“Tonight, our audience members were visibly touched by the hard work and talents of our differently-abled performers, some of whom performed for the first time alongside international superstars," says Wee Boo Kuan, Co-Founder of Extra·Ordinary People.
1 December 2023 marked a transformative moment in the nation's performance arts scene. Singapore's Extra·Ordinary Stars concert was a groundbreaking showcase of not only talent but also inclusivity.
The curated performances, designed to highlight both mainstream and differently-abled artists, were held at the Star Theatre. The 5,000-seater venue was packed to capacity. The live show is set to reach an even broader audience through international broadcasts.
Cyril Takayama kicked off the star-studded evening with a mesmerising magic show, followed by Zanna's piano rendition of "Nothing Is Impossible." Benjamin Kheng, accompanied by Ng Kok Wee's flute performance, delivered a moving rendition of "Do I Make You Proud." Glenn Yong's energetic performance of "Break Out" with John Chan showcased the seamless integration of diverse talents.
The Unleash Your Light Taiwan crew brought the house down with a dynamic breakdance. It's followed by a performance featuring "The Story of Annie." A-Lin, a Taiwanese superstar, captivated the audience with four of her hit songs. Ten children were incorporated into her heartwarming performance of "Romadiw."
To generate excitement, the concert organisers launched the 54448 Dance Challenge on social media. Symbolising the word "LIGHT" on an alphanumeric keypad, participants not only engage in a captivating dance but also embody the inspiring message of being a "Light to the World." The challenge culminates with a winner announced in December. Not only that but with a chance to win up to SGD10,000 in prizes and a matching donation to a charitable cause.
"Donations will go a long way in benefiting the underprivileged and special needs communities, but most importantly, the human connections made today form a firm foundation for a kinder and more inclusive society."
Realising that special needs individuals cannot be thrown in the deep end after their education, and might require opportunities and guidance even in adulthood, Wee founded Extra·Ordinary People in 2017 to provide continual support to differently-abled individuals and to inspire a more inclusive world.
The Extra·Ordinary Stars concert is the flagship event for the Unleash Your Light movement. This cause envisions a world where genuine human-to-human connections form the foundation for personal and societal transformation. The movement believes that these connections can shatter limitations, ignite individual potential and empower everyone to shine.
Youths have the privilege to wander. They are encouraged to fumble, to trod on multiple paths, to try new things; there are no limitations to exploring how the world works before one starts to work for the world. All it takes is a teaspoon of courage, but not all youths are equipped with the same-sized spoon to go for the jugular of limitless potential; not all youths get to start this marathon called life with the same starting line.
It is having this flexibility in perspective that will set in motion the youth’s truly limitless potential. Kindness is something a world closely connected—but still vastly diverse—needs for harmony and learning to see our world from “Me” to “We" via the Unleash Your Light global movement, can be the key to harnessing that cross-border synergy, empowering personal and societal transformation. That is what the charity Extra·Ordinary People have been striving to do since July 2017 and with their latest star-studded activation, Extra·Ordinary Stars concert—a fundraiser effort to give youths with special needs and of less privileged backgrounds the training and means to stand on stage, to shine independently alongside a bevy of established artistes.
The differently abled youths will get a chance to perform alongside international artistes like popular magician Cyril Takayama and Taiwanese singer A-Lin, as well as Benjamin Kheng, Glenn Yong, Wheel Smith (seen above), Zanna Phua, Adelyn Koh, John Chan, Isabelle Lim and Daniel Teo. The concert will also feature the Cantare Choir, Singapore Raffles Music College, Extra·Ordinary People’s Extra·Ordinary Light Orchestra, among others.
“Individuals with special needs and their families rarely have the inspiration, space, and opportunity to achieve independent living through their dreams. We believe in the transformative power of positivity. Our mission is to create opportunities for everyone. With Extra·Ordinary Stars, we hope the special needs and underprivileged community will be inspired to dream and share their stories,” says Wee Boo Kuan, co-founder and director of Extra·Ordinary People, an IPC (Institution of a Public Character) charity that provides life-long support to differently-abled children and youths. Upon graduating from the Extra·Ordinary People Academy, the organisation continues to provide them with opportunities and assistance towards independence. Now that’s hope, glimmering and glistening with the enthusiasm of youth and possibilities.
There is also a separate effort put together by China Mobile, wherein the first 1,000 concert ticket holders will have access to a special promo plan: 100GB at SGD10/month. The Unleash Your Light project will also donate 500 China Mobile plans to 500 low-income families for one year as part of this concert’s fundraiser efforts. China Mobile and Unleash Your Light seek to fill the entire Extra•Ordinary Stars concert hall. If the goal of selling out the entire Extra•Ordinary Stars concert is met, Unleash Your Light will sponsor an additional 500 China Mobile plans, raising the total to 1,000 China Mobile plans donated to 1,000 low-income families for one year.
The 100-minute live performance will be held on 1 December 2023 at The Star Theatre. Tickets can be purchased here. The proceeds will be distributed equally amongst the three IPC charity organisations: Extra·Ordinary People, Happee Hearts Movement and YMCA. There will be a 250% tax rebate with every ticket purchase.
Originally published on Men's Folio.
