When it comes to numbers and data, Peng Kai is certainly in his element. Peng Kai, who has cerebral palsy, graduated from Nanyang Technological University with a double degree of Mathematics and Economics.
Currently, Peng Kai conducts research in the social service sector. His job is meaningful to him because it impacts and helps other people. Through his work, he gets to offer “good, insightful answers to benefit others.”
Integrating into work life was easy for Peng Kai, particularly due to his passion for quantitative economics. Not only that, Peng Kai has also developed close friendships with his colleagues. Every day, they head out for lunch together, and started a tradition of keeping track of all the hawker food stalls they have tried.
His colleagues also share many interests and hobbies with him. Not one to be afraid of trying something new, Peng Kai has an array of interests. Some of them include Chinese classic literature, manga, and anime. He is also an avid gamer, using his first pay cheque to purchase his first gaming computer.
Nowadays, Peng Kai is more open to talking about his disability. This was not always the case when he was younger. He used to be uncomfortable when children pointed at him, and by their parents’ immediate silence.
Peng Kai recalls how, growing up, his parents never treated him any differently from his siblings, and also inculcated independence in him. He credits their parental guidance in shaping the man that he is today. Now, he does not feel any different from other people, and also prefers that parents have more candid discussions with their children about people with disabilities.
Optimistic for the future, Peng Kai looks forward to gaining career advancements and settling down. “I just try my best in everything,” he says.
Peng Kai was originally featured in National Council of Social Service‘s See The True Me campaign, see more in the original article.
This article is a part of our #AbleFamilies campaign in Singapore. Stay tuned for real life stories, advice and experiences from people who believe in and represent the potential of all kids. By now empowering the thousands of kids with disabilities in Singapore and supporting their parents and caregivers, we strengthen the next generation of citizens to promote a more inclusive Singapore.