Born with mild intellectual disability, Florence began vocational training and work attachments in 2017 before joining UNIQLO as an intern in 2019. She became a full-time employee in 2021 and is a reliable team member who also mentors interns with intellectual disabilities. 

She is also active in sports and the arts. Florence has competed in the Singapore Sports School Para Games, Singapore National Games and Pesta Sukan Para Bowling, winning a silver medal in 2019. Since 2019, she has been part of Special Olympics Singapore as an Athlete Leader and Health Messenger, and in 2024 achieved a world record in sport stacking. 

Florence continues to inspire through her achievements in work, sports and the arts. Her journey reflects how APSN empowers persons with intellectual disabilities to grow in confidence and pursue meaningful opportunities. 

Faiqah began her journey in the special needs sector in 2021 and has since found her passion in working with primary school children with special needs. As a Programme Executive at APSN Student Care Centre, she plans and runs programmes and activities for students, while supporting the smooth operations of the before and after-school care programme.

For Faiqah, the most meaningful part of her work lies in witnessing the small but significant moments of progress in her students. It could be seeing a child develop better eating habits, pick up new skills or learn to self-regulate when feeling overwhelmed — moments that may seem small, but are meaningful milestones in a child’s growth.

These moments motivate Faiqah to continue creating a safe and conducive environment where her students can grow with confidence. Her experience at APSN has also deepened her passion for working with children with special needs, inspiring her to continue learning, growing and making a difference in their lives.

Megan, 20, is a graduate of APSN Delta Senior School who attained 7 WSQ Statements of Attainment in Hotel and Accommodation Services. Through APSN’s holistic curriculum, she discovered a love for dance, building confidence and skill from school stages to the world stage. Her talent earned her the Goh Chok Tong Enable Award (Promise) in 2020, making her the youngest recipient, and she also performed at the 2023 National Day Parade and at the World Down Syndrome Congress in Brisbane in 2024. 

She went on to represent Singapore at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, where she won multiple medals. Megan’s journey reflects 50 years of APSN empowering lives and opening pathways for individuals to grow, shine and realise their potential. 

Fiona Goh began her teaching journey in 2008 at APSN Delta Senior School before moving to APSN Chaoyang School in 2015, where she continues to serve with passion.

Beyond teaching, she has held leadership roles in CCE, Numeracy, Science and Partnerships. As Environmental Ambassador, she has also spearheaded impactful school and community initiatives. Under Fiona’s leadership, APSN Chaoyang School has consistently received recognition through the Singapore Environment Council’s School Green Awards, including the Vanda Miss Joaquim Sustained Achievement Award, Outstanding Environmental Project Award and Best 3R Award. These accolades have raised the school’s standing within the special education sector and affirmed its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Awarded the MOE Master of Education (Special Education) Scholarship in 2025 and the NEA Eco Friend Award in 2024, Fiona has led nationwide campaigns on food waste, recycling and biodiversity. A mentor and advocate, she empowers students and colleagues alike, championing sustainability while nurturing every learner’s unique strengths.

Rani has been part of APSN for more than 40 years, dedicating her career to supporting students with different learning needs. Today, she teaches English, Socio-Emotional Learning and Daily Living Skills at APSN Katong School, while also coaching students in bowling.

Throughout her journey, Rani has continued to grow professionally, completing a Specialist Diploma in Counselling from Nanyang Polytechnic and a bachelor’s degree in special education with the encouragement of her colleagues. She has also represented Special Olympics as a Head Coach at the World Summer Games in Athens, and gained valuable perspectives through a work attachment at the National Museum and an exchange programme with schools in Perth.

For Rani, learning goes beyond academics. She believes in helping students build confidence, independence and skills for everyday life. Her greatest fulfilment comes from seeing how students grow over the years, including a former student with autism whom she taught many years ago and remains in contact with today. Another meaningful moment came when a former student returned to APSN as a Teacher Aide, continuing to contribute to the community she once learned in.

Recognised with a 40-year Long Service Award, Rani’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, perseverance and the belief that every experience can shape a person’s growth. After four decades, APSN remains more than a workplace — it is a meaningful part of her life.

Mr Tan Wai Loon, 38, first joined APSN in 1997 as a trainee at the Arthur Road Training Centre (now APSN Centre for Adults). A hardworking and quick learner, he excelled in weaving bags, purses and dresses for public sale. Today, Wai Loon is known for his dedication, optimism and remarkable green thumb.

His passion for gardening began more than 18 years ago when CFA introduced its horticulture curriculum. Starting as a general worker, he was eventually promoted to Instructor Assistant, where he guides trainees in transplantation, germination, harvesting, and the weighing and packing of vegetables using visual aids and pictures. Wai Loon also takes on tasks beyond the trainees’ capabilities, such as maintaining CFA’s vertical farm and newly created Zen Garden. Inspired by volunteers from Splash and INSEAD Asia Campus, he has also built numerous structures using leftover pallets and other materials.

In addition to horticulture, Wai Loon contributes to CFA’s Contract Work Programme, assisting the instructor in guiding and teaching trainees in gift-set packing. This reflects his adaptability and willingness to mentor others across different vocational areas. In recognition of his dedication, he received the 20-Year Long Service Award in September 2025.

Beyond APSN, Wai Loon actively promotes gardening in the community. In 2013, he was named a Community in Bloom Ambassador by the National Parks Board. When asked about his motivation, Wai Loon uses hand gestures and visual aids to share: “Keeping the flowers and vegetables healthy makes me happy. I hope more trainees and visitors can come to the vertical farm to learn about farming.”

Diagnosed with mild intellectual disability, Carol has made significant progress both personally and professionally.

Before joining APSN, Carol faced challenges with reading, writing, speaking and following instructions. Through APSN’s tailored support, she developed vital communication skills, discovered her passion for dancing and gained practical training in areas such as housekeeping and laundry, which helped her secure employment.

Carol now works as a Public Area Attendant at Hotel Indigo, where she continues to thrive. With the guidance of her job coach and support from her colleagues, she has grown in confidence and developed her skills in the workplace. Her hard work was recognised when she was named Katong Champion in July 2024. Outside of work, Carol represented Singapore at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin and remains active in dance performances and cup-stacking competitions.

Her journey reflects her resilience and determination to overcome challenges and live life to the fullest. “I have special needs, but I still work hard,” she says with pride.

Carol’s journey is a powerful reminder that, with the right support and opportunities, everyone has the potential to achieve extraordinary things.