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Knock down online language barriers to boost social inclusion

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Yong Jun Yuan

Yong Jun Yuan

Published Tue, Jan 3, 2023 · 05:50 AM
    • Until companies and organisations offer more linguistic options, a segment of Singapore’s population must continue to accept a world that has moved beyond their linguistic reach.
    • Until companies and organisations offer more linguistic options, a segment of Singapore’s population must continue to accept a world that has moved beyond their linguistic reach. PHOTO: BT FILE

    WHENEVER I come to the office, I like to check in with the lady who tidies our office.

    Aside from office gossip (you will not believe who contracted Covid-19 this time), a common gripe crops up frequently in our conversations: language barriers for financial and other basic services.

    While she does not have any issues using her iPhone in Chinese, many of the companies and organisations she engages with have apps or websites only in English. From DBS’ Digibank app to NTUC’s website and the Health Promotion Board’s Healthy 365 app, local apps and websites are a pain to navigate.

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