For three days in April, the rhythmic bustle of Singapore’s mass rapid transit stations was punctuated by a new, youthful voice. From April 10 to 12, the voice of eight-year-old Muhammad Khalif Muhammad Khair Abdillah filled the platforms, guiding thousands of commuters as trains arrived and doors slid open.
The announcement, a gentle reminder to “Please provide way to alighting passengers. Together, One can make our journeys more inclusive,” was more than a routine transit instruction. It was a calculated effort to bring visibility to neurodiversity in one of the world’s busiest transport hubs. This initiative, where a boy with autism voices SMRT announcement recordings, marked the first time a child with special needs has provided the voice for a platform announcement across the SMRT network.
The project was launched to commemorate World Autism Awareness Month, a global campaign observed every April to increase understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The collaboration between the public transport operator and the social service agency Rainbow Centre aimed to transform a mundane commute into a moment of reflection on empathy and social inclusion.
A network-wide call for inclusion
The reach of Khalif’s voice was extensive, spanning nearly every major artery of the SMRT-operated system. Commuters heard the recording across the North-South Line, the East-West Line, the Circle Line, and the Thomson-East Coast Line, as well as the Bukit Panjang LRT.
To ensure the message reached a broad audience without disrupting the flow of travel, the announcement was played approximately once every hour between 7 a.m. And 11 p.m. By integrating the voice of a child with autism into the daily infrastructure of the city, the organizers sought to normalize the presence of individuals with special needs in public spaces.
Muhammad Khalif Muhammad Khair Abdillah, who has autism, recorded the announcement as part of an initiative by public transport operator SMRT to mark World Autism Awareness Month in April.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
From the classroom to the platform
Khalif is a student in the junior programme at Rainbow Centre Yishun Park School. His path to the recording studio began in the classroom, where his teachers noticed a natural aptitude for public speaking. Ms. Celin Foo, the head of the junior programme, noted that Khalif had previously impressed staff while serving as an emcee during a school open house.
“He has a natural way of connecting with people, and it was clear he had more to offer beyond the classroom,” Ms. Foo said. She emphasized that the project provided Khalif with a larger platform to build on those existing strengths.
This initiative is part of a broader, long-term effort to help students with special needs navigate the city. In 2022, SMRT and Rainbow Centre Yishun Park School established an indoor park equipped with simulated MRT fare gantries. This controlled environment allows students to practice the routines of public transport—such as tapping in and out—to build the confidence necessary for independent travel.
During a recent demonstration of these skills, Khalif showed reporters how to navigate gantries, reminded them to find a seat on the train, and demonstrated safe road-crossing techniques. Throughout the process, his enthusiasm was evident. “I’m enjoying this!” he declared midway through the session.
Addressing the stigma of autism
For Khalif’s family, the project represents a milestone in a journey that began with a diagnosis at age five. His mother, 33-year-old Ms. Nurhidayah Salleh, describes her son as an intuitive and loving child who is quick to comfort her and affectionate toward his three-year-old sister.
While the recording brought joy to Khalif—who expressed excitement about hearing his own voice at his favorite station, Sembawang—Ms. Nurhidayah hopes the broader impact is a shift in public perception. She urged the public to support children with autism and, most importantly, to avoid making snap judgments.
“I hope people won’t judge these children, because everyone is different,” Ms. Nurhidayah said.
This sentiment is echoed by educators who argue that visibility is the first step toward inclusion. Ms. Foo pointed out that while interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum are common in malls, schools, and on public transport, these encounters can sometimes be misunderstood or cause discomfort due to a lack of public understanding. According to the World Health Organization, fostering supportive environments is critical for the development and well-being of individuals with ASD.
“Projects like this play an significant role in fostering greater empathy and inclusion,” Ms. Foo said, adding that such opportunities highlight the ability of students like Khalif to communicate and contribute meaningfully to the community.
Muhammad Khalif’s mother, Ms. Nurhidayah Salleh, described him as a loving and intuitive child.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
When asked what he hoped listeners would feel upon hearing his voice, Khalif’s response was immediate: “I hope they will feel happy.”
As Singapore continues to develop its inclusive transport infrastructure, the partnership between SMRT and Rainbow Centre remains a focal point for integrating special needs education into the public sphere. Future initiatives are expected to build on the success of the indoor training park to further enhance the mobility and independence of students with autism.
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