From bars to business: Why inclusive education is key to a stronger economy

AS SINGAPORE continues to strengthen its position as a resilient, forward-looking economy, we must also ask: What does true inclusivity look like in our society and workforce? While we often associate the term “inclusive education” with efforts to support people with disabilities or learning challenges, there is another group too often left behind – ex-offenders.

At the heart of this discussion is a unique initiative led by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), in partnership with the Singapore Prison School and the Singapore Prison Service: the Prison School Project. Launched amid the pandemic in 2020, this project offers incarcerated individuals the opportunity to pursue undergraduate business degree pathways while serving their sentences.

This isn’t just about education; it’s about unlocking human potential, reshaping social mindsets and reinforcing a key message – every individual, given the right tools and support, can contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.