The Disabled People’s Association (DPA) mourns the passing of former president Mr S R Nathan. DPA has had the opportunity to meet Mr Nathan, and fondly remembered him to be a warm and approachable President who was strongly committed to social causes, including DPA’s work. Mr Nathan was a guest of honour at one of our fundraising events, A Night of Hope, back in 2009.
Mr Nathan firmly believed in the importance of building an inclusive society. Having grappled with poverty in his growing-up years, Mr Nathan was a passionate advocate of the social service sector. During his term of office, he launched the annual President’s Challenge charity fundraising initiative in 2000 with a vision to build a more caring and compassionate nation. The Challenge has hitherto raised over $100 million for over 500 beneficiaries.
Mr Nathan’s passion for social justice and fairness was further demonstrated in the establishment of the S R Nathan Education Upliftment Fund, which gives aid to financially needy students at the polytechnics and Institutes of Technical Education. Mr Nathan was also known to hold his own “Meet-the-People sessions” where he would listen to the concerns of Singaporeans during his daily morning walks in East Coast Park.
DPA will always remember Mr Nathan as a strong advocate for social justice and fairness. His passing is a great loss to the social service sector and to the nation as a whole. Mr Nathan will be profoundly missed.
