Singapore must continue to build inclusive society, says PM Lee

SINGAPORE must continue to build a more inclusive society by valuing everyone and through active citizenship.

This was a point made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong when he graced the official opening of the Enabling Village.

The Enabling Village located in Lengkok Bahru spans some 30,000 square metres and brings a range of facilities and services under one roof for persons with disabilities, including training and employment support, as well as information and referral services.

Mr Lee said Singapore is building a fair and just society which respects every individual, particularly those with disabilities.

As part of this, there is the Enabling Masterplan, a roadmap for the disability sector.

He said it reflects the government's desire to empower and recognise the disabled, and to give them full opportunity to become integral and contributing members of society.

Good progress has been made under this current Masterplan which will end in a year's time, Mr Lee said, adding that Minister for Social and Family Development, Tan Chuan-Jin, will initiate the preparation of the next Masterplan - the third - in 2016.

The first Enabling Masterplan was from 2007 to 2011. The current roadmap is from 2012 to 2016.

Mr Lee said it will continue to be a collective effort involving the different stakeholders and should build on the momentum so it can make an even greater impact for the sector.

The success of the Enabling Village depends on the wider support of the public and he urged Singaporeans to also take part in SGFuture engagements to foster a more caring and empathetic society.