DR. WILLIAM TAN

Phsyician, neuroscientist and Paralympian, Dr. William Tan was awarded the Goh Chok Tong Enable Award in a ceremony at the Istana on 3 December 2020. The award is to recognise the achievements of persons with disabilities, and to motivate those with promise and potential to go the distance with their endeavours.

 

The award, an initiative by the Mediacorp Enable Fund, is now in its second year and is sponsored by UBS Singapore and the Tote Board. Dr. William Tan was awarded the GCT Enable Award (UBS Achievements) category that recognises persons with disabilities who have made significant achievements in their own fields and serve as an inspiration to others.  

In her speech at the award ceremony at the Istana, Singapore's President Halimah Yacob said: "Many of you have truly exemplified the spirit of positivity and resilience. You have shown that persons with disabilities can also contribute and bring value to organisations, businesses and our society."

Madam Halimah also called for more efforts to support the integration of those with disabilities into the wider community, especially among employers.

Singapore's Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who is the patron of the fund, said the award evaluation committee decided to give out three more awards this year even though it meant that more had to be drawn from the budget.

"2020 has been a very challenging year for the community and for all of us. Livelihoods were affected. Routines were disrupted. Dreams and aspirations were put on hold. It is right that we go the extra mile to recognise more persons with disabilities," said Mr Goh.  

 

Dr. William Tan said "I am immensely honoured and proud to be given this award, and I will continue to do my work for the community and continue and inspire people out there to do good, and to do better!"