Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025

Mr Kenneth Choo,

Chairman, Board of Trustees, Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation and Managing Director, HEINEKEN Asia Pacific

Ms Ong Toon Hui,

President of SPD

Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Foundation scholars, parents, teachers

Ladies and gentlemen,

1.         Good afternoon. I am delighted to join this meaningful occasion today, where we celebrate the excellence and achievements of four of our exceptional young Singaporean talents.

2.         First let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to Cindy Chan, Clara Cher, Samuel Chew, and Zachary Tay on being awarded the Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Foundation Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities.

a.    This is a recognition of your academic excellence, and your potential to go even higher.  

b.    We are very proud to celebrate this milestone with you, and we look forward to seeing you thrive as you embark on your next chapter.

3.         The government plays its part by ensuring comprehensive support throughout their educational journey. We have invested in:

a.    Early intervention programmes for infants and children,

b.    Development and learning support, as well as Inclusion Coordinators, in preschools,

c.    And Government and community-funded Special Education (SPED) schools, which deliver either the mainstream curriculum with customised support, or the National SPED curriculum, which equips SPED students with the knowledge, skills and attributes to live independently, learn continuously, and contribute meaningfully to society.

d.    In mainstream schools, caring classroom environments are created with the support of Teachers trained in Special Needs (TSNs) and Special Education Needs (SEN) Officers.

4.         But beyond Government efforts, many other organisations and individuals play equally critical roles in this collective endeavour.

5.         Corporates and foundations like APB demonstrate what it means to look beyond profits and think more broadly about social impact.

a.    Since 2004, the APB has contributed over $2.6 million to support 67 students with disabilities through their university education.

b.    This is one of the few bond-free scholarships that is available to undergraduates in Singapore, giving students the freedom to focus on their studies and pursue their passions without financial burden.

c.    APB’s contributions have been transformative, positively impacting the lives of the students and their families.

6.         Non-profit organisations like SPD serve as vital bridges, opening their doors and expertise to ensure that scholarships translate into real educational success. SPD’s partnership with APB has created opportunities for scholars.

7.         Equally important are family members, educators, and mentors, who journey with persons with special education needs, encouraging and supporting them every step of the way.

8.         This is what we mean by a “We First” society. Not a society that only cares about “Me” but moving from an individual based entity towards the collective.

a.    A society that puts community above self, cares for the vulnerable, and ensures that no one is left behind.

b.    A society where diversity is not merely tolerated, but genuinely valued,

c.    A place where barriers – whether physical, attitudinal, or systemic – are actively dismantled,

d.    And where every individual has equal opportunities to participate, contribute, and thrive.

e.    Each of us play a part in this and society as a whole will have to work together to support all of us, particularly those who need our support the most.

9.         For corporates, being part of a “We First” society means looking beyond immediate returns and considering broader social impact.

a.    It means investing in human potential, and to ensure that we move forward, and strengthen ourselves as one untied Singapore.

b.    APB’s approach demonstrates this perfectly.

10.     For individuals, “We First” means becoming mentors and advocates, like William and Eugene, who are our emcees today.

a.    William, a 2022 APB Foundation Scholarship recipient, is currently pursuing his degree in the National University of Singapore and recently began an internship with Pfizer as a Quality Control Intern. Beyond his studies, he has also given talks at inclusion and diversity events, sharing his journey to encourage and uplift others.

b.    Eugene, who received the scholarship last year, is also pursuing his degree at NUS. He is an active member of the NUS Enablers student group, and actively promotes accessible infrastructure and inclusive practices within NUS. Eugene recently participated in a NUS Human Library event as a life experience speaker, passionately advocating empathy through his personal story.

11.     To our new scholars, Cindy, Clara, Samuel and Zachary, I hope you will embrace this “We First” spirit as well and remember that you too will pay it forward to society and to future scholars, just as what William and Eugene have done.

12.     I invite more organisations like APB to step forward to allow for a more inclusive Singapore, and to support inclusion in your own ways.

13.     It is important to have a community such as this where we can share stories of success, and where we can build on this success for future generations.

14.     Once again, congratulations to our scholars today. This scholarship marks the beginning of greater accomplishments ahead. I wish you continued success – always remember to thank your families, educators, and friends who have supported you, and remember to pay it forward to our community and future.

15.     I wish you all the best. Thank you.