Singapore Chapter – Dialogue in the Dark 2013

About the Event

Written by Timothy LEOW (FS2012-13, National University of Singapore)

The Fung Scholars Singapore Chapter visited Dialogue in the Dark (DID) on 13 July 2013 (Saturday). It was a cozy affair with 7 attendees. A recent television program, which featured the visually impaired population in Singapore, triggered the organization of this event to experience what it would be like to have one of our senses impaired. At the location, our guide, Lee Lee, greeted us. Lee Lee holds a Bachelor’s Degree, goes out with her friends and travels independently. Lee Lee is also blind. We were led through different activities in pitch darkness (we couldn’t see our hands placed in front of our faces!) such as having a meal, recognizing alphabets and even a simulated boat ride. It was admirable how Lee Lee and others alike go about their day-to-day lives without their vision so bravely. At the end of the session, Lee Lee shared how Singapore still has room for improvement in terms of supporting the blind in our society. We left the event with newfound respect for the blind and were left thinking how we individually could play a part in helping them.

The Singapore Chapter suggested starting initiatives with like-minded Fung Scholars to help our blind counterparts. The suggestion was met with enthusiastic smiles and creative ideas, so we can look forward to seeing the Fung Scholars playing a part in benefitting the society. We had a great time getting to know one another over this meaningful event and the delicious lunch. All in all, it was a fruitful event.