The Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation Scholarships for Persons with Disabilities has given out a record number of scholarships this year with five university students getting a helping hand.

Launched in 2004, the scholarship offers $12,000 per year for tertiary education up to four years to recognise those with physical handicaps who have achieved academic excellence.

This year the five recipients are Ms Amanda Chan, 21, Mr Ong Hua Han, 19, Mr Seah Wei Jian, 22, Mr George Lim Yew Hin, 31, and Ms Jacqueline Woo Pei Ling, 19. Mr Ong and Mr Seah suffer from brittle bone disease that affects their growth while Ms Chan has a spinal cord tumour. Mr Lim has a profound hearing loss and Ms Woo, a disorder that causes involuntary spasms.

Senior Minister of State for Law and Education Ms Indranee Rajah who was the guest of honour at the awards ceremony on Tuesday said: "It empowers students with disabilities by allowing them to pursue their education which promotes independence and self-reliance."