In this third part of our Strength in Community series, we shine the spotlight on Deloitte, whose contributions to SPD have enabled more children to access timely intervention.
When Deloitte set out to widen access to education and opportunity across the region, the firm knew the biggest difference often begins in a child’s early years. Regardless of background or ability, every child deserves the chance to learn and grow.
This is aligned with Deloitte’s societal impact initiative, WorldClass, which has made a positive difference to over 100 million people globally through programmes and partnerships with leading educational organisations, and aims to continue creating better futures for more individuals.
This goal comes to life closer to home too, where Deloitte aims to positively impact 5 million lives in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, this commitment takes shape through Deloitte’s partnership with SPD, built on a shared belief in the power of early intervention to shape a child’s future.
Why early intervention matters
For children with developmental needs, early intervention helps them pick up key skills at the stage when their growth is most rapid. With the right support, they can build the foundations for learning, friendships, and eventually, meaningful work. These early gains create a ripple effect that lasts well into adulthood, an impact that Deloitte and SPD are strongly aligned on.
In 2025, Deloitte contributed to SPD’s growing early intervention footprint through its support for two new centres.
“By supporting the establishment of SPD@Jurong West and SPD@Kembangan, we help expand access to critical developmental support for young children, ensuring they receive timely assistance to strengthen their learning foundation and well-being,” said Mr Shariq Barmaky, Country Managing Partner, Deloitte Singapore.
In the year, Deloitte rallied their people and partners through their “6000 for 60” endurance relay, running 6,000km over 60 consecutive hours to raise funds in support of SPD.
That momentum continued at Deloitte’s Pesta Sukan 2025, the firm’s charity netball match held on 23 August featuring guest players and local personalities, including Mr Fandi Ahmad, Ms Theresa Goh, and BBC presenter Mr Steve Lai.
Their energy and heart on the court helped raise S$30,000 for SPD.
These collective efforts by Deloitte raised a total of S$700,000, enabling the establishment of two new SPD early intervention centres and deepening support for children with developmental needs during their early years.
Beyond funding support
The partnership deepened as staff from Deloitte started volunteering at SPD’s early intervention centres. Week after week, they read with the children, fostering a love for books and stories.
The Deloitte team also witnessed firsthand how early intervention makes a difference in children’s development.
“Seeing how SPD’s dedicated early intervention teams help children strengthen their learning, confidence, and social development reinforces why this partnership matters,” said Mr Barmaky.
Grateful for Deloitte’s steadfast partnership, Mr Abhimanyau Pal, SPD chief executive officer, said: “When partners such as Deloitte show up not just with resources to support the team but dedicate time and effort to get to know our clients, it shows that they believe in the work just as much as we do. Our heartfelt thanks to Deloitte for their generosity and commitment in championing early intervention.”
Beyond our children’s programmes, Deloitte’s staff have also volunteered at SPD’s Enabling Services Hub in Tampines during their Impact Month each August since 2024, joining clients in sports and mobility activities to promote confidence and community connection.
In many ways, these interactions with SPD’s beneficiaries have helped the Deloitte team connect more deeply with the impact their firm hopes to create, turning corporate purpose into lived experiences.
Looking ahead
As Deloitte continues to rally support for SPD and its beneficiaries, Mr Barmaky holds a simple but powerful hope: that more families will gain access to the early support their children need to thrive.
By helping to make such support available, Deloitte aims to contribute to a future where every child can build a strong foundation – one that leads to learning, independence, and opportunities throughout life.