The DBS Foundation, dedicated to fostering positive transformations in business and communities, collaborating with SG Enable, the primary agency for disability and inclusion in Singapore, aims to enhance financial and digital literacy for individuals with disabilities. This initiative is supported by a grant of SGD 1 million.
From left to right: Ku Geok Boon, CEO of SG Enable; Moses Lee, Chairman of SG Enable; First Lady Jane Ittogi of Singapore; President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore; Karen Ngui, Board Member of DBS Foundation; and Monica Datta, Head of the Community Impact Chapter at DBS Foundation, during the inauguration of the initiative. | The DBS Foundation
Both organisations held a joint press conference in Singapore yesterday, announcing a forthcoming "flagship initiative" set to commence in 2024. Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and First Lady Jane Ittogi graced the launch event at the Enabling Village.
This comprehensive initiative aims to empower individuals with disabilities, fostering increased independence and expanded opportunities. As outlined in their joint statement, the initiative has ambitious plans to impact approximately 6,500 persons with disabilities and their caregivers within the next three years.
Following the launch event, a pilot financial literacy workshop was conducted, attended by four individuals with diverse disabilities—cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, and autism—alongside their caregivers. President Tharman and First Lady Jane engaged with the participants, gaining insights into the guidance and support they required.
Engaging with individuals with disabilities, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam participates in a trial financial literacy workshop organized by DBS Foundation and SG Enable. Participants delve into topics such as savings and distinguishing between needs and wants. Muhammed Sayfullah, despite having quadriplegic cerebral palsy and a speech impediment, has bolstered his communication skills using technologies like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, showcasing increased confidence in interactions. | The DBS Foundation
From 2014 onward, the DBS Foundation has been at the forefront of supporting social enterprises in Asia—profitable ventures with a focus on creating a positive impact. The Business for Impact segment is currently driving the development of innovative businesses, including SMEs, dedicated to tackling crucial challenges affecting both the planet and its inhabitants. In 2022, the Foundation expanded its efforts with the establishment of the Community Impact chapter, aiming to provide the underserved with essential digital and financial literacy skills, fostering resilient communities.
Emily Chua, diagnosed with Down Syndrome, is a talented artist affiliated with JOURNEY under TOUCH Community Services. JOURNEY operates within SG Enable's i'mable Collective, dedicated to cultivating a sustainable market for high-quality merchandise and services created by individuals with disabilities. | The DBS Foundation
The DBS Foundation website, shedding light on its aims, said: “As digital technologies continue to evolve and proliferate, it is now more critical than ever to foster a more equitable and inclusive society, in which no one is left behind.”
The DBS Foundation, in 2022, entered into “a strategic collaboration with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to support the national Digital for life movement and to step up DBS’ volunteer participation to enhance access to digital literacy training, bolstering digital inclusion efforts in Singapore”.
Accompanied by Noah Tan, a learner with moderate autism, along with his mother, volunteers, and representatives from DBS Foundation and SG Enable, First Lady Jane Ittogi engages in a moment of artistic sharing. Noah, an artist, showcases his creations, including the prints on the bag, during this encounter. | The DBS Foundation.
The DBS Foundation, within the IMDA collaboration, has set a target of “mobilising at least 2,500 of the bank’s employees, with the support of community partners such as the SG Digital Office, to run 800 digital workshops that will help participants make sense of everything from digital banking and payments, to how to spot and avoid scams”.
Expanding on the details of its partnership with the IMDA, the Foundation's website noted, “Some of these sessions will be held in select DBS/POSB branches to make it convenient for those who are more familiar with over-the-counter services to pick up digital skills.”
(The article is published under a mutual content partnership arrangement between The Free Press Journal and Connected To India)
.png)
