Press Releases

Tripartite partnership realised in job training for people with disabilities

        "In promoting an inclusive society, it is essential to establish close co-operation and synergy between the Government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector," the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, said today (May 18).

        "Mobilising the efforts of all three sectors will substantially enhance the community's capacity to cope with changes and challenges," he said.

        After touring the Hong Chi Pinehill Advanced Training Centre (ATC) today (May 18), Dr Yeoh said the centre had set a good example of how business corporations could collaborate successfully with welfare NGOs to provide training and job opportunities for the less privileged.

        "The Government has all along been facilitating people with disabilities to develop their potential and participate fully in the community. Vocational training will maximise their capabilities and provide springboards to economic participation, self-reliance and social inclusion," he said.

        The Hong Chi Association, working together with the JW Marriott Hotel, runs a partnership project to provide housekeeping and bakery training to trainees with mild and moderate mental handicaps. Mock-up hotel rooms and bakery are set up at the Hong Chi Pinehill Advanced Training Centre to enable trainees to acquire the necessary skills and prepare for open employment.

        The hotel provided training for Hong Chi staff who became trainers at the ATC and gives ATC trainees on-the-job training in the hotel. At present, six trainees are employed as room attendants in the hotel.

        "It demonstrates that given the opportunities, people with disabilities are capable of employment in the open market.

        "On its part, the Government will spend $15.5 billion in the current financial year to provide the necessary services and support to people with disabilities under the rehabilitation programme. This represents an increase of 10% over the allocation five years ago," Dr Yeoh said.

        The Government has launched a package of initiatives to promote the self-reliance of people with disabilities, including on-the-job training to people with disabilities and the setting up of a $50-million seed money grant to assist NGOs to establish small enterprises for employment of people with disabilities.

        So far, more than 700 people with disabilities have benefited from these initiatives.

        In addition, an integrated service approach in delivery of vocational rehabilitation services for people with disabilities was launched earlier this year. Under this approach, NGOs are encouraged to set up Integrated Vocational Rehabilitation Services Centres providing a continuum of services to enhance employability of people with disabilities.

Ends/Tuesday, May 18, 2004

NNNN