The Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards (GCTEA) celebrated the achievements of 13 outstanding persons with disabilities, with James being one of the awardees.
James Ethan Ang Kai Meng, a fifth-year student at SMU Yong Pung How School of Law, with vision impairment, was nominated in the Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards (Promise) category and was conferred the award.
There are no limits to what persons with disabilities can achieve, and James Ethan Ang Kai Meng, who is currently a Year 5 student at SMU Yong Pung How School of Law, is a living testament to this powerful truth. Despite being diagnosed with a visual impairment - a condition that makes it difficult for him to discern details beyond a very close distance – when he was nine years old, he has broken through barriers in both academics and sports, proving that challenges can be overcome with resilience and determination.
Receiving the award from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong at the Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards (GCTEA) Ceremony held at Marina Bay Sands on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, was James' father, who accepted the honour on behalf of James who is currently on a student exchange programme in the United Kingdom.
James' father (middle), who accepted the honour on behalf of his son, proudly stood alongside President Tharman Shanmugaratnam (left) and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong (right) at the Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards (GCTEA) Ceremony.
The awards ceremony was attended by guest of honour President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Social and Family Development and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Mr Eric Chua.
Launched on 15 January 2019, the GCT Enable Awards is an initiative by Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund (GCTEF). The founding of the Awards was inspired by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who is the Patron of GCTEF, to bring about a “kinder and gentler Singapore”. The awards are designed to celebrate the accomplishments of persons with disabilities, and to inspire those with promise and potential to go the distance with their endeavours.
The GCTEA comprises two categories: The GCTEA (Achievement) category which celebrates persons with disabilities who have made significant achievements in their own fields and served as an inspiration to others, and the GCTEA (Promise) category which recognises awardees for their potential and commitment to serve the community.
Pursuing a degree in law, James has defied the challenges of his visual impairment to excel in a field renowned for its rigorous reading and detailed analysis. Using assistive software that converts text into audio, James navigates through dense legal texts with ease, transforming what could be a daunting task into an achievable one. His ability to memorise large volumes of content has become his unique strength, enabling him to deliver compelling presentations confidently without relying on a script. James was on the Dean’s List for the Academic Year 2022-23 and this remarkable achievement is a testament to his outstanding academic performance.
"SMU has truly empowered me by providing personalised support throughout my academic journey, ensuring that I have the resources I need to succeed. From the dedicated staff in the Student Accessibility Support in the Office of Dean of Students to the understanding professors who go the extra mile, I've always felt supported," James reflected on how the University has supported and empowered him.
Besides his academic pursuits, James has thrived in para athletics. In just two years of representing Singapore in para athletics, James has achieved impressive milestones. He competed in the ASEAN Para Games in 2022 and 2023, earning two silver medals in the latter, and placed 4th at the 2023 Asian Para Games. On the world stage, he finished 12th and 9th at the 2023 and 2024 World Para Athletics Championships respectively. Recognising his potential, James was awarded the SpexPotential scholarship in April 2024, further propelling his sporting career.
Michelle Koay, Head of the Mrs Wong Kwok Leong Student Wellness Centre, with James' parents at the award ceremony.
Balancing law school and high-performance athletics is no small feat, but James has proven that determination makes success achievable in both fields. His efforts were acknowledged when he received the SMU University Student Life Award (Special Recognition) in 2024, highlighting his exceptional ability to excel academically while maintaining top-level athletic performance.
Beyond academics and sports, James is a powerful advocate for inclusion. Through his success in para athletics and his academic journey, he paves the way for others in the disability sector to pursue their dreams and overcome societal limitations. James encourages individuals with disabilities to engage in sports, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, they can thrive in competitive environments. His collaboration with local media producers, Team Singapore and Singapore Athletics has helped raise awareness about para sports and the opportunities they offer.
"Receiving the Goh Chok Tong Enable Award is a powerful affirmation of my commitment to balance high-performance sports with academics, even in the face of challenges. This recognition fuels my passion to continue advocating for inclusivity and to help others in the disability community," he shared, expressing how the award motivates him to continue his advocacy.
"As Singapore continues to build an inclusive society with stronger infrastructure and technological advancements, I’m confident that we are moving towards a brighter future for inclusivity and accessibility," James concluded, sharing his optimism for the country's progressive journey.