EZ-Link launches limited edition ez-link cards in support of student artists with special needs

SINGAPORE, 20 July 2017 – EZ-Link Pte Ltd, Singapore’s largest issuer of CEPAS-compliant cards, together with the Pathlight Artist Development Programme (ADP) today announced the launch of two limited edition ez-link card series, the Dino Series and the Singapore Shophouses Collection. This collaboration is part of EZ-Link’s efforts to promote the inclusion of individuals with autism and celebrate their exceptional talent in the arts.

 

The Dino Series ez-link cards feature the distinctive dinosaur motifs created by See Toh Sheng Jie, a student artist from Pathlight with a penchant for dinosaurs. Sheng Jie’s highly expressive illustration, printed in six different colours, is a reflection of his artistic mind and impeccable attention to detail.

 

Evoking a sense of nostalgia, the Singapore Shophouses Collection of ez-link cards spotlights Singapore’s architectural icons from Singapore’s yesteryears. These illustrations of shophouses prove that being different does not mean less. The detailed renderings highlight their meticulous attention to details, a typical trait of autism, which enables them to create amazing works of art. The collection features three separate card designs of shophouses along Balestier, Pagoda Street and Joo Chiat by Glenn Phua, Jonathan Cai and Muhammad Khairul Bin Asmi respectively.

Part of the proceeds from the sale of these ez-link cards will go towards the ADP to fund programmes that support the development of their artistic talents. The student artists behind the cards will also earn royalties recognising the value of their work and strengthening their ability to gain financial independence.

“EZ-Link has always been a strong advocate of an inclusive society and an active proponent of local arts. We are launching the Dino Series and the Singapore Shophouses Collection in recognition of the student artists’ talents, and to spur our people to embrace fellow Singaporeans who are enabled differently.  We hope that these ez-link cards will stimulate a new perspective on autism and our support will bring out the best in these extraordinary students,” said Nicholas Lee, Chief Executive Officer, EZ-Link Pte Ltd.

“We are delighted to work with EZ-Link to promote the talents of people with autism. Every Singaporean we know owns an ez-link card. There is really no better platform than this to reach out to the masses and help them understand the talents and abilities of these special people. We are grateful to EZ-Link for offering these artists a platform to share their unique perspectives and to celebrate their special abilities in the visual arts with members of the public,” said Ms Linda Kho, Principal of Pathlight School.

Both collections will be displayed at the “Art for Autism: All Things Singapore” public art exhibition organised by the Pathlight Artist Development Programme from 20 July to 31 August 2017 at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore.

The Dino Series will be individually available in six different colours with packaging at S$8 each on My EZ-Link Online Shop from 21 July 2017 onwards. The Singapore Shophouses Collection will be available in a set of three cards on My EZ-Link Online Shop at S$15 from 21 July 2017 and individually at TransitLink Ticket Offices at S$12 with S$7 load value from August 2017.

Both the Dino Series and the Singapore Shophouses Collection will be exclusively available for early purchase at the “Art for Autism: All Things Singapore” public art exhibition on 20 July 2017.

For more information, please visit www.myezlink.com.sg. Find the latest updates on EZ-Link on Facebook (facebook.com/myezlink), Instagram (instagram.com/ezlinksg) and Twitter (twitter.com/ezlinksg).

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EZ-Link’s core business is in the sale, distribution and management of ez-link cards, as well as the clearing and settlement of all ez-link card transactions generated in transit and non-transit (retail/merchant) sectors. To date, more than 17 million new CEPAS-compliant ez-link cards have been issued. In 2015, EZ-Link unveiled two new innovations in Singapore, EZ-Charms, the first non-card form factor, as well as the “EZ-Link Rewards with Perx” to reward commuters for using public transport with the ez-link card. EZ-Link continues to set new cashless trends with the “My EZ-Link Mobile” application, the world’s first Near Field Communication (NFC) mobile application for contactless card top-ups; “EZ-Link NFC SIM”, the first NFC payment service on Singapore’s public transit; and “EZ-Pay”, Singapore’s first free card-less ERP payment service.

Pathlight School is the first autism-focused school in Singapore. It provides a unique blend of mainstream academics and life-readiness skills for students with autism and related learning disorders, aged seven to 18 years old. Invited by the Ministry of Education (MOE), it began operations in January 2004 with just 41 students. Today, with more than 1000 students, it is one of the fastest growing and progressive special schools in Singapore.

Launched in 2011, the Artist Development Programme (ADP) is an award-winning programme aimed at uncovering and developing the potential of students. It received the Special Education Innovation Award by the Ministry of Education in 2012, in recognition of innovation in enhancing students’ learning.

Under the ADP, professional artists work with the student artists to nurture their talents and bring out the best in them. Where possible, their artworks are turned into art merchandise and student artists earn royalties from the sale of their works.  

The ADP has since grown from 8 to 38 artists, each with their own special style and art forms.