logo
2 agencies supporting children with disabilities get $3m from SIA fund-raising drive

2 agencies supporting children with disabilities get $3m from SIA fund-raising drive

Straits Times19-07-2025
Find out what's new on ST website and app.
Over 400 beneficiaries and caregivers attended the SIA Cares Open House held at the SIA Training Centre in Upper Changi on July 19.
SINGAPORE – Two social service agencies that support children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs received a total of $3 million from Singapore Airlines, as part of the national carrier's SIA Cares fund-raising drive.
On July 19, SIA chief executive Goh Choon Phong presented AWWA and Rainbow Centre with a symbolic cheque at the SIA Cares Open House held at the SIA Training Centre in Upper Changi.
Over three months, SIA's partners and staff, as well as the public, raised $1.5 million in donations, which SIA matched with another $1.5 million.
As part of SG60 celebrations, the Government will also make a $3 million donation to the Community Chest, matching the amount raised by SIA.
Community Chest – the philanthropic arm of Singapore's National Council of Social Service – supports children with special needs, children at risk and low-income families, along with other causes.
SIA said on July 19 that AWWA will use the funds to enhance its therapy services, independent living skills training, as well as its free co-curricular activities, to engage students with disabilities, among other efforts, in its special education schools in Hougang and Bedok.
Rainbow Centre will strengthen its special education programme across its Admiral Hill, Margaret Drive and Yishun Park campuses, so that children with autism or multiple disabilities can get a personalised approach to address their needs.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Mindef, SAF units among those dealing with attack on S'pore's critical information infrastructure
Asia China's growing cyber-hacking capabilities raise alarm around the world
Asia Autogate glitch causes chaos at KLIA and Johor checkpoints, foreign passport holders affected
Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore
Singapore 'I thought it was an April Fool's joke': Teen addicted to Kpods on news that friend died
Singapore Who decides when you can't? A guide on planning for end-of-life care
Singapore Why hiring more teachers makes sense, even with falling student numbers
Singapore Bukit Panjang LRT disruption: Train service resumes after power fault affects 13-station line
More than 1,600 children and youth are expected to benefit across the two agencies.
AWWA chief executive J.R. Karthikeyan said: 'The provision of high-quality services and greater inclusion require the efforts of many helping hands, and we are grateful to Singapore Airlines and its partners for their compassion and spirit of giving.'
Ms Tan Sze Wee, executive director of Rainbow Centre, added that SIA's contribution will help the children and youth people under them grow and thrive.
Meanwhile, Community Chest will use the funds to address underserved social needs, including support for children with special needs, youth-at-risk, adults with disabilities, persons with mental health conditions and seniors and families needing assistance.
SIA's Mr Goh said its efforts to raise funds reflects its commitment to Singapore's social service agencies.
'The funds will enhance programmes at AWWA and Rainbow Centre, empowering young people with vital life skills and opportunities for greater independence and inclusion. Additionally, it will support Community Chest's broader initiatives benefitting society at large,' he said.
Over 650 Singapore-based SIA staff members volunteered to organise and run the open house for nearly 900 beneficiaries and caregivers from 33 social service agencies over the July 19 weekend.
Visitors went on guided tours of SIA's training facilities, learnt how flight training simulators work, and explored an SG60 and SIA heritage showcase which featured a digital interactive installation on Singapore's nation building journey.
They also had the opportunity to talk to SIA cabin crew, pilots and engineers.
For lunch, visitors enjoyed a selection of SIA's in-flight meals, including SIA's signature satay and nasi goreng.
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong speaking at the SG60 SIA Cares Open House on July 19.
PHOTO: MDDI
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, who was guest of honour at the event, said that SIA, as Singapore's national icon, is well-placed to connect communities and help those in need.
'As we celebrate SG60 as a nation, we must remember that every Singaporean counts. We must continue to build a nation where every individual has a meaningful stake in society, and where we are invested in one another as well as in our shared future,' he said .
Muhammad Ziqri Muhammad Abidin, 10, who has autism spectrum disorder and is a student at AWWA's special education school in Bedok, said his favourite part of the open house was getting to sit in the mock-up business class seat, as he has never been on a plane before.
His mother, Ms Nur Aliza Kamsan, 38, said the open house was a rare and meaningful opportunity.
'For children like Ziqri, it's not every day they get to see aviation facilities up close. Experiences like this make a big difference, giving them joy and memories they can cherish,' she said.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Indonesia ferry fire kills 3, more than 500 rescued
Indonesia ferry fire kills 3, more than 500 rescued

Straits Times

time3 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Indonesia ferry fire kills 3, more than 500 rescued

Find out what's new on ST website and app. Passengers jumped overboard with life jackets after a fire broke out on July 20 at the stern of the KM Barcelona 5 as it sailed to Manado. – Three people died and more than 500 others were rescued after a ferry caught fire off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, emergency officials said on July 21. Passengers jumped overboard with life jackets after the fire broke out on July 20 at the stern of the KM Barcelona 5 as it sailed to Manado, according to the Indonesian Coast Guard. A video released by Manado's rescue agency showed a coast guard vessel spraying water on the ferry, which was emitting black smoke. The Indonesian authorities previously reported that five people died in the accident, but later revised the death toll to three. 'Until now, the joint rescue team is still conducting the search-and-rescue operation because the data is still developing,' Manado rescue agency head George Leo Mercy Randang said. 'Our post is still open 24 hours a day, in case families want to report about their missing relative.' At least 568 people were rescued from the ferry and water while three others were found dead, the National Search and Rescue Agency said in a statement on July 21. The ferry's log had only registered 280 passengers and 15 crew members on board. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Woman taken to hospital after car falls into sinkhole on Tanjong Katong Road Singapore Students hide vapes in underwear, toilet roll holders: S'pore schools grapple with vaping scourge Singapore 'I've tried everything': Mum helpless as son's Kpod addiction spirals out of control Singapore NDP 2025: How Benjamin Kheng is whisked from Marina Bay to Padang in 10 minutes by boat, buggy Singapore Almost half of planned 30,000 HDB flats in Tengah to be completed by end-2025: Chee Hong Tat Singapore From libraries to living rooms: How reading habits take root in underserved S'pore children Asia Thai-Cambodia clashes spread along frontier as death toll rises Asia Thousands rally in downtown Kuala Lumpur for resignation of PM Anwar Local media reported that the ship had a capacity for 600 people. The incident happened just weeks after at least 19 people were killed when a ferry sank off the popular resort island of Bali . In the latest incident, fishermen helped evacuate the victims to nearby islands. Those injured were taken to the nearest health facility. The accident happened about an hour away from the resort town of Likupang, in the northern tip of Sulawesi, said Mr Randang. 'What is important is that we are prioritising rescue before nightfall,' Mr Randang told AFP news agency, without confirming the total number of people who were on board the ferry. Marine accidents are a regular occurrence in the South-east Asian archipelago of around 17,000 islands, in part due to lax safety standards or bad weather. The ferry sinking en route to Bali earlier in July was attributed to bad weather. In March, a boat carrying 16 people capsized in rough waters off Bali, killing an Australian woman and injuring at least one other person. In 2018, more than 150 people drowned when a ferry sank in one of the world's deepest lakes on Sumatra island. AFP

1.5 million loans, 840,000 visitors and counting, NLB's mobile library keeps reading on the move
1.5 million loans, 840,000 visitors and counting, NLB's mobile library keeps reading on the move

Straits Times

time9 hours ago

  • Straits Times

1.5 million loans, 840,000 visitors and counting, NLB's mobile library keeps reading on the move

Find out what's new on ST website and app. Over the past decade, the mobile library service has chalked up nearly 1.56 million book loans. SINGAPORE - Every other Saturday, Ms Hirma Sheeryn and her children like to take a walk – not to go to the mall, park or playground, but to visit Molly. Affectionately called Molly, the National Library's mobile library has become a regular sight in the 35-year-old homemaker's Punggol neighbourhood since 2022, where it stays for half a day. With four children in tow, Ms Sheeryn appreciates that it takes her family just under five minutes to get to Molly, compared with a journey to her nearest library, P unggol Regional Library at One Punggol lifestyle hub , which is about five LRT stops away. She and her two daughters, aged seven and nine, who are the more frequent visitors in the family, enjoy the variety of books among the 3,000 titles carried by the bright blue bus. The two girls have been more interested in reading since visiting Molly, she said. They are among 840,000 users who have visited Molly since it first hit the roads in 2008. Over the past decade, the mobile library service has chalked up nearly 1.56 million book loans. In 2024 alone, there were more than 116,000. Ms Hirma Sheeryn's two daughters have been more interested in reading since visiting Molly. PHOTO: COURTESY OF HIRMA SHEERYN It is among initiatives in Singapore to boost access to reading for underserved communities. These places include pre-schools, special education (Sped) schools, and voluntary welfare organisations. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Students hide vapes in underwear, toilet roll holders: S'pore schools grapple with vaping scourge Singapore 'I've tried everything': Mum helpless as son's Kpod addiction spirals out of control Singapore Almost half of planned 30,000 HDB flats in Tengah to be completed by end-2025: Chee Hong Tat Singapore Black belt in taekwondo, Grade 8 in piano: S'pore teen excels despite condition that limits movements Singapore As Asean looks to nuclear energy, public education efforts are needed: UN nuclear watchdog chief Asia Thousands rally in downtown Kuala Lumpur for resignation of PM Anwar Asia Death toll climbs as Thai-Cambodia clashes continue despite calls for ceasefire Asia Shunsaku Tamiya, who brought perfection to plastic race car models, dies at 90 Since Molly's inception, its fleet has grown to three vehicles – one big and two smaller ones, which were launched in 2014, said Ms Tan Chui Peng, director of public libraries at NLB. Big Molly visits two locations daily , holds up to 15 adults or 25 children, with space for up to five wheelchairs, and carries 3,000 books. The mini Mollys were set up to bring the library experience to younger children aged six and younger , and were built to navigate smaller roads near pre-schools. They operate on weekdays, and can accommodate 12 to 15 children and two adults, with a collection of 1,500 books. On the road, big Molly visits Sped schools and social service agencies monthly, and mini Mollys visit pre-schools at least twice a year. Since April 2014, Molly has made at least 8,000 visits to various sites, said Ms Tan, with the most visited stop being Pathlight School, which has three campuses. Molly has also recently been visiting primary schools that have a high number of students who receive financial assistance, Ms Tan said, adding that visits will be expanded to nursing homes, to enable seniors to visit libraries more conveniently. A 2025 study by the National Institute of Education and NLB, which focused on low-income families living in rental flats, looked at the reading resources of 37 families. Over six months, it sought to find out whether children who visited Molly experienced reading enjoyment, frequency, and proficiency. The households in the study had limited books at home and little exposure to reading in either English or Mother Tongue. Of the families surveyed, 43 per cent were found to have never visited public libraries at all due to a lack of time, concerns about book damage, and unfamiliarity with borrowing books. They were also unaware of the mobile library's existence, or did not know they could borrow books from the bus. The National Library's mobile library is among initiatives in Singapore to boost access to reading for underserved communities. ST PHOTO: HESTER TAN For families who did start visiting Molly regularly, the study found that children became more excited about reading, showed improved vocabulary and print recognition, and made book-borrowing a part of their routine. Parents said they appreciated the convenience and less intimidating atmosphere compared with public libraries. Associate Professor Loh Chin Ee, the study's principal investigator, said that Molly brought books and library resources to the neighbourhood in a friendly and cosier setting, which can help to address the literacy gap in low-income communities. 'Molly has the potential to help families become more familiar with library resources,' said NIE's Prof Loh, adding that regular use over some time builds routine. Still, even with better physical access to books, psychological and social barriers - like potential costs or unfamiliarity with library systems - still deter some families . Simple outreach efforts, such as placing Molly's schedule in lift lobbies or sending WhatsApp reminders, could boost engagement, the study suggested.

New advisory cautions against use of electronic shock collars and prong collars on dogs
New advisory cautions against use of electronic shock collars and prong collars on dogs

Straits Times

time10 hours ago

  • Straits Times

New advisory cautions against use of electronic shock collars and prong collars on dogs

Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan interacting with dogs and their owners during the Pets' Day Out at Tampines Boulevard Park on July 26. SINGAPORE – Dog owners are being discouraged from using electronic shock collars and prong collars to train their pets as such devices can cause serious harm to canines, according to a new advisory released by Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) on July 26. Electronic collars are designed to deliver stimulus such as an electric shock, vibration or spray at the dog's neck. Prong collars comprise a series of links with teeth or blunted ends, designed to pinch the skin around a dog's neck when it's tightened. Both fall under a category of tools called aversive training devices, which inflict discomfort or pain to deter unwanted behaviour in dogs. Such devices are easily available online, and can cost between $15 to over $250. The advisory, which aims to help dog owners understand the downsides of such devices, was launched by Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan during the Pet's Day Out event held at Tampines Boulevard Park. The event saw pet lovers gathering for workshops and a pet marketplace. AVS, a cluster within the National Parks Board (NParks), will also be reviewing the need to license the use of animal training devices, as part of the review of Animals and Birds Act. The review will take into consideration the outcomes and feedback for the advisory. Said Mr Tan: '(The advisory) provides clear, science-based guidance to help dog trainers and pet owners make informed and responsible decisions about training methods.' The advisory also strongly encourages positive, rewards-based training methods. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Students hide vapes in underwear, toilet roll holders: S'pore schools grapple with vaping scourge Singapore 'I've tried everything': Mum helpless as son's Kpod addiction spirals out of control Singapore Almost half of planned 30,000 HDB flats in Tengah to be completed by end-2025: Chee Hong Tat Singapore Black belt in taekwondo, Grade 8 in piano: S'pore teen excels despite condition that limits movements Singapore As Asean looks to nuclear energy, public education efforts are needed: UN nuclear watchdog chief Asia Thousands rally in downtown Kuala Lumpur for resignation of PM Anwar Asia Death toll climbs as Thai-Cambodia clashes continue despite calls for ceasefire Asia Shunsaku Tamiya, who brought perfection to plastic race car models, dies at 90 'These are methods that help build trust with our dogs, making them feel safe and confident, while training and teaching them to better adapt to life in our urban environment,' said Mr Tan. 'The use of aversive dog training devices should only be chosen as a last resort and only by trained professionals or under the supervision of one.' The 34-page document was developed by the Dog Training Workgroup, which comprises dog trainers, veterinarians, animal welfare groups and representatives from working dog units. Formed in Aug 2024, the workgroup is co-chaired by the AVS and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A prong collar (left) and electronic shock collar on display. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG The advisory details the different types of electronic and prong collars, and the negative impact it can have on a dog's welfare. Other than causing direct distress such as pain, fear and anxiety, aversive tools may also exacerbate and worsen existing behaviour problems. Dog trainers and vets alike laud the launch of the advisory. Mrs Anna Koo, founder of dog training company Mutt Matters, said she usually handles cases of dogs who display reactive or aggressive behaviours. More often than not, the cases are linked to use of aversive devices. Mrs Koo explained that aversive devices will typically suppress problematic behaviour such as growling, lunging or barking. However, these are ways that a dog expresses fear or discomfort. 'Over time, the dog will learn that it is not safe for it to communicate. So then you may start to get a silent, biting dog, which is far more dangerous,' said Mrs Koo, 48. Singapore Veterinary Association president Teo Boon Han said the advisory was a good first step. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG President of the Singapore Veterinary Association Teo Boon Han said that the advisory is a good first step in outreach and education, and he hopes there is no need to take further measures. 'Hopefully, with these collective efforts, we can work together, and we don't need to take that next step (towards more measures.) As a society, if there is internal motivation to change the way we treat animals, that's the best outcome,' said Dr Teo.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store