They’re learning days, not bad days

I encounter numerous challenges because of my disability but I am rarely frustrated, upset or angry. Instead, I have learned to take them in my stride. Sometimes, I am fascinated by… …how things develop. More importantly, I take every opportunity to learn from my experiences. I’ve observed that, most times, […]

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Let’s not forget the reason why we give

“Every night, when the lights are out, I dream of becoming a scientist or writer so that I can effect change and make a positive difference in the life of others.” That was one of my lines for… …my performance in a musical presented by the Athenarts Performing Troupe. The […]

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The brave fallen idols

The premiere broadcast of Singapore Idol was hilarious. In terms of humour, it rivalled… …Mr Bean. Yet while I guffawed at the antics of some contestants, I wondered if it was fair to them to be exposed at their most awkward. Unlike Rowan Atkinson who earned millions for his part […]

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Monsters of their own making

Not too long ago, I saw a child bawling at the toy section of a shopping centre. He was throwing the worst tantrum I had ever seen. Ignoring his own safety, he was kicking wildly while… …his mother tried to drag him away. “What a brat he is,” I said […]

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Learning how to learn

The education system under Education Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam seems to be going through endless change. But… …I am not complaining. I think the changes – such as the overhaul of Chinese language teaching and the greater choice of subjects – are necessary to meet the needs of pupils today and […]

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Don’t wait to say ‘good job’

Two headlines within a week in the Voices pages caught my attention. It was difficult for me… …to miss them as they were preceded by a bold word in red: Accolade. Two headlines within a week in the Voices pages caught my attention. It was difficult for me… …to miss […]

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When scoring points matters

I feel honoured and grateful to have been selected to meet Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, during his recent visit to Singapore. When I received the unexpected invitation from… …Mr James Soh, the executive director of the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Council, I was on cloud nine. I […]

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Accept the ugly

Books were strewn on the floor. Books were left on the armchairs. And books on some of the shelves were in disarray. The place was simply in a mess. I am not talking about… …my house. I am referring to one of the biggest bookshops in town – Borders. Although […]

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When adults help teens hurt themselves

I may not be the best person to preach healthy living because I do not have a body that can be used to advertise a health product. But being a person with a disability, I am always annoyed when… …I see people abusing their bodies unnecessarily. Stories abound about people […]

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Ever felt excluded?

Recently, I participated in a research project on Singapore being an inclusive society. I found the questions thought-provoking. I was asked: “Do you feel that Singapore is an inclusive society?” An appropriate answer would be… …Obviously not yet. Otherwise, there would not have been so many calls for the Government […]

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