Entrepreneur with cerebral palsy among ‘silent heroes’ awarded for contribution to community – The Straits Times

28 September 2023 • 6 mins read

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DPM Lawrence Wong (standing. left) and Civilians Association (Singapore) president MP Sellvem (standing, right) with award winners (from left) Raymond Anthony Fernando, Shafiqul Islam, Toh You Xin, Kenneth Mah and Mary Low. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY

SINGAPORE – Ms Mary Low, who was born with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, started her own pushcart business in 2008 as she wanted to lead an independent life.

Her business also enables her to source products from the elderly and vulnerable communities to support them.

From her earnings, the 41-year-old donates to Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) and the Friends of the Disabled Society whenever she can. In 2021, she launched a campaign to sponsor Christmas goodie bags for more than 200 students from CPAS.

For giving back to society despite her personal challenges, Ms Low was conferred the Heart of Humanity award on Thursday.

She was one of five individuals lauded at the annual Singapore Silent Heroes (SSH) Award ceremony held at the Shangri-La Singapore hotel. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong presented the awards.

The award, now into its 10th year, recognises everyday residents who have quietly made a difference and contributed to those in need without seeking recognition for their deeds. It is organised by non-profit organisation Civilians Association (Singapore) (CAS).

Five winners in different categories were picked from a pool of 26 finalists drawn from a record 111 submissions.

DPM Wong said there are many different examples of silent heroes everywhere in Singapore, and they embody the spirit of fellowship and mutual support that is so crucial to taking the nation forward.

Although Singapore has come a long way in nation-building, it still has many growing social needs, and the Government is reviewing how to better support the more vulnerable, he added.

He said: “We want to uplift the disadvantaged, help our families thrive, and take better care of our seniors, among others.

“At the same time, we hope to see fellow Singaporeans doing their part, stepping up and contributing as well. Because there is a difference when help is extended by the community – it is more personal, it is delivered with a human touch, and it is better tailored to every individual’s circumstances.”

Receiving the Inspiring Youth award on Thursday was Mr Toh You Xin, 35.

He has organised events like life skills workshops and awareness programmes to help the deaf community in Singapore for the past 14 years, and trained more than 100 individuals as volunteer leaders to help with these activities and events.

The Outstanding Adult award winner, 53-year-old Kenneth Mah, founded the Rare Disorders Society (Singapore) with his wife 12 years ago after their child was diagnosed with the rare Pompe disease.

The society helps parents who have children with rare disorders through emotional support and financial schemes. It supports 180 patients, as well as more than 700 people living with someone who has a rare disorder.

Mr Raymond Anthony Fernando, 73, was conferred the Pioneer of Promise award for being an advocate for mental health and elderly issues, while Mr Shafiqul Islam, 40, was recognised as a Compassionate Foreigner for helping Bangladeshi workers in Singapore.

SSH 2023 Awards chairwoman Priscilla Gan said that everyone “can be the change we want to see”.

“Through Singapore Silent Heroes Award, we hope to inspire many more silent heroes among us who have been giving the best of themselves to others, so we can all rise as a nation together,” said Ms Gan, who is the director of volunteer resource optimisation at the National Council of Social Service.

This year, a new category was launched to recognise students who have shown exemplary work and commitment to help those in need. Nineteen students from primary schools, secondary schools and a junior college were lauded for their voluntary service to others.

The diverse kind acts of these young individuals are testament to the fact that compassion knows no age, and that one is never too young to make a difference, CAS said on Thursday.

Mr Wong said he is confident that if everyone strives to be silent heroes in their own ways, people can deepen kinship and trust, and keep society cohesive and strong.

“We can build a more caring, gracious and inclusive society, and keep the Singapore story going for many more years to come.”

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Published originally from: The Straits Times

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/entrepreneur-with-cerebral-palsy-among-silent-heroes-awarded-for-contribution-to-community

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Singapore Silent Heroes

The Silent Heroes Award Presentation is an annual ceremony organised by CAS – Civilians Association (Singapore). The aim of the award is to recognise ordinary, everyday Singaporeans and permanent residents for their extraordinary humanity and compassion towards people, causes, and missions.