The North East Community Development Council (NE CDC) presented the inaugural Kiat Lim–Shaping Hearts Award yesterday (Sep 25) at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore.
The event, graced by David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, honoured 83 persons with disabilities (PwDs) with art scholarships, bursaries, and early intervention grants to support their artistic development.
Backed by the Lim Family Foundation with a S$1 million, five-year commitment from entrepreneur Kiat Lim, The Kiat Lim–Shaping Hearts Award was launched in Nov last year. It is part of NE CDC’s ongoing Shaping Hearts initiative, Singapore’s largest inclusive arts programme, which provides PwDs platforms to showcase and develop their creativity.
Mayor Baey Yam Keng of North East District said: “The Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Award reinforces our commitment to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to opportunities that support their growth, creativity, and confidence.”
“This initiative is not only a recognition of their artistic talents—it reflects our collaborative strength when we rally behind inclusion. With dedicated partners like Kiat Lim, whose support goes beyond funding to strategic collaboration, we can build larger platforms and create a lasting impact for our artists.”
Supporting artists across all stages
The awards were presented in three categories:
- Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Shining Award: For artists demonstrating advanced proficiency and professional potential. Recipients received an award plaque and S$5,000.
- Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Encouraging Award: For individuals using art in daily life for personal or social development. Recipients received an award plaque and S$2,000.
- Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Budding Award: For children below seven, using art as an early intervention tool. Recipients received an award plaque and S$1,000.
They support recipients’ needs, including training to explore new art forms, using art to build communication and motor skills, and purchasing art materials.
The awards also build on the council’s earlier HeARTS Award, which provided 20 bursaries and 10 scholarships to PwDs in 2024. Past HeARTS recipients have gone on to pursue formal art education, mentor peers, and showcase their work publicly.
“This initiative is about creating real opportunities for persons with disabilities—not just to showcase their artistic talent, but to be embraced as an integral part of Singapore,” said Lim.
I believe that when we give persons with disabilities the support and visibility they deserve, we create a stronger and more compassionate society. I am proud to stand behind an initiative that uplifts these voices and helps them shine through the Lim Family Foundation.
Building an inclusive arts ecosystem
The event last evening featured a special apperance by JJ Lin, Founder & CEO of JFJ Productions, who joined Minister Neo, Mayor Baey, Minister of State Desmond Choo, and Kiat Lim in completing a collaborative artwork with a Shaping Hearts special needs artist. The piece will be displayed at upcoming Shaping Hearts 2025 exhibitions.
Guests were also moved by a performance by Adelyn Koh, a young artist with special needs, before the awards presentation and a silent auction in support of artists with disabilities.
For many recipients, the recognition was a catalyst for growth. “Receiving the Shining Award pushed me to take my art to the next level,” said Ashley Ang, an award recipient. “It gave me the support and belief I needed to try new techniques, explore new ideas, and take more pride in what I create.”
With initiatives like this, NE CDC continues to expand Shaping Hearts alongside its partners, providing platforms for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents, inspire the community, and pursue meaningful livelihoods through their art.
Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post
