Dr Balbir Singh has been an active advocate for the intellectually challenged (Down syndrome in particular) for more than 25 years. He has served in numerous voluntary organisations and government feedback committees. He is a Past President and existing Board member of Down Syndrome International (DSi), Advisor and Founding Chairman of Down Syndrome Association Singapore, and has served as a Board member of the National Council for Social Service, Singapore.
Balbir has been a prime mover of numerous innovative and pioneering programmes and events including viz EIPIC, World Down Syndrome Day, parent support groups and AEP adult programme, and he proactively advocates research in the Social Service and Disability sector. He has headed organising committees of international and regional conferences and has made numerous contributions for related presentations and articles for journals.
Balbir has had the privilege of very active support from his whole family, from the day his elder daughter, Jaspreet, was born with Down syndrome.
Balbir was awarded the PBM Medal (Pingkat Bakti Masyarakat) in recognition of his commendable service in the disability field and social service sector by the President of Singapore.
On 21 March 2011, Balbir received a President's Special Recognition Award at the 2011 World Down Syndrome Day Awards. This award recognised a lifetime's achievement in Down syndrome advocacy and it will be formally presented at the 11th World Down Syndrome Congress in Cape Town, South Africa in August 2012.
