Art by dyslexic children brighten i Light Singapore 2025
They worked with ultraviolet markers with glow-in-the-dark ink. A thousand bamboo sticks – which each span more than 1 m in length – were then strung together to light up the Bridge of 1,000 Dreams.
On May 10, hundreds of children gathered at South Beach for this initiative. The bridge is one of the displays at i Light Singapore 2025, a light art festival that is sponsored by UOB.
About 60 of the children were beneficiaries from the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS), a long-time community partner of UOB. The bank organised the art workshop.
One such beneficiary was 11-year-old Primary 6 student Selina Grace Goh, who previously faced criticisms from her peers for being a slow learner. After attending DAS classes in Primary 4, her learning began to improve significantly, and she has become more confident.
On her bamboo stick, Goh drew a paintbrush and palette to show her passion for art. She has always liked art because it is a creative outlet that allows her to express herself, and it keeps her calm.
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle
Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself.
Sign Up
Sign Up
Selina Grace Goh (left) with Leonard Tan, head of group corporate social responsibility at UOB; she has drawn on her bamboo stick a paintbrush and palette to show her passion for art. PHOTO: UOB
The 1,000 bamboo sticks each have different drawings and symbolise Singapore's shared growth, noted UOB. This is in conjunction with UOB's 90th anniversary and SG60.
The bamboo sticks are decorated using ultraviolet markers with glow-in-the-dark ink. PHOTO: UOB
Leonard Tan, head of group corporate social responsibility at UOB, said: 'In this activity, the children get to share their dreams and aspirations for Singapore – and for themselves as well. The interesting and fun thing for them is that they can be proud of their artwork being displayed at Cavenagh Bridge at i Light, and they can bring their family and friends to come and enjoy this piece of public art.'
After i Light is over, they will be able to take the bamboo sticks home to keep as mementos. The festival features 17 light installations in total, with Bridge of 1,000 Dreams as one of its new exhibits.
UOB's giving-back efforts are focused on children, art and education. 'Being future-oriented, children are a key focus group. And with that, we want to enhance their lives – especially those from underserved communities – and level them up through programmes and experiences in education and art,' Tan added.
Earlier in May, UOB launched its first Learning Playzone at The Artground to teach financial literacy skills to kids through role-playing activities and art.
The bank also currently supports Fresh, a programme run by charity Children's Wishing Well, in which UOB volunteers bring groups of children to the supermarket to learn about budgeting and nutrition twice a month. Each child is paired with a volunteer and given S$50 for the shopping experience.
i Light Singapore 2025 runs nightly till Jun 21 while Bridge of 1,000 Dreams will extend until Jul 20.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Straits Times
2 agencies supporting children with disabilities get $3m from SIA fund-raising drive
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.
Independent Singapore
17-07-2025
- Independent Singapore
OK Chicken Rice to give Singapore's Pioneers 10,200 meals for free in celebration of SG60
FB screengrab/ OK Chicken Rice, Humfull Prawn Laksa SINGAPORE: On Wednesday (Jul 16), OK Chicken Rice announced in a Facebook post that it is celebrating Singapore's 60th birthday in a very special way, with a free meal for seniors. 'This is our heartfelt thank you to the pioneers who helped build Singapore. Let us celebrate you this SG60!' the post reads. OK Chicken Rice and Humfull Prawn Laksa is giving away a whopping 10,200 full servings of each senior's choice of its signature chicken rice or prawn laksa, starting from this Saturday, Jul 19, and going all the way up to National Day, Aug 9. 'Just drop by, snap a photo for our SG60 collage, and receive: A limited edition fan A complimentary meal (our signature chicken rice (roasted, steamed, or mayo/lemon) or chicken laksa) Happy National Day and thank you! From us to you!' OK Chicken Rice added. Photo from the Facebook account of OK Chicken Rice Photo from the Facebook account of Humfull Prawn Laksa Seniors who wish to avail of the promo need to simply take a selfie along with the fan and then send it in via WhatsApp. These photos are to become part of the chain's SG60 tribute collage, explained Daniel Tan, who owns OK Chicken Rice and Humfull Prawn Laksa, in a video on OK Chicken Rice's social media accounts. The free meal is open to Singaporean seniors aged 60 and above or those who were born in 1965 or earlier. Every senior may redeem either a chicken rice or laksa meal only once, and each of the OK Chicken Rice's participating 16 outlets will be giving away 60 of these meals per day, on a first-come, first-served basis, for a total of 600 redemptions per outlet. See also Pioneers Unsatisfied with Rollout of New Health Benefits Seniors must take note, however, that the chain noted in the terms and conditions of the promo that redeeming the free meals will not be allowed during peak hours between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. and between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Also, these meals are meant for dine-in only. OK Chicken Rice and Humfull Prawn Laksa's participating outlets are located at: Ang Mo Kio, Bedok Reservoir View, Bukit Batok, Edgedale Plains, Eunos, Havelock Road, Hougang, Jurong East, Lengkok Bahru, Marsiling Lane, Punggol Walk, Tampines Mart, Teck Whye, Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Woodlands Heights, and Yishun. /TISG Read also: After people posing as delivery riders steal orders, OK Chicken Rice owner says those who are hungry may simply ask them for a meal () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Straits Times
‘Nobody deserves to be alone': Why Mummy and Acha have fostered over 20 children in the past 22 years
Since 2003, the married couple has opened up their hearts and homes to build an environment of love, patience and unwavering support Married couple Sivachandran Palaniasmy and Anitha Sivadasan have cared for more than 20 children, including those with special needs, since they started fostering in 2003. As a first-time foster parent, Madam Anitha Sivadasan was not sure what to expect. When paired with a nine-year-old with behavioural issues, the stay-at-home mother found it a challenge to manage her as she was also caring for her own young children then. She and her husband, Mr Sivachandran Palanisamy, tried their best but could not continue caring for the child, so the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) made alternative care arrangements. To help foster parents like Madam Anitha navigate the challenges of caregiving, MSF and the fostering agencies walk alongside them with resources like training and round-the-clock support, including a 24-hour hotline in the case of any emergencies. As such, instead of being deterred by her first experience, Madam Anitha strengthened her resolve and put in a request to MSF to let her foster younger children instead. Watch to learn how Madam Anitha and Mr Sivachandran have opened their hearts and home to their foster children over the years. That decision would reshape the next two decades of their lives. The married couple, then parents to two young children – one in kindergarten and the other in lower primary school – committed to sacrifices that lasted over 10 years. To prioritise the care of their foster children, they chose not to make overseas trips or go on holidays. The former childcare teacher had resigned from her job in 2003 to be a stay-at-home mother. Before leaving the childcare centre, her co-worker floated the idea of fostering . 'I want to give them a home, where they feel safe. I want to give my love to children who are underprivileged,' she says of her decision. 'Both of us decided that maybe it's time for us to do something. While I stay at home and look after my children, I can also foster and give other little ones a happy home,' says Madam Anitha, whose foster children call her 'Mummy', and Mr Sivachandran, 'Acha' (Acha is father in Malayalam and Madam Anitha is of Malayali descent). Their own children – now both working adults – also pitched in to help take care of their foster siblings, without complaints. They also had a helper for additional support. SGShare: How more S'poreans can help the vulnerable Singaporeans now have a new platform to help fellow Singaporeans in need . To mark SG60, Community Chest's regular giving programme, Share, has been rebranded as SGShare to rally more to give regularly and support critical social service programmes. Starting this year, donations will be matched by the Singapore Government under the SG Gives matching grant, with up to $250 million available. Every dollar donated will help vulnerable communities, offering them opportunities to pursue their goals regardless of background. Here is a simple illustration of how your SGShare contribution can go a long way. Over time, as the family got used to the rigours of fostering, they have managed to go on staycations in Singapore. 'When I see the kids happy, I also feel happy' However, fostering can also be exhausting and demanding. Madam Anitha and Mr Sivachandran have had children in their care that needed plenty of hands-on involvement. Mr Sivachandran and Madam Anitha do their best to provide a conducive home environment and instill good values to their foster children. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA These included premature twins, and even a baby that the doctor said would not survive his congenital asthma (but he did, under their care). And now, staying with them long-term are two boys – one diagnosed with Down syndrome and the other with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – aged four and 15 respectively. Mr Sivachandran, who works full-time in the maintenance line, accompanies the children to hospital when they are sick, takes them cycling or swimming, and obliges the four-year-old with the long bus rides he loves. With his four-year-old foster child's love for bus rides, Mr Sivachandran spends his days off exploring different routes together. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA He says: 'Fostering is a big commitment and my colleagues remind me that I'm getting old, but I feel it's all for a good cause. My wife is doing a great thing; she has the patience and can understand them, and I give her my full support.' Adds Madam Anitha: 'Initially we thought we'd go through a lot of pain and stress. But I'm surprised by how fulfilling it feels, even after doing it for 20 years. It's like giving back something to society. When I see the kids happy, I also feel happy. Nobody deserves to be alone.' Making a difference to young lives Fostering is not just for extraordinary people – it is a simple yet powerful act of love. Discover how you can make a difference at the Fostering Open House on 23 August 2025 at Suntec Convention Centre. To register, visit Inspired by Mummy and Acha's journey? Be part of a community that gives back. Visit to explore over 600 causes and help build a more caring, inclusive Singapore. Celebrating SG60 with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
