Four scholarship recipients become first cohort under enhanced holistic development programme
Singapore, 9 October 2026 – Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Foundation and SPD announced yesterday the launch of an enhanced scholarship and development programme to support young persons with disabilities in developing the skills, confidence and networks to contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s communities.
The announcement was made at the APB Foundation Scholarship Award Presentation Ceremony 2026 at YWCA Fort Canning, where four outstanding youths with disabilities received scholarships and were inducted into the APBF-SPD THRIVE Programme for Youths with Disabilities. The event was graced by Mr Foo Cexiang, Minister of State for Manpower and Energy, Trade and Industry.
This year’s recipients – Amanda Neo, Gwyn Lim, Lee Hayes Kerr and Leticia Peh – reflect the breadth of talent and ambition among young persons with disabilities. Amanda, a Nanyang Technological University (NTU) business student, is keen to build a career in supply chain and logistics while promoting inclusive workplaces. Gwyn, who will pursue integrative studies at Singapore Management University, aims to champion legal advocacy, social research and policy reform for persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups. Hayes Kerr, who will study English at NTU, hopes to contribute to education and public dialogue on disability perspectives. Leticia, a psychology undergraduate at the National University of Singapore, hopes to support the Deaf and hard of hearing community as a clinical psychologist.
Since its inception in 1994, the APB Foundation scholarship, administered by SPD, has benefitted 71 scholars in pursuing university education. From 2026, the Foundation has committed to supporting the scholarship for a further three years and increased the annual scholarship quantum from $12,000 to $15,000 per scholar. The increase will benefit all scholarship recipients, including the four newly awarded recipients this year and eight existing recipients.
Beyond the Scholarship: Helping youths grow, lead and contribute through the APBF-SPD THRIVE Programme for Youths with Disabilities
In addition to the enhanced scholarship programme, APB Foundation and SPD announced the launch of the new APBF-SPD THRIVE Programme for Youths with Disabilities. Through THRIVE, APB Foundation’s scholarship recipients will receive personalised development plans, mentoring, leadership workshops and opportunities to contribute to disability inclusion initiatives during their university journey and beyond.
Participating scholars will take part in focused activities of their choice to build resilience, workplace readiness, leadership and community engagement skills. Each scholar will co-develop an individual roadmap to set goals, track progress and identify suitable mentoring, learning and service opportunities. APB Foundation and SPD will support them in pursuing these aspirations by facilitating meaningful connections, providing financial assistance, and connecting them with opportunities and resources.
The programme will also link scholars with alumni, professionals and peers, creating a stronger support network that extends beyond the duration of the scholarship award.
Investing in future changemakers
The enhanced scholarship and APBF-SPD THRIVE Programme will be supported by funding of $875,000 by APB Foundation from 2026 to 2028. The efforts reflect the shared commitment of APB Foundation and SPD in helping young persons with disabilities realise their potential and contribute to the larger community. The four recipients recognised this year also bring diverse aspirations and experiences to the programme – from business, logistics and legal advocacy to education, public dialogue and clinical psychology. Together with current APB Foundation scholars, they will join a network committed to leadership, service and inclusion.
“The APB Foundation Scholarship has always opened pathways for young persons with disabilities to pursue their ambitions and realise their potential,” said Mr Kenneth Choo, Chairman, Board of Trustees, APB Foundation. “Aligned with the Foundation’s key pillars of driving human excellence and social sustainability, the enhanced scholarship and the APBF-SPD THRIVE Programme will help scholars build the confidence, networks and leadership capabilities to contribute meaningfully to society and become future leaders and changemakers.”
“At SPD, we believe our youths should have access to opportunities that help them grow, lead and give back. This year’s recipients have demonstrated remarkable strengths, achievements and aspirations, and we look forward to walking alongside them as they develop their capabilities and champion a more inclusive Singapore,” said Mr Abhimanyau Pal, Chief Executive Officer, SPD. “The launch of the APBF-SPD THRIVE Programme also marks a new chapter in APB Foundation and SPD’s long-standing partnership to cultivate future leaders with disabilities who can inspire change, strengthen communities and create lasting social impact.”
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About Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Foundation
Instituted in 1994, the APB Foundation seeks to inspire a better Singapore by caring for both people and planet. We set resources to improve living conditions for the less privileged, help people and organisations improve talents as well as support educational and sustainability endeavours.
Committed to supporting Environmental Sustainability, Human Excellence, and Social Sustainability, the APB Foundation is involved in initiatives that range from backing talent-building projects for human capital development, to engaging in meaningful partnerships with organisations or individuals who share our common goal to serve the society and build a sustainable future.
The APB Foundation is a registered Charity in Singapore, and is managed and funded by Asia Pacific Breweries (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
For more information, visit www.apbfoundation.org.sg.
About APB Foundation Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities
The APB Foundation Scholarship supports students with disabilities. Every year, the APB Foundation awards the scholarship to a maximum of three students with disabilities in recognition of their academic excellence, their achievements as a well-rounded individual and their contribution back to society by way of volunteering or participation in philanthropic/charity activities. The Board could, however, award more than three scholarships should the applicants show great potential in that particular year of application.
Started in 2004, the APB Foundation Scholarship was first made available to students with physical disabilities. The Scholarship was then extended in 2008 to include students with hearing, visual or speech impairments.
Partnering SPD, the APB Foundation Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities aims to plug a gap in Singapore by levelling the playing field for students with disabilities who are academically excellent. The Scholarship recognises the capabilities of persons with disabilities and better empowers the students to fulfil their scholarly ambition as well as career aspiration. By supporting access to higher education, the Scholarship enables recipients to pursue their career aspirations, build greater independence and contribute actively to society.