Minister for Social and Family Development Mr Masagos Zulkifli met social service workers and volunteers at the SG Cares Community Network Session and ComLink Alliance Meeting on 20 October 2022, to hear their views on how the Government and the community can work together to strengthen Singapore’s social compact. This engagement session was part of the Forward Singapore exercise, and Minister Masagos was joined by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development and Culture, Community and Youth Mr Eric Chua. 

Strengthening families

In his speech at the event, Minister Masagos called for a whole-of-society effort  to strengthen families. He explained that families were the first line of support and they were a key source of strength for individuals. At the society-level, families shape how we relate to others and helps us understand our roles and responsibilities in a larger community. Strengthening families would in turn help to build a stronger social compact.

Uplifting the lower-income families and disadvantaged individuals 

Minister Masagos also emphasised the importance of weaving a strong tapestry of support for lower-income families and disadvantaged individuals. He said that if the concerns of lower-income families were not addressed, these challenges might become disadvantages later in life, and could impact the next generation. 

Minister Masagos encouraged the community and corporate partners to harness their networks, expertise and resources, and work together in this endeavour by designing programmes and services to empower disadvantaged individuals and lower-income families. This would help to ensure that the vulnerable groups have access to opportunities regardless of their starting point.

Minister Masagos speaking to social service workers and volunteers at the SG Cares Community Network Session and ComLink Alliance Meeting (Ang Mo Kio/Yishun) on 20 October 2022. (Credit: MCI / Ding Wei)

Building an inclusive society for persons with disabilities

Minister Masagos also spoke about the various opportunities for corporates, community partners and the Government to come together to support those with disabilities, and recognise their abilities. He cited the Enabling Masterplan 2030 that was launched in August this year,  and called it the roadmap for Singapore to work towards becoming a more inclusive society. To achieve this, he urged employers to offer meaningful employment and training opportunities for persons with disabilities. He added that the Government would also step in to offer support to employers in terms of job redesign, adjusting work environments, and training existing staff to work with persons with disabilities.

A participant sharing her views on how the Government and community partners can work together to better support the less privileged individuals within the community during the breakout group discussion at the event. (Credit: MCI / Ding Wei)

Strengthening our social compact 

Minister Masagos added that while our social compact had served Singapore well thus far, now is the time to review, renew and strengthen it for future generations of Singaporeans.  

Minister Masagos and SPS Eric Chua with social service workers and volunteers at the SG Cares Community Network Session and ComLink Alliance Meeting (Ang Mo Kio/Yishun) on 20 October 2022. (Credit: MCI / Ding Wei)

For Minister Masagos’s full speech, go here.

To share with us your ideas and feedback for Forward Singapore, go here.