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                                                                               Explain to readers about Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap (BtG) is an integrated early intervention centre dedicated to supporting children with developmental needs aged 18 months to 7 years. We take a multidisciplinary approach, combining speech therapy, occupational therapy, educational therapy, and social skills development to ensure that each child receives holistic and personalised support.

Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where children can build confidence, develop essential skills, and integrate with their peers, empowering them to reach their full potential.

What challenges do you have with your son Emmanuel?

Emmanuel was born prematurely at 32 weeks and faced multiple medical conditions, including apraxia and global developmental delay. His early years were spent in and out of hospitals, undergoing surgeries and battling infections.

As he grew older, I noticed significant challenges in his ability to communicate and integrate socially. Despite my best efforts to place him in mainstream settings, he struggled with anxiety and was often isolated or misunderstood. Watching him experience frustration and exclusion was heartbreaking, and it reinforced my determination to find the right support for him.

Earlier on, you found there was a large gap in support?

Yes, I quickly realised that there was a lack of comprehensive, holistic early intervention services in Singapore. Many centres focused on only one aspect of therapy—such as speech or occupational therapy—without addressing the broader developmental needs of the child. Additionally, there was minimal collaboration between early intervention centres and preschools, making integration even more difficult.

I found myself navigating a fragmented system, with long waiting lists and limited options for personalised support, which left many parents, including myself, feeling helpless.

 Describe your journey in building Bridging the Gap

The decision to start BtG came from my personal experience as a mother struggling to find the right support for Emmanuel. My husband and I knew that children like him needed more than just therapy—they needed an environment that understood their challenges and provided targeted, consistent support.

In 2017, we took the leap of faith to establish BtG, despite the financial and emotional sacrifices it required. We built a multidisciplinary team of passionate professionals who share our vision of providing comprehensive intervention. The journey has been both rewarding and challenging, but seeing the progress in the children we support affirms our mission every day.

How has your career path changed – and grown?

Coming from a structured, numbers-driven career in finance, I never imagined that I would one day be leading an early intervention centre. The transition was drastic—moving from corporate strategies to hands-on intervention and advocacy for children with special needs. However, this journey has been incredibly fulfilling.

It has pushed me to develop new skills, from managing a team of therapists to working closely with parents and policymakers to advocate for better early intervention services. I have also grown as a leader, learning to balance resilience with empathy in a field that is deeply personal to me.

What inspires you?

The children we work with and their families inspire me every day. Seeing a child achieve a milestone—whether it’s speaking their first words, making a friend, or gaining confidence in a classroom—reminds me why we started this journey.

I am also deeply inspired by parents who tirelessly advocate for their children, despite the challenges they face. Their determination fuels my commitment to continue building an inclusive and supportive community for children with developmental needs.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a celebration of resilience, strength, and the progress we’ve made in advocating for gender equality. As a female founder and mother, it holds deep personal significance.

It’s a reminder of the sacrifices and perseverance required to create meaningful change—not just in the business world, but in society as a whole. It’s also about lifting other women up, whether they are professionals, caregivers, or advocates, and ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.

Finding Bridging the Gap

Sharifah Anaqi ’s journey as a mother navigating the world of early intervention has been one of resilience, advocacy, and deep personal growth.

When her son, Anaqi, began showing developmental differences in speech, thought processes, and motor skills, she initially hoped he was simply a late bloomer. However, as he grew older, the challenges became more evident—social isolation in kindergarten, unkind remarks from other parents, and struggles with mainstream intervention options that offered limited support and long waiting lists.

Faced with uncertainty and frustration, she took it upon herself to seek alternative solutions, determined to find an environment where her son could thrive.

Her search led her to Bridging the Gap, a multidisciplinary early intervention centre that provided the holistic support Anaqi needed.

Since then, she has witnessed remarkable progress in his confidence, social engagement, and learning abilities.

More than just a mother seeking help, Sharifah has become an empowered advocate for her child, pushing for more accessible, personalised early intervention options in Singapore.

Her journey has not only transformed Anaqi’s life but has also shaped her into a voice for parents navigating similar challenges, encouraging them to persist, seek support, and trust in their instincts as they fight for their children’s future.