Empowered to Empower Others

49-year-old Ann Leong is a cheerful and outgoing individual who always extends a warm smile to everyone she meets. Every week, Ann looks forward to attending workshops organised by Enabling Services Hub (ESH)@Jurong, where she gets the opportunity to meet new friends and learn important life skills through Continual Education and Learning (CEL) programmes. 

However, Ann wasn't always this jovial and sociable. Born with mild intellectual disability, Ann struggled to connect with others and often experienced periods of moodiness. With help from TOUCH Ubi Hostel (TUH), a residential training programme designed to support adults with mild intellectual disabilities in their journey towards independent living in the community, Ann received guidance to build practical life skills, secure employment and increase her confidence.  

Caption: Ann (in white top) enjoying herself with other TUH trainees at a Chinese New Year celebration.  

Since then, Ann has become more cheerful and confident of expressing her views without assistance. She eventually graduated from TUH in 2014. Thanks to TUH’s employment support, Ann is also a proud Sandwich Artist at Subway, where she has worked for more than 10 years.  

She shares, “There may be days where customers are difficult and demanding, but I’m not discouraged because I know that I can do it. I enjoy making sandwiches and I hope people enjoy the yummy sandwiches that I make!” 

A Strong Desire to Learn and Give Back 

After graduating from TUH, Ann remained eager to learn and hone her life skills. Through Community Support Services (CSS), Ann actively participated in bi-weekly programmes to enhance her problem-solving skills and build stronger relationships with other adults with disabilities.  

Despite having to travel 1.5 hours from her home to TUH or TOUCHpoint@Geylang Bahru for programmes, Ann was enthusiastic and engaged, always turning up whenever her work schedule permits.  

Caption: Ann (right) together with Loo Kay Enne, Social Worker from TOUCH who has seen Ann’s change since she was in CSS. 

“Since joining CSS, Ann has become very proactive in looking out for those who need help. Whenever she sees a new friend or a familiar face, she will take the initiative to befriend them or catch up on how they are doing. I’m thankful that we can count on Ann to take care of those who are weaker,” shares Loo Kay Enne, Social Worker at TOUCH. 

Going One Step Further 

When TOUCH was appointed by SG Enable to operate ESH in Jurong in support of the Enabling Masterplan 2030, Ann was invited to join as it was closer to her home, allowing her to participate in more programmes that fit around her work schedule.  

At ESH, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers can receive support while participating in inclusive events and CEL programmes like money management, personal grooming and emotional regulation to help bolster their functional and social skills.  

Caption: Ann (in dark green) enjoying interactive games with her new friends from ESH.  

Ann shares, “ESH programmes are so much fun! I enjoy the weekly interactive games with my new friends. Through the ‘Fresh and Confident’ workshops, I’ve learnt many tips on personal grooming, and I can take care of myself better. In future workshops, I hope to improve my financial literacy skills and manage my money better.” 

Caption: Ann at ‘ABCD Enabling Fun’ - a workshop aimed at promoting inclusiveness among Persons with Disabilities and members of the community. 

Caption: Ann (left) together with Yap Siew Ling (right), a staff from ESH.  

Ann has quickly become one of the core members of ESH, actively offering guidance and support to others who need assistance. Last year, when Science Centre Singapore approached ESH looking for volunteers to support their Children’s Science Centre, KidSTOP’s, year-end STEAM Festival, Ann was excited about the opportunity to help.  

Caption: Ann volunteering at the story-telling booth during KidsSTOP’s year-end STEAM Festival 2024. 

“I was tasked to give out materials to children at the storytelling booth. I was very nervous at first because I’ve never volunteered before. With assurance and encouragement from the ESH staff, I managed to carry out the tasks well and received a certificate for volunteering!” Ann shares with a smile.  

With more confidence to volunteer, Ann has also stepped up to help ESH staff during weekly programmes where she provides simple guidance to participants during the activities.  

Lim Si Jia, Head of ESH shares, “We have seen how Ann has grown in confidence and independence since she first joined us at TUH. I’m proud of how far she has come and it’s so encouraging seeing her blossom into someone who is willing to give back to the community, maximizing her potential.”  

Everyone has a part to play in building an inclusive culture and ecosystem of support for persons with disabilities. Together, let's empower them to gain independence and reach their full potential!  

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Story written in 2025. For more information on ESH, please click here.