Three young Singaporeans overcame the challenges from disabling conditions and having to deal with bullying, taunting and even a life threatening situation to excel in their studies. Recognised for their resilience and determination, Bryan Chong, Shalom Lim and Josiah Ong were presented with the Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Foundation Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities in a ceremony held at the SPD Ability Centre on 14 October.

Ms Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Education and Mayor, South West District graced the event as the Guest-of-Honour.

Bryan Chong, 22
Second-year Psychology student at the Nanyang Technological University

22-year-old Bryan was often a victim of bullying in both his primary and secondary schools as he was the only student with profound hearing loss in his class. When an intervention from his school did not help, Bryan conquered his introverted personality and began initiating conversations with his classmates, winning their understanding and consequently, putting a stop to the bullying.

Undeterred by his disability and with his newfound confidence, Bryan went on to pursue a diploma in Psychology Studies and managed to attain an impressive GPA score of 3.71.

Currently a second-year psychology student at the Nanyang Technological University, Bryan hopes to contribute back to society by advocating for persons with disabilities and disadvantaged children through talks and volunteering activities.

“I am honoured to receive the APB Foundation Scholarship and hope to be a motivation to people who are undergoing difficult circumstances and to help them find the courage to overcome their obstacles and achieve their potential,” said Bryan.

Josiah Ong, 22
Second-year Business Admin student at the National University of Singapore

Growing up was no mean feat for 22-year-old Josiah as people would often stare and mimic his behaviour, or whisper among themselves.

He experiences involuntary movements or tics due to Tourette’s Syndrome and was also no stranger to bullying in school. His teachers would sometimes think that he was cheating whenever he twitched while sitting for his tests and examinations. This caused Josiah to feel inferior among his peers.

However, with the strong support of his close friends and family, Josiah’s self-confidence and belief improved and he has since excelled in many areas including achieving a top 10% placing in his cohort for General Paper, and being selected to be a youth translator for German-speaking athletes at the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games.

The second-year Business Administration undergraduate at the National University of Singapore hopes to excel in a fast-moving consumer goods company after graduation to give his parents a comfortable retirement, and also to raise more awareness on and inspire others with Tourette’s Syndrome.

Shalom Lim, 20
First-year Criminology and Security student at the Singapore Institute of Technology

Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at four months old, Shalom requires assistance in all activities of daily living and uses a motorised wheelchair for mobility.

Despite his muscle degenerating condition, Shalom was already using his talent in contemporary Chinese painting at 12 years old to help raise funds for an organisation serving people with muscular dystrophy.

Shalom had a health scare in Secondary Four when he almost lost his life after choking on his phlegm due to a severe bout of pneumonia. Subsequently hospitalised for nine days and fully recovering only two months later, Shalom managed to score well in his GCE ‘O’ Levels with help from his teachers and friends.

Shalom is now a first-year student pursuing a degree in Criminology and Security at the Singapore Institute of Technology.

Determined to live life to the fullest, he says, “I’m honoured to have received this scholarship. I hope to be a teacher so as to impart knowledge in the area of my expertise, as well as to contribute actively towards supporting the disabled community.”

Congratulations once again to our three scholarship recipients!