SG ENABLE, the focal agency for disability and inclusion in Singapore, celebrated its 10th anniversary on Friday (May 5) and committed itself to continuing to foster an inclusive society.

The event was held at Marina Bay Sands with more than 600 attendees, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), corporates and partners.

The motto of the agency, which was established in 2013 by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, is to create an inclusive society for PWDs.

Looking ahead, SG Enable chairman Moses Lee said: “We will build upon the achievements of the past decade and continue making strides towards creating equitable opportunities for persons with disabilities to fulfil their potential and aspirations.”

To date, the agency has committed more than S$36 million to PWDs and their caregivers. The government has also set a target of increasing the disability employment rate from 30 per cent to 40 per cent by 2030, under the Enabling Masterplan. (*see amendment note)

Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies Heng Swee Keat, who was the guest of honour at the event, said: “SG Enable plays a leading role working with companies and social service agencies to implement the policies and programmes to support persons with disabilities and their families.”

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With its job placement and support partners – including the Autism Resource Centre, Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore, and SPD – the agency has also developed an employment support system for PWDs.

“We see the importance of working together with like-minded partners across the public, philanthropy, people and private sectors,” said Ku Geok Boon, chief executive officer of SG Enable.

“As ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals gain importance, businesses and philanthropic organisations have become more innovative in their efforts to achieve social impact, creating opportunities for new partners and supporters to offer new modalities of partnerships.

“By pulling together diverse stakeholders and leveraging their different strengths, we can identify key focus areas, draw fresh insights, and pilot new solutions.”

Friday’s event also celebrated the winners of the Enabling Mark, a national-level accreditation that recognises organisations for their practices in cultivating disability-inclusive workplaces.

Uniqlo Singapore was one of the gold recipients. Hwee Lee, its senior director of sustainability, said: “As a global retailer, we are in a unique position to use our business to change lives for the better. Our employees with disabilities and special needs are observed to be meticulous in their work, and they demonstrate passion in being productive, which motivates the teams they work with.”

James Tan, CEO of Touch Community Services, agreed and added that there is a misconception that inclusive hiring is done once a PWD joins the organisation.

“The truth is, it is a continual journey of learning, adapting and accommodating to help a person with disability feel accepted,” he said.

DPM Heng highlighted three outcomes of building on “today’s foundation”, as “we refresh our social compact to build a more caring and inclusive Singapore”.

These are empowering PWDs and their families to lead fulfilling lives; growing new partnerships and bringing more on board this inclusive cause; and fostering a more inclusive mindset and society.

*Amendment note: An earlier version of this article did not make it clear which agency set the target. The article has been amended to clearly state who set the target.