Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong
Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, MSF & MCCY
Esteemed partners, donors, volunteers,
Colleagues and Friends
Good evening,
Thank you for taking time to join us for this very special occasion—SPD’s 60th anniversary. My deepest appreciation to PM for gracing us with your presence amidst your busy schedule.
A Short Trip Down Memory Lane
2 As we celebrate this milestone, allow me to take a short journey through our history. Sixty years ago, a group of dedicated Rotarians set out on a simple mission: to support individuals with physical conditions affected by polio and spinal cord injuries. They established a workshop that provided sheltered employment, producing wooden crates for fizzy drinks. This was the humble beginning of SPD in 1964, originally named the “Society for Aid to the Paralysed.”
3 As healthcare in Singapore improved, fewer individuals were diagnosed with polio. To stay relevant, the organisation expanded its focus to serve a broader range of physical disabilities. This led to our renaming as the “Society for the Physically Disabled” in 1998. This is how the acronym SPD came about.
4 Fast forward to the early 2000s, due to improved prenatal screening and early diagnosis, there was a sharp increase in young children diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Responding to the then pressing need for services, SPD entered the paediatric space, investing heavily in early intervention and expanding our services to children with diverse developmental needs.
5 Today, SPD is a pan-disability organisation. We now serve individuals across a broad spectrum of disabilities at various life stages—from children to adults, and even young seniors with degenerative conditions. To better reflect what we do, we decided not to use the full version of the name and instead retain the acronym SPD, which still holds sentimental and brand value. I must admit that it is sometimes a challenge to explain what SPD means in an elevator speech, without having to go into a history lesson!
Staying Relevant: SPD’s DNA
6 We are proud to be one of the largest and established social service agencies in Singapore, serving around 11,000 beneficiaries every year. As we celebrate our past, I want to acknowledge the pioneers and founders whose legacy laid our foundation. Their aspiration was for a society where every person with a disability can reach his or her full potential and this continues to inspire us today.
7 In many ways, SPD’s story mirrors that of Singapore—a tale of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on our mission. While we have evolved over the years, our mission remains unchanged: to empower persons with disabilities and to foster self-reliance and independence.
8 Our innovative and pioneering spirit has allowed us to push boundaries and reach underserved groups. A number of our programmes were started in response to unmet needs on the ground.
9 For example, we recognised early on the need for developmental support for special needs children in mainstream pre-schools. Before Government funding was available, we raised our own funds to pilot programmes that provided learning support to children in kindergartens and childcare centres, working with likeminded healthcare and preschool providers. These early efforts paid off and demonstrated positive outcomes. The programmes are now funded by Government as a mainstream early intervention programme.
10 Another example is our Transition to Employment Programme, designed for young patients who acquired disabilities through episodes like strokes or spinal injuries. After hospitalisation, they and their families were at a loss on how to move on. To help this group, SPD launched the programme involving a multi-disciplinary team that would see the individuals through holistically in their rehabilitation journey, with the goal of integrating back into the workforce or school. This programme is now an integral part of mainstream rehabilitation services.
11 A key value we embrace is to be community based and to forge strong partnerships. As social challenges become more complex, it is not possible for one agency to do everything or to be able to address every need. The challenges of a family with a special needs member are often multi-dimensional. Through partnerships, we hope to bring different strengths to the table and optimise the use of limited resources. Collaboration can also spark innovative solutions. For this reason, SPD is honoured to be appointed to operate the inaugural Enabling Services Hub. This approach exemplifies what we stand for and it is a game changer in the disability space.
A Trusted Partner
12 Looking ahead, SPD aspires to be a trusted partner – to the Government, to corporates, fellow social service agencies, and our clients – as we tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.
13 Our work is only possible with the trust and confidence of our partners, donors, and supporters. This is why we strive for the highest standards of governance, remaining transparent, accountable, and responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us. This trust is precious and forms the foundation of our relationships, enabling us to serve with excellence.
14 In closing, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to various groups of individuals in this room.
- To our staff, volunteers, and our Board and Committee members: your dedication and passion are the driving forces behind SPD’s achievements. Thank you for contributing your expertise and skills, allowing us to continue serving those in need.
- To our clients and caregivers: thank you for your trust. We are honoured to be part of your journey. Your stories of resilience inspire us and remind us of the purpose and meaning of what we do.
- To our supporters, partners, and friends: thank you for your unwavering commitment to our cause. You believe in our mission and are the true champions of inclusion. Tonight’s celebration is as much about you as it is about SPD. Many of you have supported us for years, standing by us through good times and bad.
15 Let us continue to work together to build a society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can live with dignity, purpose, and hope. Here’s to 60 years of making an impact – and to many more years of building a more inclusive Singapore.
Thank you and enjoy the evening!