Artists With Disabilities Take Centre Stage in First Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Awards

Singapore, 25 September 2025 — The North East Community Development Council (NE CDC) presented the inaugural Kiat Lim–Shaping Hearts Award, supported by the Lim Family Foundation this evening at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, a meaningful celebration of inclusivity and the arts. The event, graced by Mr David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, honoured 83 persons with disabilities with art scholarships, bursaries, and early intervention grants to support their artistic development.

The Kiat Lim–Shaping Hearts Award supports persons with disabilities at all life stages through art – from early intervention for children under seven through the new Budding Award, to professional development for youth and adults with disabilities through bursaries and scholarships. The Award marks a significant step towards making art education more accessible to persons with disabilities.

This initiative is made possible by a S$1 million, five-year commitment from Mr Kiat Lim, patron of Shaping Hearts and also Executive Vice Chairman of Thomson Medical Group, Chairman of RSP and President of Valencia Club de Futbol.

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, whose support goes beyond funding to strategic collaboration, we can build larger platforms and create a lasting impact for our artists.”

Empowering Artists Across All Stages

The awards are presented in three categories:

1. Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Shining Award – for artists demonstrating advanced proficiency and professional potential. Recipients receive an award plaque and $5,000.
2. Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Encouraging Award – for individuals using art in daily life for personal or social development. Recipients receive an award plaque and $2,000.
3. Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Budding Award – for children below seven, using art as an early intervention tool. Recipients receive an award plaque and $1,000.

The awards support recipients’ needs, including training to explore new art forms, using art to build communication and motor skills, and purchasing art materials. Past awardees from NE CDC’s HeARTS Award have gone on to pursue formal art education, mentor peers, and exhibit their works 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. 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,” shared Mr Kiat Lim.

A Star-Studded Evening of Art and Inclusion

The evening featured a special appearance by Mr JJ Lin, Founder & CEO of JFJ Productions, who joined Minister David Neo, Mayor Baey Yam Keng, Minister of State Desmond Choo, and Mr 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 treated to a moving 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 Ang Le En, Ashley, 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.”

Building an Inclusive Arts Ecosystem

The Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Award is part of NE CDC’s broader mission to foster inclusion through the arts. Together with partners, NE CDC continues to grow Shaping Hearts as Singapore’s largest inclusive arts festival, providing platforms for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents, inspire the community, and pursue meaningful livelihoods through their art.

For more information on the Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Award, visit: https://shapinghearts.cdc.gov.sg/awards/

About North East Community Development Council (NECDC)

Led by Mayor Baey Yam Keng, NECDC is driven by its mission to create a caring and inclusive community. It creates tailored programs and initiatives to address evolving resident needs, especially in the face of complex social challenges like the rising cost of living, a dynamic job market, an ageing population, and the need to foster an inclusive society with a strong social compact. By collaborating with partners and implementing targeted programs, NECDC aims to enhance social capital and provide support to disadvantaged families, children, seniors, unemployed individuals, and people with disabilities, all with the goal of ensuring everyone can thrive and lead better lives in the North East.

Please visit https://northeast.cdc.gov.sg/ for more information.

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About Shaping Hearts

Organised by North East CDC, Shaping Hearts is an annual inclusive event that seeks to bring everyone together to build a more inclusive community through art. We celebrate the artistic talents of persons with disabilities by providing a platform for them to showcase their talent in visual and performing arts. The event also serves as a one-stop shop for corporate partners, community partners and the public to purchase artworks and merchandise crafted by artists with disabilities. Through this event, we hope to generate greater awareness and acceptance of the disabled community, supporting them to lead better lives.

For more information on Shaping Hearts 2025, please visit shapinghearts.cdc.gov.sg.

About Lim Family Foundation

Led by Singaporean businessman and philanthropist Peter Lim, with his son, Kiat Lim, the foundation is rooted in the belief that no one should be denied the chance to pursue their dreams. Since 2009, the family has committed over S$60 million to a broad range of causes, with a strong emphasis on education, youth sports, environmental sustainability, and community support. Their philanthropic efforts have enabled thousands of young people, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, to access scholarships, pursue their passions, and build better futures. By tapping into their extensive network of business leaders and global celebrities, the Lim family also brings heightened visibility and support to the causes they champion.

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