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MODERNISING A YOUNG NATION
Modernising a young nation: Special education pioneer still helps out after retiring
The Merdeka Generation accepted hardships, made sacrifices and answered the call of duty, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as he announced plans to help them with their medical expenses during the National Day Rally. The Straits Times speaks to five pioneers in different fields.
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Mrs June Tham-Toh Syn Yuen started teaching special needs children in 1982 after having been a primary school teacher for 10 years. She retired in 2014 but still volunteers with the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF JUNE THAM-TOH SYN YUEN
It was by chance that special needs education pioneer June Tham-Toh Syn Yuen first started teaching children with special needs in 1982.
But since she joined the Association for Persons with Special Needs after being a primary school teacher with the Ministry of Education for 10 years, the former executive director of Rainbow Centre for 25 years has not looked back.
