Providing Job Opportunities to Persons with Disabilities
Some of the most uplifting conversations that I have had are actually with several of our disabled residents (PWDs). Their positivity and optimism is something all of us can emulate. One thing that they often raised with me is their wish to be gainfully employed for as long as possible. It brings them much satisfaction to know that they are adding value and contributing to our society whilst, at the same time, they are able to address at least some aspects of their financial needs independently. One resident whom we recently assisted was a visually handicapped masseur who unfortunately was not able to renew his tenancy. We were able to refer him for employment opportunities through the Inclusive Business Programme (IBP) that provides opportunities for PWDs to obtain gainful employment near their homes. From an answer to a PQ I recently filed, I noted that the take up rate for IBP is rather underwhelming. I therefore filed a PQ suggesting that the IBP be extended to cover businesses in JTC owned properties in the nearby industrial estates in addition to HDB owned properties. I was happy to note that SPS Eric Chua of MSF was willing to consider my suggestion, I also, at the COS Debate for MSF, sought an update on the employment situation for persons with disabilities and how we are progressing with the target of ensuring at least 40% of PWDs are employed by 2030. SPS Chua subsequently replied stating that MSF is on target. My PQ and my cut speech are reproduced below.
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Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether the Inclusive Business Programme (IBP) to assist persons with disabilities to obtain gainful employment at HDB shop spaces may be extended to industrial properties operated by the Jurong Town Corporation (JTC), particularly those which are located close to HDB housing estates and used to be operated by HDB until 2018 when they were handed to JTC.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social and Family Development (Mr Eric Chua) (for the Minister for Social and Family Development): Mr Speaker, under the Inclusive Business Programme (IBP), Housing and Development Board (HDB) directly allocates shop spaces to businesses with at least 20% of their employees who are persons with disabilities.
The Ministry for Social and Family Development (MSF) will work with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and JTC to explore the member’s suggestion to extend IBP to industrial properties operated by JTC, as part of our efforts to raise the employment rate for persons with disabilities.
Mr Speaker: Mr Murali Pillai.
Mr Murali Pillai (Bukit Batok): Sir, I am glad that MSF is taking up my suggestion to extend IBP to JTC. One further suggestion is also to consider whether any rental rebates can be given in relation to SMEs who are willing to employ persons with disabilities.
Mr Eric Chua: Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for his suggestion. We will take that into account in our review.
Enabling Business Hubs
Mr Murali Pillai: Sir, I am cheered by the positive steps that have been taken by MSF in the recent past to help persons with disabilities (PwDs) to be meaningfully employed.
I am happy to note that MSF agreed to consider my suggestion made in this House to extend Inclusive Business Programme (IBP) launched by HDB and SG Enable in 2019 to involve JTC too. This will hopefully provide more employment opportunities to PwDs near where they live.
As part of our efforts to be an inclusive society, more should be done to help persons with disabilities who need customised work support and a structured environment to work in. This is where the Enabling Business Hubs (EBHs) comes in.
Like hon Members Ms Denise Phua and Ms Ng Ling Ling, I too seek an update from the Ministry in relation to plans in this regard. What is the assessment of our efforts to date to reach the Ministry’s target of 40% employment amongst PwDs by 2030?
