Budget 2023 debate: Wan Rizal on Jobs-Skills Integrators as game changer

The Jobs-Skills Integrators is an excellent initiative, said MP Wan Rizal. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday (Feb 22), he called it a game changer which, if successful, could be the building block to help address the issue of the income gap between non-graduates and graduates. He hopes the pilot programme can succeed and be extended to other industries. Going upstream, he hopes that such an integrated approach can be embedded in the Institutes of Higher Learning, where students can take up modules of interest, stacked on top of their specialised courses. He said this will increase their employment opportunities and allow them to remain agile in a dynamic job space. He described Budget 2023 as thoughtful, inclusive, well-balanced and well-conceived in addressing Singapore's immediate needs while investing in the future. He said the focus on enhancing social safety nets, promoting economic growth and investing in the future will benefit Singaporeans from all walks of life. Support for vulnerable groups, young families and the elderly is a testament of the Government's commitment in creating a more equitable and caring society, he added. He said these measures will go a long way in reducing income inequality, improving access to healthcare and providing a more supportive environment for families.