Chairman of the GCTEA Evaluation Panel Michael Ngu said: “We are all saddened by Nirat’s passing and decided we should still honour his contributions by presenting him with a posthumous award.”
Mr Ngu, who is also a Board Member of SG Enable and a GCTEA 2019 Achievement Award recipient, said that reviewing the nominations this year was “especially challenging” as they received a sizeable number of deserving nominations.
“This is a strong testament to the impressive works, talents and potential exhibited by persons with disabilities.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony on Monday, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam highlighted that there is still more to be done to change mindsets in the broader public.
“What shines through all the journeys of the Awardees today, is that they are individuals who are determined to live purposeful lives, just like anyone else,” said Mr Tharman.
CEO of SG Enable Ku Geok Boon also called upon the wider community to build an inclusive society with equitable opportunities for all.
“We are honoured to celebrate our Awardees who have displayed unwavering levels of tenacity despite the challenges they face,” said Tham Loke Kheng, CEO of Mediacorp.
“We hope that their remarkable displays of strength and resilience will inspire all of us to rise above the odds, and to champion inclusivity as well,” said Ms Tham.
The Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund (GCTEF) is a community fund that aims to provide persons with disabilities the opportunities to actively contribute to society and lead socially integrated lives. The Fund is administered by SG Enable, and supported by Mediacorp. ESM Goh Chok Tong is the Patron of the GCTEF. To support persons with disabilities through the GCTEF, please visit GCTEnableFund.sg.