Special needs and differently-abled performers scale new heights alongside international superstars at the recent Extra·Ordinary Stars concert.
In a bid towards a more inclusive society, established charity organisation Extra•Ordinary People puts into motion Extra•Ordinary Stars — a charity benefit that goes beyond spotlighting differently-abled talent. Held on the first night of December, local artistes Benjamin Kheng and Glenn Yong joined the likes of international celebrities like A-Lin and Cyril Takayama and special needs performers in a curated night of performances.
“It’s such a joy to be a part of a project like this. There’s so much meaning to what we’re doing, and with the people that we’re doing it with,” shared Kheng on the at-capacity event. “And I really hope that this is setting the stage for future projects like this. I hope this is just the beginning.” With 5,000 in audience and many more streaming from home, Extra·Ordinary Stars — the flagship event for the Unleash Your Light movement — unravelled with a singular aim in mind: to provide continued support to the differently-abled, and involving the community in fostering such a vision.
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. 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.
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