This press release was issued by North East Community Development Council (NECDC).
Launch of the 132-metre Masterpiece Kicks Off Family-Inclusive Arts Festival with Interactive Zones and Live Performances
A new chapter of Singapore’s largest inclusive arts festival unfolded today with the start of Shaping Hearts - ARTfully Able @ Punggol Digital District, organised by the North East Community Development Council (NE CDC).
Graced by Guest-of-Honour Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, hosted by Mayor Baey Yam Keng and joined by Special Guests; Ms Sun Xueling, Dr Janil Puthucheary, and Ms Yeo Wan Ling, this latest edition marked a vibrant new chapter for Shaping Hearts, bringing creativity, inclusion, and education together in an interactive experience designed for young families and children.
From 16 to 23 November 2025, Nexus at Punggol Coast Mall transforms into a lively arts playhouse with five themed zones — Create, Spark, Imagine, Share and Discover — each designed to nurture children’s curiosity, sensory learning, and creative expression. Across the festival grounds, families can enjoy hands-on activities guided by inclusive artists, immersive digital installations, storytelling sessions, and shadow play that ignite imagination and spark intergenerational connection.
Visitors can also explore the Shaping Hearts exhibition, which features art pieces by more than 50 artists with disabilities. The festival also features live percussion and dance performances by inclusive groups ⏤ Down Syndrome Association and Raw Moves (NAC), and a dedicated gamified Trail connecting key public spaces across Punggol Digital District.
Our Punggol Story: Singapore’s Longest Handpainted Mural
A key highlight of the festival was the unveiling of “Our Punggol Story”, a 132-metre mural at the Community Promenade of Punggol Digital District. The mural is officially recognised by the Singapore Book of Records as the nation’s Longest Handpainted Mural.
A year in the making, the mural was co-created by Shaping Hearts special needs artists Simeon Tan and Ezra Chan Yi, executed by Tell Your Children Studios and brought to life with contributions from 107 stakeholders, including the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) students and staff, Northshore Primary School pupils, Punggol residents, grassroots leaders, JTC staff and other stakeholders in Punggol Digital District.
A collaborative effort between JTC, NE CDC and SIT, the artwork captures Punggol’s transformation from a riverside kampung to today’s innovation district, mirroring Singapore’s SG60 journey of progress, resilience and shared identity.
As part of the development process of the physical mural, SIT’s Design Factory (DF@SIT) supported the collaboration by conducting workshops that guided artists in applying creative and generative art techniques to shape the mural’s visual elements. DF@SIT also fostered community co-creation through People of PDD (peopleofpdd.sg). This digital platform empowers the public to design avatars, blending their creations with the physical mural in a seamless online experience.
“The 132-metre handpainted mural brought together our artists Ezra and Simeon alongside many stakeholders in the community, showing how collaboration can give our artists greater visibility while building understanding across our community," said Mr Baey Yam Keng, Mayor of North East District. “Through Shaping Hearts - ARTfully Able, we want to create more shared spaces where families can come together to learn, play, and grow. By bringing inclusive art into our everyday community spaces, we hope to spark meaningful connections that empower every individual in the community to shine.
“Our intent was to co-create a public art mural with North East CDC that provides a platform for artists with disabilities to showcase their talents in meaningful community spaces," said Jacqueline Poh, CEO of JTC Corporation. "Seeing how this project brought the entire community together, with the special needs artists from Shaping Hearts to students, residents and stakeholders, to bring this mural to life has been truly inspiring. It has enhanced our public spaces while fostering a stronger sense of place and belonging for everyone who calls Punggol home."
Empowering the Next Generation Through Art As Shaping Hearts continues to evolve, the festival remains a cornerstone of NE CDC’s commitment to fostering inclusion and compassion through the arts. With more young families now calling Punggol home, this year’s family-centric edition has been designed to inspire this growing community to nurture creativity and learning among children and parents alike.
“By combining art, technology, and community engagement, this project shows how inclusive creative practices can bring people together. It reflects SIT’s approach of using innovation and collaboration to inspire learning, creativity, and a shared sense of belonging across the Punggol Digital District,” said SIT President Professor Chua Kee Chaing.
Shaping Hearts 2025 continues to embody NE CDC’s belief that art is not just for display — it’s a powerful tool for learning, bonding, and building a more inclusive Singapore for generations to come.
For more information on Shaping Hearts, please visit https://shapinghearts.cdc.gov.sg/.