A Race With Winners In Every Team

IAC trainees participating the Telematch games with Microsoft employees

IAC trainees participating the Telematch games with Microsoft employees

IT giant, Microsoft, continues to make inroads into leveling the playing field for people with disabilities in Singapore and helping them fulfill their potentials through what they do best – technology.

Microsoft handed a cheque of $330,500 to SPD’s Infocomm Accessibility Centre (IAC) at The Ultimate Telematch, the company’s finale fundraising event for the year on 25 October, so that more people with disabilities can benefit from technology training.

Held at Nanyang Polytechnic, The Ultimate Telematch also marked the seventh major event that Microsoft has organised in support of the President’s Challenge. Graced by President Tony Tan who was the Guest-of-Honour, the morning event brought together Microsoft employees and close to 20 SPD beneficiaries who demonstrated strong teamwork as they pit their wits against one another in four different games. For the final challenge, the teams were required to create a mascot that best represented the spirit of the President’s Challenge.

“I’ve learnt a lot about teamwork through these games. The volunteers were very friendly and helpful. I enjoyed myself very much,” said 17-year-old Ong Yao Zu who attends office skills training at IAC.

Photo of a IAC trainee participating in the Telematch Game

Photo of IAC trainees talking to President Tony Tan who was the Guest-of-Honour

SPD also set up an Assistive Technology (AT) showcase at the event to introduce some of the AT devices and technology to assist people with disabilities in their work. Kuah Chai Yoke, who has low vision, also confidently demonstrated to the President the use of CCTV, a magnifying tool that is often used by people with visual impairment to help them read documents better.

“I’m happy to be at this event to show the President and other guests the use of CCTV and how it helps me,” said the 28-year-old trainee from IAC.

Photo of a participant trying out on the computer

In addition, Nanyang Polytechnic student, Tan Jian Hao, who is a recipient of this year’s Microsoft YouthSpark Scholarship, took to the stage to share with the audience how he overcame challenges that arose from his loss at hearing at four years old to be a stellar student in class and in sports.

 Nanyang Polytechnic student, Tan Jian Hao, who is a recipient of this year’s Microsoft YouthSpark Scholarship, took to the stage to share his story