Unlocking ADHD shines a spotlight on strengths and creativity of the ADHD community

Unlocking ADHD (UA), an Institution of a Public Character (IPC) charity, marked ADHD Awareness Month 2025 and its 4th anniversary today. More than 200 guests, including Mayor Denise Phua, other industry leaders, heads of charities, key stakeholders, supporters and members of the ADHD community had attended the celebrations held at The Glass Dome – the community hall designed for social impact. Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Education & Ministry of National Development, was the Guest-of-Honour.

Chairman of Unlocking ADHD, Associate Professor Tan Sze Wee shared in his welcome remarks, “While Unlocking ADHD has always been a voice for ADHDers championing their needs, this year in particular, we turn a bigger spotlight towards the strengths of individuals with Attention-Deficit- Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD). For far too long, the narrative around ADHD has been confined to the challenges of inattention and hyperactivity and it’s time we shift the focus towards the unique capabilities ADHDers have.”

Adding on, Guest-of-Honour Dr Harun said, “My background as a clinician has given me a unique perspective on ADHD. Like what is articulated in the book we are launching today, no two persons with ADHD are the same, their stories and needs differ, and their struggles and successes in life are unique. Some may benefit from medications, others with psychotherapy, whereas many others learn differently, and support and continued awareness of this is key.”

At the celebrations, UA premiered the “Focus on Us” video – created by ADHDers and featuring an all-ADHD cast, a highlight and a rare first in Singapore storytelling. It seeks to reframe the condition of ADHD and celebrate alternative ways of seeing the world.

The video was directed by Shaun Yeo of Loco Motion Pte Ltd, who brought to life the concept developed by Tay Guan Hin, a globally-awarded creative director and late-diagnosed ADHDer. While the video was a monumental undertaking that took three years in the making due to resource constraints, the commitment, community spirit drove the team forward.

“This is more than just a video — it’s a movement. Created with authenticity by ADHDers, it challenges stigma and flips perceptions. It’s proof that creativity can thrive when a community unites with purpose,” said Tay Guan Hin, APAC Regional Director, The One Club for Creativity.

At the event, UA also unveiled their first publication “Differently Wired Minds”, launched in conjunction with SG60. It features the journeys of 60+ Singapore ADHDers across various ages, industries, and backgrounds. The 180-page hardcover book was produced primarily by an editorial and layout team of volunteers as a labour of love.

The book reframes ADHD through stories of resilience and creativity, while also sharing practical strategies to thrive in life. These stories are also available on the Unlocking ADHD website. Developed a token to support fundraising, the book will contribute towards Unlocking ADHD’s ongoing work as an IPC charity.

“’Differently Wired Minds’ offers the collective voice of the ADHD community in Singapore. By sharing struggles, strengths, and strategies, we hope to inspire greater empathy and understanding. As a fundraising effort, it also helps us continue the important work of supporting ADHDers and their families,” said Moonlake Lee, Founder and Director of UA.

The event also expanded on the services the ADHD community can expect from the Unlocking ADHD – MINDSET Support Hub (“Support Hub”). Last month, Jardines’ MINDSET and UA had announced the launch of the Support Hub to improve awareness, access and support for ADHD, serving undiagnosed or late-diagnosed adults and youths, as well as their families. The Support Hub aims to enhance ADHD support by developing programmes and interventions that are evidence- based and designed with and for the community to ensure relevance and impact.

This initiative is made possible through MINDSET, the charity arm of Jardine Matheson Group, which has pledged $1 million in funding over three years. The partnership recognises the urgent support gap faced by ADHDers in Singapore and represents a significant step toward addressing it.

As CEO of MINDSET, Jeffery Tan had shared in his message, “ADHD is often misunderstood, and many individuals fall through the cracks due to stigma, delayed diagnoses, and lack of structured support. Through this partnership, we aim to close those gaps and build a safe, inclusive ecosystem where every individual can thrive.”

ADHDers can look forward to enhanced ADHD-informed counselling services that are better equipped and focused on ADHD. Subsidised counselling will also be available to ensure that the services remain accessible for those in need. Over time, the hub will expand to include coaching and other support services to help ADHDers and their families thrive.