Love does not always arrive with grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with a notification sound. That was how it started for SPD Inclusion Champion Kishon Chong and his fiancée, Kelly Lam, who first connected on Twitch, a live-streaming platform known for gaming, esports and creative content.
Kishon sustained a spinal cord infarction eight years ago, and uses a wheelchair to get around. Today, the SPD Inclusion Champion advocates for greater understanding of disability and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can participate fully in work, relationships and everyday life – values that are reflected in how he and Kelly support one another.
As they celebrate Valentine’s Day and their fourth anniversary in February, Kishon and Kelly share with us about the quiet ways they show up for each other every day.
Opposites attract
What started out as casual messages about games like Minecraft and Corekeeper soon became late-night talks, shared laughter, and eventually a decision to meet in person.
Kelly was first drawn to how well-spoken Kishon was. “As someone who doesn’t always express herself easily, I was really drawn to his confidence and friendly nature,” she shared.
On the contrary, it was her quietness that caught Kishon’s attention. Beneath her shy and reserved demeanour, he saw someone genuinely warm and caring. Their initial dates were filled with deep conversations, which pulled them closer and made their bond stronger.
During these conversations, their similarities shone. Kelly loved how even when she was sharing something that was bothering her, Kishon did not focus on just responding, but genuinely tried to understand and authorise change to improve the situation.
For Kishon, he loves how Kelly is supportive in everything he does and is his biggest cheerleader, “She knows my quirks and we work through disagreements maturely. She communicates very well with me and we work through disagreements maturely, which helps both of us carry a positive attitude most of the time.”
Love is about the little things
As an inter-abled couple, “care” for each other is found in the small events that happen throughout the day.
“Taking care of each other means being there in the small, everyday moments,” Kelly said. “It is doing little things for each other without being asked, remembering to choose each other even on the harder days.”
For Kelly, it is the way Kishon ensures she stays hydrated or how he always squeezes toothpaste onto her toothbrush. For Kishon, it is how Kelly voluntarily provides head massage when he has a headache. The couple shares that their love for food is what connects them on an entirely different level. “I would say some of the best food I have eaten is always with her, but it only tastes the best when I am sharing it with her,” said Kishon, who was formerly a chef.
As Kishon is a wheelchair user, certain venues are inaccessible and simple acts, such as holding hands while walking together, can be challenging. However, the couple refuses to let physical limitations define them. “With Kelly, I don’t have to be afraid of being vulnerable or judged. We constantly remind each other not to be upset with things that are out of our control,” said Kishon.
Kelly highlights the importance of patience and adaptability in every relationship. “Be patient with yourself, your partner and the situation,” Kelly shared. “The whole learning journey gets easier, but challenges will always occur when you least expect them.”
Four years on
Four years after that first message on Kishon’s livestream chat on Twitch, the couple has proven that love is about navigating challenges and celebrating wins together.
As they look toward their anniversary on 19 February 2026, they stand as a testament to the power of partnership, and about discovering the incredible things couples can achieve when they move forward together.