Debate on President’s Address: Rachel Ong on role of non-SMEs in inclusive employment
If Singapore is to become a more inclusive meritocracy, non-SMEs must actively employ persons with disabilities (PWDs), said MP Rachel Ong in Parliament on Thursday (Apr 20). She pointed out that non-SMEs, or enterprises with turnover exceeding S$100 million, contribute to 29 per cent of enterprise employment or 1.3 million jobs. That means if just one per cent of their workforce is committed to PWDs, it will create 13,000 jobs which equates to employment for 60 per cent of the 21,000 PWDs of working age who are not in the workforce. Ms Ong said the impetus for non-SMEs cannot be based on social responsibility alone, but also on the tangible workplace advantages PWDs can bring. She explained how hiring PWDs can lead to higher workplace productivity and foster innovation and problem-solving skills. She also noted that both businesses and PWDs will have to be open to taking risks and making adjustments. These include being willing to redesign jobs and leverage technology, improving skills identification and training, and ensuring management methods are inclusive. She also urged the Government to take the lead in contracting inclusive suppliers.
If Singapore is to become a more inclusive meritocracy, non-SMEs must actively employ persons with disabilities (PWDs), said MP Rachel Ong in Parliament on Thursday (Apr 20). She pointed out that non-SMEs, or enterprises with turnover exceeding S$100 million, contribute to 29 per cent of enterprise employment or 1.3 million jobs. That means if just one per cent of their workforce is committed to PWDs, it will create 13,000 jobs which equates to employment for 60 per cent of the 21,000 PWDs of working age who are not in the workforce. Ms Ong said the impetus for non-SMEs cannot be based on social responsibility alone, but also on the tangible workplace advantages PWDs can bring. She explained how hiring PWDs can lead to higher workplace productivity and foster innovation and problem-solving skills. She also noted that both businesses and PWDs will have to be open to taking risks and making adjustments. These include being willing to redesign jobs and leverage technology, improving skills identification and training, and ensuring management methods are inclusive. She also urged the Government to take the lead in contracting inclusive suppliers.
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