Mr Patrick Tay, Chairman of the SIM People Development Fund (SIMPDF),
Mr Sunny Lee, Chief Executive of Yellow Ribbon Singapore,
Mr Rockey Francisco Junior, Acting Commissioner of Prisons, Singapore Prison Service,
Mr Aw Tuan Kee, Deputy Principal of Temasek Polytechnic,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A Very Good Morning to Each and Every One of You.
Introduction
1. Thank you for inviting me to this special occasion – that is the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between SIM People Development Fund (SIMPDF) and Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG). This marks the start of a 3-year partnership that opens new career pathways for YRSG’s supervisees.
2. Today’s partnership is a commitment to hope, a belief about human potential, and a signal that Singapore stands very firmly behind those who choose to rebuild their lives. So it is a very important signal, and to me, it is a plus to what we have been doing all these years. And it comes at a right time – end of the year, people are happy and looking forward to the new year, and this adds not only to the festive mood, but also the feeling that we are looking after one another, and we want to bring everyone on board in this journey of developing Singapore.
Honouring the Partnership
3. Since 2020, SIMPDF has been dedicated to granting Singaporeans greater access to learning pathways and employment opportunities. YRSG, likewise, has been tireless in creating opportunities for inmates and ex-offenders to reintegrate with dignity and confidence.
4. This MOU brings both missions together: To ensure that every Singaporean, regardless of their past, has a fair chance to upskill, secure meaningful employment, and build a better future.
5. For that, I want to thank both organisations for leading the way with compassion and courage.
Supporting Second Chances Through Reskilling, Upskilling and Training
6. One of the most impactful outcomes of today’s agreement is the funding of a $600 SIMPDF Progression Award for YRSG supervisees. As a precursor to today’s MOU, a pilot was conducted for the current batch of YRSG supervisees enrolled in the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) in Environment Services at Temasek Polytechnic.
7. Today, we are not only witnessing the MOU signing, but also celebrating the recipients of the Progression Award from the pioneer group batch. I want to congratulate all of you, please join me in giving them a big round of applause.
A Pathway to Enhanced Employment Prospects
8. Over the years, I have met many individuals on this journey of rehabilitation and reintegration. Their stories remind me that career training is more than skills development. It is a process of rebuilding identity, reclaiming dignity, and earning back trust from family, employers, and community.
9. This MOU will provide a pathway for the supervisees to enhance their employment prospects through upskilling, and the SIMPDF Progression Award will be given to supervisees who complete SCTP courses in environmental services, food services or retail, and secure eventual job placement.
A Whole-of-Community Approach
10. The journey of rehabilitation is a whole-of-community effort. It involves the government, industry, educators, donors, and community partners all moving in the same direction. Today’s partnership is a testament of that shared responsibility.
11. SIMPDF’s generosity and commitment, Yellow Ribbon’s strong ecosystem of support, and Temasek Polytechnic’s expertise in training – all these contribute to a holistic pathway for our supervisees.
12. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation to all the teams who have worked hard behind the scenes to make this possible. Your dedication embodies the Singapore spirit: that we lift one another up, and we leave no one behind. And in fact, this is something that we see, in my view, uniquely Singapore.
13. I’ve been to many parts of the world looking at all the different correctional systems, and while we continue to enhance our system and ecosystem of support, we are among the better ones who not only provide that meaningful rehabilitation and reintegration journey, but also working with the community, and the community comes together – like what you see today – to make lives better for each and everyone.
To Our Supervisees
14. And finally, to our supervisees here with us today. Choosing to pick up new skills and build a new life is not an easy journey. It requires humility, discipline, and determination. But no worries, you have the support of the community. We will continue to work hard and bring as many people as possible to support you. But you must play your part. Take this as an opportunity to uplift yourself, and to rise up again. And about us – don’t worry, we will do it for you, your families and Singapore. I want to assure you that we will do our best to continue to support you.
15. As you complete your Programme and step into the workforce, I hope you will continue to strive, grow, and pay it forward to others who will walk the same path after you.
Closing
16. And to all of us here, thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for being here. I know it’s the festive period, and some of you may be going for holidays, or some of you postponed your holidays, and also take some time off from your family just to come here today. We appreciate your commitment and the sacrifice that you have made.
17. So once again, my warmest congratulations to SIM People Development Fund and Yellow Ribbon Singapore on this significant partnership.
18. May this MOU be the first of many collaborations that bring hope, transform lives, and build a Singapore where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
19. As we are on this festive season, I would like to wish each and everyone of you Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
20. Thank you.
