehensive Individual Education Plan (IEP) for each child, using
appropriate tools for assessment, training and to provide activitybased
intervention that could be incorporated into a child’s daily
routine at home. EIPIC centres will also be guided to establish a
supervisory and mentoring framework which includes orientation
programmes, in-service training, case conferences and staff
supervision as well as developing a caregiver support framework for
caregivers.
Through guidance and supervision, the consultants will implement
the CDP during the implementation phase, lasting another 10 to
20 weeks. A two-week review phase will be conducted one year
after the start of the project to ensure that recommendations were
carried out and sustained.
The consultancy project has since commenced at three Community
Chest-supported EIPIC centres, namely Metta Preschool@Punggol,
THK Moral EIPIC Centre (Choa Chu Kang) and SCAS EIPIC. Both
staff and management of the centres have provided positive
feedback about the EIPIC consultancy project. Key staff who was
involved acknowledged that the project was an important learning
journey that helped build team spirit within the centre and noted a
significant improvement in the quality of the IEP goals set.
Mr Nandana Koh, Manager of Metta Preschool, said: “The
consultancy project has enabled Metta Preschool to take a giant
leap forward through improved EIPIC services. The children have
benefited from a holistic approach to functional skills, group
activities intervention and family-centred based models.”
The EIPIC consultancy project aims to expand its outreach to all
EIPIC agencies by 2014.
DIFFERENT
ABILITIES, SAME
MOTIVATIONS
Job placement programmes for people with disabilities
NCSS is committed to help persons with
disabilities find meaningful employment
opportunities. One such initiative is
the Job Placement Job Support (JPJS)
programme managed by MINDS. The
objective of the programme is to promote
the employment and retention of persons
with intellectual disabilities in the open
job market. Since its inception two
years ago, the programme has helped
more than 60 clients find new purpose
and confidence through positive work
experiences.
OVERCOMING THE ODDS
When Ms Masni Bte Miswari, who was diagnosed with intellectual
disability, first applied to be a kitchen stewardess at the Holiday
Inn Atrium through the JPJS programme, her potential employers
were concerned that she would not be able to handle the heavy
workload at their staff canteen’s dishwashing station.
After training and support from her supervisors and the JPJS team
at MINDS, her work performance made a favourable impression on
her employers.
Her exemplary success led to more open doors. The JPJS team
facilitated more job placements with Holiday Inn Atrium and
Ms Masni was subsequently joined by Ms Lee Yen Jun and
Ms Joanne Ang (shown in photo).
As a group, the girls had the additional challenge of managing the
dishwashing station on their own. However, their performance
and abilities earned them their employers’ praise, who highlighted
their exceptional attitude and independence.
IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORT
The management team at Holiday Inn Atrium played an important
role in giving the girls the motivation and resolve to perform well.
For example, accommodation was made for them to use padlock
lockers instead of the more complex combination locks.

18
In Focus SSTI Course Highlights
19
The JPJS programme managed by MINDS also partnered with the
Singapore National Employers Federation to find suitable jobs for
their clients. The programme has seen an increase in clientele from
24 in 2010 to 38 in 2011. Its current goal for 2012 is 45 clients.
To prepare the clients for work, an assessment team consisting of a
psychologist, an occupational therapist and a job placement officer
helps ensure the job expectations and responsibilities are fully
communicated to the client, as well as assess the suitability of the
work environment for the client.
Additional support provided includes interview training, job
analysis and job re-design. Post-placement support was also
provided through regular on-site visits, job coaching and conflict
resolution.
Mr Jason Sim, Job Placement Officer at MINDS, said: “Everyone has
the potential to grow. Like flowers, some may take longer to bloom
and some may need support beams to guide and help them reach
their fullest potential.”
“Our dedicated team works hard in supporting our clients on their
jobs and helps maximise their potential,” Mr Sim added.
Through SPD’s JPJS programme, Ms Lim Lin Li was hired as an
Admissions Assistant at KKH. SPD’s occupational therapists
conducted worksite and job analysis to help her adjust to her new
work environment, and she personally received on-site training
by an IT apprenticeship trainer to help her adapt and do well in
her job. Ms Lim received the Exemplary Employees Award given
out during the 2 nd Enabling Employer Awards gala dinner on
23 March. The inaugural award was given to exemplary persons
with disabilities who have performed exceptionally well at their
workplaces.
“It is a fulfilling experience placing clients out in open employment.
It is very satisfying to see them being able to earn a living for
themselves and to provide for their families, and more importantly,
to be accepted as part of the society,” said Mr Jackson Low, Job
Placement Officer of SPD.
Besides MINDS and SPD, NCSS has partnered Bizlink Centre to run
job placement and support services for persons with disabilities
since 1985. This year, NCSS has partnered ARC to train, place and
support persons with autism in employment.
Through these pilot programmes, NCSS is able to help persons
with disabilities maximise their potential and play a fulfilling
role in the community. A key factor is working together with
both public and private organisations to enable persons with
disabilities to gain successful work experiences. More importantly,
it provides them with a sense of belonging and allows them to
lead independent lives.
For more information about the
JPJS programme managed by MINDS,
please contact Mr Jason Sim at
8612 2242 jasonsim.hq@minds.org.sg
For more information about
Bizlink Centre’s JPJS programme,
please contact Ms May Chua at
6249 8126 mayc@bizlink.org.sg
For more information about
SPD’s job placement programme,
please contact Ms Jane Yeo at
6579 0745 jane_yeo@spd.org.sg
For more information on
ARC’s Vocational Training and
JPJS programme,
please contact Ms Jeane Lim at
6323 3258 arc@autism.org.sg

20
Insight Insight
21
CONTINUING CARE GIVING BACK
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SOMEONE WITH
SPECIAL NEEDS?
The short answer is that you should ensure that care for that child
or dependant will continue long after you are no longer around.
This means financial planning for their future.
In Singapore, most dependants with special needs end up being
taken care of by family members or designated caregivers. While
parents may leave a sum of money for that purpose, there is no
assurance that the funds set aside will be properly utilised. Also,
what happens if the child outlives his caregivers?
Parents now have the option of setting up a trust to ensure funds
are set aside and properly disbursed by a nominated trustee for the
beneficiary with special needs in the future.
Incorporated in 20 June 2008, the Special Needs Trust Company
(SNTC) is the only non-profit trust company in Singapore and is
jointly supported by MCYS and NCSS. It caters to the ordinary man
in the street who wants to set up a trust fund for their loved ones
with special needs. The minimum sum required is $5,000.
Clients can top up the trust accounts during their lifetime and also
arrange for proceeds from insurance policies to be made to the
trust account upon their demise through a will. SNTC will make
home visits to the person assigned to take care of the dependant,
assess the dependant’s needs and administer and monitor the use
of the funds according to a care plan that can be modified to meet
any subsequent changes.
Unlike private trust funds which are invested in higher-risk
financial products for profit, SNTC entrusts the funds with the
Public Trustee’s Office, which will put the funds into low-risk
financial instruments. The principal value of the SNTC trust funds is
guaranteed by the Government, thus ensuring financial security.
Ms Esther Tan, General Manager of SNTC, shared: “SNTC’s target
group is really those parents/caregivers, who do not have sufficient
financial means to set up a private trust but own at least a HDB flat
which can then be sold subsequently and the proceeds injected
into the trust account, to take care of the dependant with special
needs.”
“SNTC also provides more flexibility to parents as the monthly
payout sum can be changed based on the circumstances of their
children. SNTC will also monitor that the payouts are used for the
benefit of the children based on the parents’ wishes stated in the
care plans,” she added.
To date, 140 trust accounts have been set up with SNTC. Despite
the obvious benefits of a SNTC trust account, SNTC’s prospective
group of parents and caregivers face challenges coming onboard.
“It has been challenging. Parents who have young children with
special needs may be reluctant to set aside $5,000 to open trust
accounts because they would rather spend on early intervention
programmes to directly help their children at that point in time.
Older parents feel the need to keep cash to take care of their
children’s medical expenses,” said Ms Tan.
Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited.
Reproduced with permission
To assist, SNTC has been appealing for donations to help parents/
caregivers to reach the minimum sum to set up a trust for their
dependants with special needs.
All donations received will be used to help people like 68-yearold
single mother Madam Yip Lum Fong and her 28-year-old son
Cheah Tat Hiang, who suffers from Down Syndrome (both are in
the above photo). Madam Yip, who works as a cleaner, was unable
to set up a trust account as she had little savings and most of her
income was spent on daily expenses. Through SNTC’s fund-raising
efforts, Madam Yip has since been able to open a trust account for
her son. She said: “I am not afraid to die now because I can go with
peace of mind.”
For more information on SNTC, please call the hotline 6278 9598 or
visit the website at www.sntc.org.sg
Over the years, Community Chest has been privileged to have partners who
have remained committed to raising funds to help the less fortunate in our
community. NCSS and Community Chest are very grateful for the decades of
support shown.
This issue, we spotlight two such organisations, who have given back to society
year after year. Rapport had the pleasure and opportunity to sit down with
Mr Yoshifumi Beppu, the Chairperson of the Japanese Association of Singapore
(JAS) Women’s Committee, and will also be taking a look at how Singapore
Power Ltd has helped needy elderly.
MANY SELFLESS ACTS, BIG IMPACT
JAS has been a faithful supporter of Community Chest since 1983.
The Association has a long history of charity and community work
in Singapore.
Not many people know that a small group of hardworking
Japanese, mostly expatriate wives, has raised more than
$3.4 million for Community Chest over the past 28 years. The
24-member group, whose members change annually, due to the
transiency of expatriate life, usually meet every week to discuss
how they can help in charitable causes.
“We want to contribute to Singapore, where we live and work. It is
our way of saying thank you for accepting our stay here. In Japan,
we are also used to supporting our community,” Mr Beppu said.
He was quick to give credit to the wives of the Japanese
expatriates in Singapore who make up the JAS committee, for their
success in fund-raising. He said: “They organise charity bazaars
and charity draws to raise funds, and mobilise volunteers to help
out. These ladies work very hard. To prepare for the charity draw,
they do everything on their own from writing to companies for
sponsorship of prizes to selling charity draw tickets.”
While many would remember the selflessness of the average
Japanese person during the devastating 2011 Japan earthquake
and tsunami, to Mr Beppu, it summed up what it meant to be
part of a community. He remembered how some people took
two weeks off work to help clean up the country. “An individual’s
contribution may be limited but working together in a group, it
becomes truly powerful,” he added.
During the devastating time, apart from raising funds for the
Japanese victims, JAS continued to work on the annual charity
draw, raising more than $115,000.
Mr Beppu explained: “We are very grateful for the help that was
rendered to us by Singaporeans during this period. We felt that we
should continue with our annual charity draw efforts to contribute
to people in need in Singapore.”
Mr Beppu himself started at the tender age of seven as a Cub
Scout, where he learnt to give back to the society. He commented:
“One thing I have learnt since my Boy Scout days is to have a clear
objective when volunteering – which is to lend a helping hand to
those in need, with no hidden agenda.”
Mr Beppu is also the Managing Director of Mitsubishi Electric Asia
Pte Ltd and Chief Representative for Asia Pacific Region, Mitsubishi
Electric Corporation. In the early days of his career with Mitsubishi
Electric group company in the United States, he was already
involved in the company’s philanthropic efforts.
Mr Beppu recounted one memorable experience in Singapore. It
was a Christmas party for children suffering from cancer organised
by the company. He said: “The children enjoyed themselves at the
party and forgot their troubles for the moment. It was our greatest
satisfaction in seeing the smiles on their faces. This is also the
same motivation driving JAS and its community works.”

22
Insight Partnerships
23
FUND-RAISING POWER
Singapore Power Ltd is another positive example of the impact
made by corporate donors in society.
The Singapore Power Heartware Fund (SPHF) was launched in
October 2005 as a focused way for the company to give back to
society. Every year, SP organises a variety of fund-raising activities
involving staff, customers, business associates and members of
the public. From regular donation drives such as direct appeals
through mailers accompanying utility bills and donation pledge
cards to staff to charity golf and gala dinner events, SP has raised
$6 million that has benefited some 1,700 elderly.
Explaining SPHF’s focus on the needy elderly, Mr Wong Kim Yin,
Group CEO of SP, said: “With the changing demography of the
population, home care services will become more essential in
helping the needy elderly cope with daily living.”
“We are happy to be a partner of Community Chest and are
committed towards serving the needs of the less fortunate in our
society,” Mr Wong added.
SPHF funds Home Help Services offered by seven VWOs supported
by Community Chest: Dorcas Home Care Service, Moral Home
Help Service (East), Moral Home Help Service (West), Sunlove
Home Help Service, SWAMI Home Help Service, TOUCH Home Care
and Tembusu Home Help Service. In line with SP’s commitment
to ensure that all funds raised go to the Home Help Services
programmes, it continues to underwrite all costs of the company’s
fund-raising activities.
The essential services provided by the Home Help Services include
meal deliveries, daily living assistance at home like laundry and
housekeeping, and the sponsoring of vans and ambulances
for the Home Help Services providers. With such support, the
beneficiaries are better able to go about their daily lives.
In addition to financial support, SP staff has also contributed in
other meaningful ways, such as volunteering to pack ‘Bags of
Love’, household necessities given out to elderly beneficiaries,
conducting house-cleaning sessions, and organising outings for
them during festive seasons.
SP also works with other organisations on their corporate social
responsibility initiatives. In January 2012, SP collaborated with
Riders Aid, a motorcycle enthusiast group, to organise a Chinese
New Year charity ride. The riders raised funds for SPHF as well as
enabled some elderly to experience the thrill of riding a bike.
SP then matched the donations collected dollar for dollar.
SINGTEL CONNECTS WITH
THE COMMUNITY
SingTel Touching Lives Fund raises $2.6 million for charity
For a decade, the SingTel Touching Lives Fund (STLF) has raised
funds to help the less fortunate children and youth in Singapore.
The year’s efforts, including the individual donations of SingTel
staff, garnered $2.6 million, of which $2.4 million was channeled
to help Community Chest beneficiaries from Chaoyang School,
Tanglin School, AWWA Early Years Centre, Lee Kong Chian Gardens
School and Students Care Service.
To kick-off the 10 th year of its fund-raising programme, SingTel
organised a Flag Day on 24 June 2011. More than 800 SingTel
staff, family and friends, led by Ms Chua Sock Koong, Group CEO,
Ms Jeann Low, STLF Chairman and Group Chief Financial Officer,
and Ms Aileen Tan, STLF Deputy Chairman and Group Director
of Human Resource, went to various parts of Singapore, raising
$80,000 in funds from the public.
Members of the public were also encouraged to take part in
SingTel’s signature fund-raising activity, Fold-A-Heart Campaign,
through folding an origami heart from the STLF advertisement
found in TODAY newspapers. SingTel pledged to donate a dollar to
STLF with each folded heart received.
The STLF Campaign in 2011 also harnessed technology with
the launch of an online Fold-A-Heart activity, to further raise
awareness. On 28 September 2011, SingTel staff taught students
from Canberra Primary School on how they could help the less
fortunate in society by folding an electronic heart online.
SingTel’s annual Charity Golf event for its management, business
partners and associates was held on 19 August 2011, with
supporters sponsoring all 36 flights of golf, raising $820,000, the
highest amount ever for this event.
As with previous years, SingTel fully underwrites the fund-raising
costs for the STLF programme, to ensure that every dollar raised
is utilised by beneficiaries for training, SPED and counselling
programmes for children with special needs and youth-at-risk.
“STLF was started 10 years ago to co-ordinate and communicate
our philanthropy efforts and through the years, we have
proactively involved our business partners, associates, employees
and the public. We will continue to drive awareness of our
beneficiaries’ causes with our stakeholders through our various
fund-raising activities,” Ms Low said.
Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman of Community Chest (2 nd from right) with
Ms Chua Sock Koong, SingTel Group CEO (3 rd from right) and a
Community Chest beneficiary at the STLF Cheque Presentation
Ceremony 2012 on 17 February
SINGAPORE MANUFACTURERS’
FEDERATION’S BIG-HEARTED
DONATION TO COMMUNITY CHEST
(L-R): Mr Renny Yeo, SMa Honorary President, Mr George Huang,
SMa President, President Tony Tan and Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman of
Community Chest, at SMa’s 80 th Anniversary Launch and Lunar New
Year Celebrations
In the true spirit of giving, the Singapore Manufacturers’
Federation (SMa) presented a donation of $31,000 to Community
Chest during the launch of its 80 th Anniversary and Lunar New
Year Celebrations on 27 January 2012. The cheque was presented
to Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman of Community Chest.
This amount, raised by SMa Council and Secretariat, was initially
meant for a congratulatory advertisement on SMa President
Mr George Huang’s conferment of the Public Service Medal (PBM)
last year. This donation to Community Chest would help the less
fortunate and showed SMa’s appreciation to President Tony Tan,
who is the Patron-in-Chief of Community Chest.

24
Partnerships
FUELING UP FOR CHARITY
Shell Singapore celebrates 120 years by contributing to the community
Shell Singapore celebrated its 120 th Anniversary by coming
together with its staff and industry partners to raise $1.2 million
for charity through a charity gala dinner on 30 October 2011.
The cheque was presented at the dinner graced by Mr Lee Kuan
Yew, former Prime Minister of Singapore, and Mr Peter Voser, Chief
Executive, Royal Dutch Shell. It was attended by over 1,000 guests,
comprising customers, suppliers, partners, government officials,
senior company executives and Shell staff.
Shell underwrote the entire cost of the charity gala dinner and
funds raised were donated to MINDS and Fei Yue Community
Services supported by Community Chest as well as The Straits
Times School Pocket Money Fund.
This joint charity drive was Shell’s way of giving back to
society and celebrating the company’s long term success and
achievements in Singapore. “We owe our growth and success in
Singapore to the longstanding relationships and trust we have
developed with our customers, partners and staff, as well as the
wider community,” said Mr Voser.
The charity gala dinner closed a year-long programme of
anniversary activities which included a photo exhibition, a charity
car rally, a charity variety show and joint celebratory programmes
involving staff and key partners.
SINGAPORE’S CELEBRITY CHEFS
COOK UP FOR COMMUNITY CHEST
Chef Tony Khoo, Executive Chef of Marina Mandarin Hotel, receiving a
token from Ms Ang Bee Lian, CEO of NCSS
Chocolate Foie Gras ‘Magnum’, Vine Tomato Gazpacho, Emulsion of
Parsnip, Rosemary Honey Pear topped with caramel black truffle
sauce and ‘white truffle’ ice cream...
Diners at the ‘Proudly Singapore: A Showcase of Singapore Chefs’
charity gala dinner on 1 December 2011 had the triple satisfaction
of partaking in these innovative dishes prepared by top celebrity
chefs, contributing to a worthy cause and supporting local talents,
all at the same time.
The gala dinner was held to celebrate the launch of his first
cookbook ‘To be A Chef’ by Mr Tony Khoo, Executive Chef of Marina
Mandarin Hotel. The book chronicles his 35 years in the kitchen as
well as pass on his knowledge to younger chefs in Singapore.
At the dinner, he was joined by other top chefs including Mr Eric
Teo, President of Singapore Chefs’ Association, Mr Otto Weibel,
Mr Eric Neo, Mr Leons Tan, Mr Louis Tay and Mr Willment Leong,
who whipped up a special selection of dishes featured in the book.
The special gastronomic event raised $118,000 for beneficiaries
of Community Chest through a donation by DBS Private Bank, the
presenter of the event, a charity auction and donations from guests
at the dinner.
SACS CELEBRATES MENTAL WELLNESS
To honour World Mental Health Day on
10 October 2011, the Singapore Anglican
Community Services celebrated with
a week of activities to highlight the
importance of mental wellness and to
dispel stigma about mental illness.
It also collaborated with SRS to roll out
the “Stamp Out Stigma” initiative, which
through public education via road
shows and public talks, raised awareness
about mental health and recognised the
challenges of the caregivers and family
members of patients with mental illness.
10 May
Snapshots
LIVENABLED WEEK 2011
The Centre for Enabled Living’s LivEnabled Week 2011 was
launched by Acting Minister for MCYS Mr Chan Chun Sing on
10 November 2011. The inaugural LivEnabled Showcase was
launched on 19 November 2011 at the Singapore Expo by
Minister for Health Mr Gan Kim Yong. The two events attracted
over 250 participants and over 14,000 visitors respectively.
The two-day conference with the theme “Future of Caregiving
– Fostering Partnerships and Empowerment” addressed the
pressing issues of a rapidly ageing population in Singapore
and around the world. The conference also featured prominent
speakers from Australia, Spain, Sweden, Hong Kong, the
United Kingdom and Singapore. Some of the services
showcase included a wide variety of mobility devices and
assistive technology. Disability planning workshops, which
equip participants with the necessary skills to prepare for and
mitigate disability issues, were also held.
VWO UPCOMING EVENTS
ANNUAL SINGAPORE CONFERENCE ON
AGEING (ASCA) 2012
Venue: Orchard Hotel
Time: 9am – 5pm
Fees: $100 (for local delegates)
$150 (for foreign delegates)
$40 (for VWOs)
Contact: 6334 4445 (ext. 110)
ASCA 2012 is for policymakers and practitioners in the field of
gerontology. The conference will cover topics such as creative
therapy method and new research findings in the area of
elderly mental health. The highlight of this conference will be
the 5 th Henry Lim Lecture featuring keynote speaker, Professor
John H. Growdon, from the Harvard Medical School.
ASCA 2012 is organised by the Gerontological Society and
more details on registration is available at www.gs.org.sg.
27 May
25
REALMS OF HOPE PROJECT TO EQUIP
YOUTH FOR THE FUTURE
On 27 January 2012, Canon Singapore and
Metta Welfare Association commenced
their 1-year partnership on the “Realms of
Hope” project, an initiative to support the
development of youth with special needs
through the Metta Welfare Association’s
Arts@Metta Programme (Arts@Metta). For
this initiative, Canon Singapore will donate
25% of the profits generated from the sale of
Canon Paper (A4 80GSM Business HG Paper)
towards Arts@Metta. The fund will be used
to provide training programmes, support
and employment services.
DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION
(SINGAPORE) CHARITY MOVIE 2012
Venue: The Cathay
Time: 3pm – 6.30pm
Corporate bookings are most welcomed to support this charity
event. For booking details, please contact Down Syndrome
Association (Singapore) at 6278 3907 (ext.13).
The charity drive aims to create awareness of Down Syndrome
among the movie-goers and to take the opportunity to raise
funds for the Association.