Wednesday, 8 October 2025
DAS PRESENTS
What I Wish I’d Known: 20 Years of Learning from
Students Who Learn Differently
Embedded Files
World Dyslexia Awareness Week Forum 2025
DAS webinar featuring four of our leaders and dyslexia experts:
Dr Geetha Shantha Ram – Director, SpLD Assessment Services & English Language and Literacy Division
Dr June Siew – Head, DAS Academy
Dr Priscillia Shen – Head, DAS International & Programme Director, DAS School-based Programmes
Dr Edmen Leong – Director, DAS Specialised Educational Services
Together, they bring nearly 80 years of combined experience in teaching, training, and research. Through heartfelt stories and lessons learned, they reflect on the small wins, breakthroughs, and lasting relationships that have shaped their journeys with students who learn differently.
The discussion covers:
Removing barriers to learning and safeguarding students’ dignity
Building resilience and motivation in readers with dyslexia
Supporting teachers, parents, and schools to create inclusive environments
Challenging myths and redefining what “success” means for diverse learners
This forum is both a celebration and a call to action: to see every learner beyond their challenges, to recognise their strengths, and to walk alongside them with empathy, humility, and hope.
WEBINAR PANELISTS
WEBINAR PANELISTS
Deborah Hewes
Director, Communications, Engagement & Fundraising
Deborah Hewes
Director, Communications, Engagement & Fundraising
Deborah Hewes is the Director of Communications, Engagement and Fundraising at the Dyslexia Association of Singapore. Since 2011, she has led strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising to strengthen awareness and support for individuals with learning differences.
Deborah is also Managing Editor of the Asia Pacific Journal of Developmental Differences and has edited several landmark DAS publications, including Embrace a Different Kind of Mind. Living with dyslexia herself, she is passionate about advocacy and ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
Dr Geetha Shantha Ram
Director of SpLD Assessment Services, English Language and Literacy Programme and Staff Professional Development
Dr Geetha Shantha Ram
Director of SpLD Assessment Services, English Language and Literacy Programme and Staff Professional Development
Dr Geetha Shantha Ram joined the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) in 2004. Since 2013, she has held the position of Director of the English Language and Literacy (ELL) Division. In her capacity as Director, Geetha has played a key role in enhancing the ELL Programmes, which include the Main Literacy Programme (MLP), through the implementation of the Essential Literacy Approach and the integration of the MLP curriculum. Her oversight extends to the SpLD Assessment Services and Staff Professional Development division, where she has been instrumental in developing professional pathways and ensuring quality assurance of all educational efforts. Geetha also serves as the head of the das Research Committee and as an advisor in the Register of Educational therapists (Asia) (RETA).
Dr June Siew
Head of DAS Academy
Dr June Siew
Head of DAS Academy
She provides thought leadership in the field of special educational needs (SEN), focusing on dyslexia. She holds a grounded perspective of SEN, developed through her extensive experiences with students and their community of support. She is a pioneer in advocating inclusive practices in schools and has been training SEN Officers since they were first introduced to the mainstream school system in 2005. She passionately believes that the family and community are key to a child’s success and works closely with them to help students with SEN thrive.
Dr Edmen Leong
Director, Specialised Educational Services
Dr Edmen Leong
Director, Specialised Educational Services
Edmen has been with the DAS since 2010. He served as an Educational Therapist, Programme Manager, as well as an Assistant Director before assuming the post of Director of Specialised Educational Services (SES) on the 1st of January 2019. As Director of SES, Edmen oversees a range of programmes including the Preschool, Speech and Language Therapy, Math, Chinese, Prep 2 PSLE and Speech and Drama Arts programmes. He has also pioneered the development of Short Term Programmes and oversees student workshops that DAS conducts.
Dr Priscillia Shen
Head of DAS International
Dr Priscillia Shen
Head of DAS International
Dr Priscillia Shen is the Head of DAS International and the Programme Director for School-Based Programmes. She began her special education journey at DAS as an Educational Therapist in 2005. She became the Assistant Head of DAS Academy in 2014. Her previous experience working closely with struggling learners has allowed her to take on a constructive and practical pedagogical approach in her teaching practice. She believes in keeping up with current research and developments in the field to continually refine teaching practices and maintain professional passion. Her research interests are in dyslexia, bilingualism, Chinese language, and Mathematics.
Page updated
Report abuse