Articles
Forward Singapore: Weaving a stronger tapestry of support for families and individuals
27 October 2022
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.
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.
When families are strong and stable, they lay the foundation for a strong society, and provide an enabling environment for our children to thrive, moulding the next generation.— Minister Masagos’s opening address at the SG Cares Community Network Session and ComLink Alliance Meeting (Ang Mo Kio/Yishun) on 20 October 2022.
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)
If today’s social compact is one of working together, I believe that our social compact of tomorrow must be one where we work in sync. Not as separate helping hands, but as a strong tapestry of support. Meeting the needs of those we help.— Minister Masagos’s opening address at the SG Cares Community Network Session and ComLink Alliance Meeting (Ang Mo Kio/Yishun) on 20 October 2022.
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.
Everyone has a part to play in shaping a fair and inclusive society – one where persons with disabilities are enabled to pursue their aspirations, achieve their fullest potential, and participate as integral and contributing members of society.— Minister Masagos’s opening address at the SG Cares Community Network Session and ComLink Alliance Meeting (Ang Mo Kio/Yishun) on 20 October 2022.
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.
Ultimately, it is about the society we want to be. A society that seeks the good of the other where we think for others and not only for ourselves. A generous one where we keep social mobility alive for all where every Singaporean is assured that no one will be left behind.— Minister Masagos’s opening address at the SG Cares Community Network Session and ComLink Alliance Meeting (Ang Mo Kio/Yishun) on 20 October 2022.
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.