Parliamentary colleagues, Ms Rachel Ong and Ms Diana Pang
Mr Joel Leong, PBM, Board Chairman, TomoWork Ltd
Mr Boo Chong Han, Deputy Principal, Republic Polytechnic
Friends, Partners, Ladies and Gentlemen.
1 A very good afternoon to one and all. Thank you once again for inviting me for Tomo Day 2025, an event that has a very special place in my heart. I have been very privileged to have journeyed with the disability sector for the past five years and I am absolutely thankful to continue championing this very important piece of work, hopefully for many more years to come.
2 One of the key priorities the Enabling Masterplan 2030 (EMP2030) which launched a few years ago focused on, was inclusive employment. I must thank TomoWork for your substantial contribution in the area of disability-inclusive employment.
3 Under the Masterplan, our aim is to raise the employment rate of persons with disabilities to 40% by 2030. We are making steady progress towards that target. The average employment rate of resident persons with disabilities aged between 15 to 64 has increased since the launch of EMP2030 from 30.1% for the 2020/2021 period to 33.6% in 2023/2024.
4 It is therefore important to start upstream to strengthen the work-readiness of students with disabilities. I am grateful for TomoWork’s efforts in providing training and mentorship opportunities to students and graduates with disabilities from Institutes of Higher Learning, through its Talent Accelerator Programme (TAP). TAP complements MSF’s efforts, such as enhancements to ITE and SG Enable’s internship and employment support programme, which we announced at the Committee of Supply Debate earlier this year.
5 The presentations today have not only showcased practical solutions, but also highlighted important social issues, particularly the need to change perceptions about hidden disabilities. The quality of work and insights speak volumes about the success of the Talent Accelerator Programme in nurturing talent and fostering meaningful change.
6 Just a few moments ago, I was very honoured to have joined in launching the imVISIBLE pin. It is a simple yet powerful symbol that will help raise awareness about hidden disabilities and spark meaningful conversations about inclusion in our community. The pin represents not just visibility, but also our collective commitment to building a more empathetic, caring and inclusive Singapore, where everyone can truly contribute and thrive - just as we have witnessed through today's presentations.
7 All of us in this hall has a crucial role to play in supporting the employment of persons with disabilities. When we talk about employment, we are not just talking about bringing home a paycheck on the first of every month. It’s very much also about social connectivity. At the same time, a sense of validation, a sense of empowerment and a sense of being in life. And to do that, we will only succeed if we work together to create an inclusive workplace environment that integrates employees with disabilities and allows them and empowers them to meaningfully contribute to corporate organisations.
8 So in closing, let us all keep up the good work and work together as we champion the cause of disability-inclusion in all aspects of life in Singapore. It is not going to be a bed of roses moving forward, but it most definitely does not have to be a journey that one undertakes alone. Thank you, and I wish everyone a pleasant afternoon. Thank you very much.