chinese pinyin born december politician disability rights activist successful corporate career spanning decades president singapore founded currently member parliament representing ruling previously representing april focused developing programmes disabled special needs communities singapore early years corporate career studied girls school graduated bachelor_of_arts degree english earned degree career spanning decades held management positions founded regional leadership training firm volunteer work son diagnosed age consulted professionals research help thought help children subsequently founded charity helps people offers early intervention programmes left corporate world time special needs volunteer partners sold subsidiary president wrote newspapers government agencies issues affecting special needs community founder acting principal special school children singapore school offers mainstream curriculum life skills education students believer helping people realise potential integrate society helped develop school programmes include skills training student run café specialised training satellite classes students mix mainstream students years increased school attracted media attention impact students political career joined ruling branch following year appointed leads government general election fielded candidate contested election campaign promised singapore inclusive society representing disabled special needs communities team won vote july formed headed explore initiatives improve financial security disabled special needs children led committee drew year plan improve services special needs children studied proposals later implemented national non profit laws drafted prohibit abuse mentally disabled allow parents appoint look special needs children die criticised helping hands approach social services provided charities overseen said special education led resources expertise minister defended policy arguing reduced bureaucracy left jobs right people agreed play active role special education increased funding teacher training introduced satellite classes mainstream schools helped special schools set targets learning outcomes level passes spoke second reading remote gambling bill calling complete ban remote gambling april caused widespread controversy debate budget parliament suggested installation fences communal areas like prevent congregation foreign workers allow residents use facilities away congregations high density walking time bombs public disorder incidents waiting happen remarked apologised days later
Denise Phua