Kumaran Arumugam

Kumaran Arumugam is a passionate educator and advocate dedicated to enhancing physical education for individuals with disabilities in Singapore. His significant contributions to the field over the past decade have made him a leading figure in adaptive sports education.

 

Education and Career

 

• Doctor of Education (Honoris Causa): Recognized for outstanding contributions to Adaptive Physical Education.

 

• Career Beginning: Launched his journey in 2012 as a sports coach and physical education teacher, prioritizing the education of students with special needs.

 

• Leadership Roles:

 

• • Assistant Head of Department (Sports)

 

• • Head of Department (Physical Education)

 

• • Subject Lead (Physical Education/CCA)

 

• • Director of Sports across various educational institutions.

 

At the age of 27, Kumaran became the youngest head of department within Singapore's Committee for Private Education (CPE).

 

Notable Achievements

 

• Shoe Sponsorship Initiative (2019): Coordinated sponsorship for 200 low-income students, ensuring access to necessary sports footwear.

 

• Collaborative Projects: Partnered with the Singapore Taekwondo Federation to promote participation among para-athletes.

 

• GoalBall29 Program: Launched in 2023, focusing on talent identification for the ASEAN Para Games 2029.

 

• Outstanding Performance in Track and Field: Led students from Lighthouse School to multiple gold medals at the Singapore Para Athletes Track and Field 2024 event, earning the school recognition as the Best Overall Performing School.

 

Recognitions and Awards

 

Kumaran's work has been honored with multiple accolades, including:

 

• People’s Choice Community Changemaker of the Year

 

• Asian Education Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Adaptive Physical Education

 

• Global Recognition Award in Special Education

 

Future Goals

 

Kumaran has been awarded a scholarship to pursue a Master of Arts in Education with Special Education and a Doctorate in Education. He aspires to inspire future educators and drive advancements in the special needs sector.

 

Personal Commitment

 

In addition to his educational contributions, Kumaran is an active athlete, having played semi-professional football for over 13 years. He currently plays for Yishun FC in the FAS Islandwide League 2024, leveraging his experiences in sports to motivate and guide his students.

 

Kumaran Arumugam’s unwavering commitment to inclusive education and adaptive physical education continues to inspire change and development within the educational landscape of Singapore.