Left to right: Julie Chiang, Mayor Desmond Choo (North East CDC), Kiat Lim, and Dr Deibby Mamahit
In a quiet room, a panda gazes from a canvas with a serene yet knowing expression. Across the way, a young artist captured the delicate balance of nature—birds perched on flowering branches.
These are not just paintings; they’re stories of courage, perseverance, and the transformative power of art. They are part of Shaping Hearts, an initiative by the North East CDC that seeks to rewire how we view talent and ability.
Thanks to an invitation from Alvin Lim, I had the chance to witness how art can transcend therapy to providing livelihoods for those with disabilities.
How Shaping Hearts Started
In 2018, Shaping Hearts emerged as a spark of hope and inclusivity. It was initiated by the North East Community Development Council (NECDC) after its team, during visits to social service agencies, noticed a troubling reality.
Many pieces of art created by children with disabilities—full of life, colour, and promise—were left forgotten in storerooms and stairwells, unable to find their way into the spotlight.
Recognising the untapped potential of these works, NECDC decided to create an inclusive platform that would showcase these talents. The first exhibition featured just 36 paintings but carried a bold vision: to elevate the voices and creativity of individuals with disabilities, providing them the recognition they deserved.
Over the years, Shaping Hearts grew into more than an exhibition. It became a movement.
Today, it has showcased over 500 artworks and expanded its mission globally, including collaborations with international platforms like the Biennale. The initiative has also embraced not just art, but the profound stories behind the artists—each one a testament to resilience, talent, and perseverance. (You can shop for these artworks and merchandise here.)
In short, Shaping Hearts is about transformation—not only for the artists but society at large. It challenges perceptions of disability, shining a light on what is possible when barriers are replaced by opportunities.
$1 Million Gift from Philanthropist Kiat Lim
This year, Shaping Hearts made its most ambitious move yet. Backed by a $1 million donation from philanthropist Kiat Lim, the newly launched Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Award sets out to give children with disabilities a platform to create, shine, and thrive.
The programme now focuses on nurturing talent early, particularly for children under seven. It signals a future where creativity could break societal barriers.
Son of Singaporean business magnate Peter Lim, Kiat Lim, the Chairman of RSP and Executive Vice Chairman of Thomson Medical Group and a board member of Valencia CF. His philanthropic efforts reflect a commitment to supporting alternative career paths and empowering individuals through various initiatives.
Let us take a closer look at some of the artworks on display.
Why a Panda Means the World to Evan Goh
For Evan Goh, a young artist with Autism Spectrum Disorder, painting has opened a window to self-expression. His work, My Favourite Panda, features a gentle creature surrounded by lush bamboo. More than a charming depiction, the painting represents Evan’s journey toward self-love and gratitude.
“The panda teaches Evan to appreciate what he has,” reads the caption beneath his work. For Evan and his family, this is a milestone, a tangible moment of pride in a world where recognition hasn’t always come easily. Priced at $500, the painting offers buyers more than just art—it’s a testament to the resilience of a boy finding his voice through creativity.
Aaron Yeo’s Joker Reveals the Power of Perspective
Aaron Yeo never imagined he’d become an artist. Once a hairstylist, his life changed forever after a motorcycle accident left him paralysed from the neck down. Rehabilitation introduced him to painting, and over time, he discovered not just talent, but a means of reclaiming his identity.
In his oil painting Joker, Aaron tackles themes of mental health and empathy. One half of the face is painted raw and vulnerable, while the other bears the Joker’s infamous mask. It’s haunting, but also deeply reflective.
“Joker makes us confront the dignity of every individual,” Aaron says. His journey—from paralysis to a graduate of NAFA—reminds us that art can be a lifeline, one that turns pain into purpose.
Christina Lau Captures the Elegance of Singapore
Standing before Christina Lau’s painting of The Fullerton Hotel, you can almost hear the sound of the bumboats cruising along the Singapore River. Her watercolour work is precise and elegant, capturing the grandeur of one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks.
But what makes Christina’s story extraordinary is the way she creates.
After a spinal cord injury left her paralysed, Christina began mouth painting as part of her rehabilitation. What started as a necessity soon became a passion.
Now an accomplished artist and a Paralympic table tennis player, Christina proves that talent and perseverance know no bounds. Her work, priced at $751, speaks of both discipline and imagination.
Art Gave This Mother and Her Son a New Sense of Pride
This cool umbrella features artworks from one of the artists.
Dr Deibby Mamahit, a mother of two sons with autism, knows the power of art firsthand. Her younger son, now 17, found a sense of belonging he’d never felt before when his artwork was exhibited at Shaping Hearts.
“I’ve never seen him so proud,” she shares. For Dr Deibby, the journey hasn’t been easy, but moments like this make it worthwhile. “Art gave him something that nothing else could—a voice, a way to feel confident.”
For families like hers, initiatives like Shaping Hearts don’t just celebrate the children; they provide caregivers with a rare sense of hope.
A Desire to Change the Narrative
For Kiat Lim, philanthropy runs deep. His $1 million donation to the Kiat Lim-Shaping Hearts Award builds on a legacy of giving that his family has championed for decades.
But this initiative, he explains, is about more than funding.
“Caregiver burnout is real,” he says, “and it’s not a one- or two-year effort. It’s a lifetime.”
Kiat wants the programme to offer more than just opportunities for children with disabilities—he wants to create an ecosystem of support that uplifts families, caregivers, and communities alike.
Turning Artistic Talent Into a Future
Young artists creating vibrant art, guided with care and encouragement.
Shaping Hearts isn’t just about showcasing talent; it’s about creating opportunities. Mayor Desmond Choo envisions a day when corporations commission artworks from these young artists, turning passion into a sustainable career.
“It’s about recognising their value,” he explains, “and giving them a way to thrive.”
This initiative also sparks a broader societal conversation about inclusivity. From the children painting their first strokes to the families standing proudly by their side, Shaping Hearts is a reminder of what can happen when creativity is nurtured and celebrated.
Why Shaping Hearts Matters
During my time at the National Gallery and the National Heritage Board, I saw firsthand how art can shift perspectives and connect people in ways words often cannot.
Art has a way of breaking down barriers—whether cultural, emotional, or physical—and offer a space for stories to be told. It left a mark on me, showing how deeply creativity can impact lives and shape communities.
Shaping Hearts embodies this same spirit. It gives artists with disabilities not just a platform, but an opportunity to inspire and thrive. It’s a reminder that talent flourishes with belief, opportunity, and the right environment.
For more information, visit their website here.
