Our Milestones

Enabling Village wins the 2022 Urban Land Institute Global and Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence (2022)

Lauded for creating a dedicated and supportive environment for persons with disabilities to receive job training and education, Enabling Village (EV) received accolodes from Urban Land Institute (ULI) in 2022.

There were 152 international submissions. EV was one of 13 winners of the Asia Pacific Award for Excellence and went on to be one of six winners of the ULI Global Awards for Excellence.

In a ceremony graced by Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development, EV's achievements were recognised along with the efforts of partners who made the development of EV possible.

i'mable Collective Goes International: Milan Design Week and Istana State Gifts (2022)

Under i'mable Collective, products born out of the collaboration between master craftsmen with disabilities from SPD and our enterprise partners Supermama and Binary Style were commissioned by Istana and presented to visiting dignitaries. Extolled by President Halimah Yacob, these gifts included hand-bound journals, leather valet trays, porcelain plaques, and scarves.

Five social service agency makers collaborated with Supermama to produce “Breathing Batik” – a collection of lacquerware incorporating distinctive batik-inspired prints. These were showcased at the prestigious Milan Design Week, while a preview was held at Supermama’s store beforehand. Mr Xie Yao Quan, i’mable Collective’s advisor and Member of Parliament, attended the preview.

MOU Signing with Temasek Polytechnic and Expansion of Partnerships with IHLs (2022)

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Temasek Polytechnic (TP). This was witnessed by Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development.

This MOU sets the stage for our expanded partnerships with IHLs, and marked the establishment of the first IHL Enabling Volunteer Chapter in SENvocates, TP's disability advocacy interest group.

To better prepare the next generation of leaders in disability inclusion, we will continue setting up Enabling Volunteer Chapters in IHLs, and building their capabilities through resource sharing, training and introducing inclusive employment initiatives.

Launch of Enabling Academy (2022)

Enabling Academy was officially launched by Mr Eric Chua, then Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development. It rallies partners from the education, business and disability sectors to provide diverse lifelong learning opportunities for persons with disabilities that support them in their personal growth and professional development.

Enabling Academy also seeks to upskill the network of support around persons with disabilities and facilitate the practice of accessibility and inclusion among training providers.

It is supported by Tote Board, SkillsFuture Singapore, Workforce Singapore and the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

First Local Study on the Business Case for Disability-Inclusive Employment (2022)

The first of its kind to be conducted in Singapore, this study involved organisations from a range of sectors, varying sizes and with differing degrees of disability inclusiveness.

The findings of this study were published at our Inclusive Business Forum (2022). The study found that organisations with more disability-inclusive employment practices had more purpose-driven employees, an innovative and learning culture, simpler and digitally-enabled processes, and more customer-centric thinking.

Launch of New Corporate Website (2022)

Following SG Enable's consolidation of disability service-related functions from the Ministry of Social and Family Development and National Council of Social Service in October 2020, we revamped our corporate website to better serve as the first-stop touchpoint of the disability sector.

Programmes, schemes and grants that enable greater learning about disability inclusion, inclusive hiring and social innovations are highlighted, increasing their accessibility to corporations, social enterprises, community groups, social service agencies and the public.

We also consolidated and moved information about SG Enable-administered schemes and grants for persons with disabilities to Enabling Guide, allowing for easier user-navigation.

Creating a More Caring and Disability-Inclusive Commuting Culture (2021)

As part of the Caring SG Commuters Steering Committee and our public education efforts, we partnered public transport agencies like Land Transport Authority and Public Transport Council, and operators like Tower Transit Singapore and Go-Ahead Singapore.

We developed curricula and courses to equip individuals with skills to assist commuters with disabilities. These courses were conducted with volunteers such as students and members of the public as well as front-line staff like bus captains.

We also took part in Public Transport Council's Heart Zone project, where we worked with Tower Transit to put up wall murals by artists with disabilities at bus interchanges. These were accompanied by nuggets of information that raise disability awareness.

First Enabling Mark Awards Ceremony (2021)

At the awards ceremony, which was held at the Istana and graced by President Halimah Yacob, a total of 88 organisations were accredited with the Enabling Mark, a first-of-its-kind national-level accreditation for disability-inclusive employers.

The highest accolade – the Enabling Mark (Platinum) – was awarded to six organisations, while 13 received Gold and 69 received Silver. Enabling Innovation, Enabling Champion, Enabling Buddy, and Exemplary Employee awards were also given out to recognise the efforts of organisations and staff in creating disability-inclusive workplaces.

The Enabling Mark Awards was previously known as the Enabling Employers Awards.

Formation of the SG Together Alliance for Action (AfA) for Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities (2021)

Caregivers are the first line of support for persons with disabilities. Together with the National Council of Social Service, we set up the SG Together AfA for Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities.

The AfA currently supports the implementation of Project 3i and Community Circles.

Project 3i is a caregiver-led initiative by CaringSG to provide social and emotional support for caregivers. It connects caregivers to community networks and supports them through peer mentorship and professional support.

Community Circles involves a small group of friends, neighbours, or volunteers, forming a ‘circle’ of practical and emotional support around caregivers.

SG Enable Becomes the First Stop for Disability & Inclusion (2020)

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) transferred the administration of disability service-related programmes by MSF and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) to SG Enable.

These functions included service development and management of disability programmes, fund administration, administration of the Assisted Deputyship Application Programme and the Developmental Disability Registry, as well as taking over the leadership of the Disability Professionals Network.

We also took over NCSS' role of leading public education efforts related to disability, which we do through i'mable.

With SG Enable as the Focal Agency and First Stop for disability and inclusion, this enables us to rally more partners to work with us in enabling better outcomes for persons with disabilities.

Artworks by Persons with Disabilities Featured on NDP Packs (2020)

Under our i'mable public education initiative, we worked with social service agencies, Superhero Me and Dr Esther Joosa, a disability art expert, to develop and curate the art collection. The artworks were eventually featured on the NDP Singapore Together Packs - which were given to every household - and “Our Heart for Singapore” pledge cards.

The 20 artworks represent the unique perspectives of the artists with disabilities, their love for Singapore and their hopes for the future. Through this, we hope that Singaporeans will continue to take positive action for persons with disabilities – to embrace them as co-workers, neighbours and friends.

Supporting Persons with Disabilities During the Covid Pandemic (2020)

To meet the urgent needs of persons with disabilities and caregivers who lost their jobs or access to care services during the Covid-19 pandemic, we set up a cross-divisional SG Enable Support Team, and delivered the C.A.R.E initiative.

With the support of Mediacorp Enable Fund, we delivered cooked meals, provided a one-time cash relief for more than 700 families with multiple persons with disabilities, provided respite care for low-income elderly caregivers, and distributed essential items on a fortnightly basis for persons with physical disabilities or those with visual impairment living alone.

Through this outreach, more than $450,000 was disbursed to support over 1,000 persons with disabilities and families.

Inaugural Enabling Lives Festival (2020)

Themed “Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate,” the festival sought to strengthen connections in the disability community, spark collaborations, and celebrate disability inclusion efforts and the achievements of persons with disabilities.

More than 1,300 people registered for the festival, which was supported by more than 50 partners.

Launch of $25 million Enabling Lives Initiative (2020)

As part of the Enabling Lives Festival, we launched the $25 million Enabling Lives Initiative (ELI) with Tote Board.

Building on the success of the Tote Board Enabling Lives Initiative grant, which ran from 2015 to 2020, a new tranche of $20 million was committed to the creation of scalable, impactful innovations for persons with disabilities.

$5 million was also committed under ELI to support i'mable, our national-level public education initiative. It celebrates the abilities of persons with disabilities and encourages everyone to recognise abilities, take positive action for disability inclusion and commit to building a more inclusive society and enabling lives. i'mable is also co-funded by the National Council of Social Service's Care & Share Movement.

Launch of Enabling Mark (2020)

The launch of the Enabling Mark is part of our support of a full employment ecosystem, stemming from our belief that employment empowers persons with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

The Enabling Mark has three tiers of accreditation - Silver, Gold and Platinum.

The virtual launch of the event was graced by President Halimah Yacob and Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development. It was also attended by representatives from the business community.

The inaugural Enabling Mark Awards ceremony was held in August 2021.

Inclusive Business Forum Goes Global (2020)

A record high of over 700 people attended this virtual edition of our Inclusive Business Forum. About one in five were overseas participants, from countries such as Australia, Britain, Indonesia, Malaysia and the United States.

Themed “Workplace Disability Inclusion – A New Norm”, IBF 2020 covered topics that included disability inclusion at the workplace, new norms, challenges and opportunities in the future of work, as well as digital accessibility solutions.

Speakers at the event included representatives from Microsoft, National University of Singapore, Korn Ferry and GovTech Singapore.

Making Government Services More Accessible (2020)

As part of our efforts to enable greater independent living for persons with disabilities in the community, we partnered Civil Service College (CSC) to build the capabilities of government agencies in providing more accessible digital services.

We also conducted e-accessibility workshops for National Library Board, National Heritage Board, Smart Nation Digital Government Office and GovTech. The workshops were also added to CSC's Virtual Learning Series.

i'mable Collective's Launch of Bespoke Utama Collection (2020)

The Utama Collection, which features the Indah Cotton-Silk Scarf and Jiwa Enamel Brooch, was designed for President Halimah Yacob, an avid supporter of persons with disabilities.

Presented by i'mable Collective, the accessories were adapted from the artworks of Katy Lee and Adeline Vejaletchmy, from the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, and crafted by our corporate partners Binary Style and Royal Insignia. A Singapore Fashion Runway embroidery artist with disability added a final accentuating touch to the scarf.

This collection was the first in a series of quality and customised merchandise launched by the Collective and its enterprise partners, to meet the growing demand for quality gifts with a social cause.

Inaugural i'mable Gift Market and Launch of i'mable Collective (2019)

The inaugural i'mable Gift Market at Enabling Village saw more than 30 social service agencies and social enterprises offering festive gifts by artists with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. The event was so successful that it was invited to be at Istana Open House 2020.

The i'mable Collective was also launched by President Halimah Yacob. It fosters multi-sectoral collaborations among artists, craft makers, creatives and enterprises - partners in the people, public and private sectors - to develop a viable market for quality merchandise and services made by persons with disabilities. Through programmes for capability building, retail collaboration and partnership outreach, the Collective creates enterprise opportunities to energise inclusive communities to bring about social impact.

Launch of Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards (2019)

The Awards were officially launched by Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong, Patron of Mediacorp Enable Fund. They comprised two categories: GCT Enable Award (UBS Achievement) and GCT Enable Award (UBS Promise). The Awards were supported by Tote Board as the Founding Sponsor and UBS Singapore as the Principal Sponsor.

The inaugural award ceremony was held at the Istana later that year, where 13 individuals with disabilities were recognised for their exceptional achievements and bright potential in their respective fields. The ceremony was graced by President Halimah Yacob and attended by ESM Goh.

Launch of Enabling Guide (2019)

A resource for persons with disabilities, caregivers and disability professionals, Enabling Guide pulls together curated information on disability schemes and services in Singapore for quick and easy search.

In developing Enabling Guide, we adopted a collaborative and inclusive approach. Through design sprints and focus group discussions, insights and feedback from caregivers, persons with disabilities and social service agencies were used in designing the features and functionalities of Enabling Guide.

Refresh of Tech Able @ Enabling Village (2019)

Tech Able, jointly managed with SPD, first opened in 2015. To enhance visitor experience, we refreshed the space in 2019. Its new layout has four zones, representing different life domains (e.g. home, work). New devices were also added, including height-adjustable furniture and electronic magnifiers.

A web application was developed to provide users with more information on assistive technology devices. Its tour function allows users to explore Tech Able at their own pace with a virtual guide.

The installation of tactile maps and the addition of audio guides improves the accessibility of the space and eases navigation for persons with disabilities.

First Caregiver-led Care Carnival (2019)

The carnival was attended by over 250 caregivers and children with special needs. It was graced by Mr Sam Tan, then Minister of State for Social and Family Development; Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District; and Ms Rahayu Mahzam, a Member of Parliament.

During the carnival, caregivers learned about early intervention strategies to help children learn at home. They also participated in focus group discussions and connected with caregiver support groups, as well as inclusive interest-based activity providers.

The event was organised by caregivers, and supported by SG Enable, Mediacorp Enable Fund, Lien Foundation and more than 30 community partners and caregiver support groups.

Launch of Caregivers Pod and Coalition of Partners for Caregiver Support (2018)

Mr Desmond Lee, then Minister for Social and Family Development, officiated the opening of the Caregivers Pod. Developed in partnership with private and public sector, the Caregivers Pod is a multi-purpose space for peer support group activities, caregiver training, and engagement with community partners.

We also formed the Coalition of Partners for Caregiver Support with 25 community partners, social service agencies and hospitals. Through this platform, members can share and learn from each other, identify challenges, discuss and brainstorm for solutions and explore collaborative efforts.

The Coalition went on to develop a Caregiver Action Map in 2021, which comprises more than 60 ideas that guide and inspire organisations to implement solutions to better support caregivers of persons with disabilities.

Launch of Mediacorp Enable Fund (2018)

Building on the success of the TODAY Enable Fund launched in 2016, the Mediacorp Enable Fund (MEF) aims to help build a society where persons with disabilities are recognised for their abilities and lead full, socially integrated lives. With the change in name, efforts to raise awareness on disability issues were taken to an organisation-wide level in Mediacorp, increasing the fund's ability to support more persons with disabilities.

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong is the Patron of MEF. At the charity launch of his biography, "Tall Order: The Goh Chok Tong Story," more than $2 million was raised, part of which was donated to MEF.

Korea's First Lady Visits Enabling Village (2018)

We hosted Mdm Kim Jung-Sook and Mdm Ho Ching at Enabling Village. During her visit, Mdm Kim explored our inclusive community space with its strong focus on training and employment for persons with disabilities. She also learned how assistive technology enables greater independent living and praised Singapore's disability policies.

Hosting of International Journalists (2017)

Since 2017, we have partnered Singapore International Foundation (SIF) to host more than 10 groups of journalists from countries such as Cambodia, India, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam at Enabling Village.

They learnt about Singapore's efforts in building an inclusive society and enabling lives of persons with disabilities.

President Tony Tan Visits Enabling Village (2017)

President Tony Tan toured the inclusive preschool Kindle Garden, Tech Able, ActiveSG's inclusive gym, the Stroke Support Station and the Art Faculty, speaking to persons with disabilities, caregivers and staff present.

Mr Phua Hong Wei, a senior architect from WOHA, who helped design Enabling Village, also introduced President Tan to the village's universal design features.

President Tan also interacted with students and mentors from the RISE Mentorship Programme, as well as persons with disablities playing wheelchair soccer.

Launch of New SG Enable Logo (2016)

The logo incorporates a wordmark inspired by the ‘change’ symbol (Δ), representing our efforts to enable persons with disabilities and create a positive change for a more inclusive Singapore.​​​​​​

The hand-drawn lettering for ‘SG Enable’ is designed to reflect our goal of shaping a​ more inclusive Singapore where persons with disabilities are empowered.

Enabling Village Wins Design of the Year (President*s Design Award 2016)

Enabling Village received the 2016 Design of the Year Award for its demonstration of heartland rejuvenation (repurposing the former Bukit Merah Vocational Institute from the 1970s) and community building efforts.

Enabling Village was nominated by Ms Denise Phua, president of Autism Resource Centre, and was awarded by a panel of 17 jurors from design, art and architecture fields.

The President*s Design Award is Singapore’s most prestigious design accolade, recognising excellence in advertising design and visual communications, architecture and urban design, fashion design, furniture design, interior design, landscape design, product and industrial design.

Launch of TODAY Enable Fund (2016)

Set up by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who is also the fund's patron, the TODAY Enable Fund was administered by SG Enable, with TODAY as the official media partner.

The fund focused on efforts to enhance the education, skills and employment prospects of persons with disabilities, enabling them to lead more independent lives, and also supported community integration inititatives.

In 2018, the fund was rebranded to the Mediacorp Enable Fund.

Inaugural Inclusive Business Forum (2016)

The theme of the forum, “Focus on Abilities – Training, Hiring and Integrating Persons with Disabilities”, was a call to all employers to start inclusive hiring and improve the skills and employment prospects of persons with disabilities.

The panellists were from a diverse mix of sectors and industries, including finance, telecommunications and healthcare. They shared about ways to create a conducive working environment that leverages the strengths and skills of persons with disabilities.

We now hold the Inclusive Business Forum on a biennial basis.

Opening of Enabling Village (2015)

Launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Enabling Village (EV) is universally designed with barrier-free access and promotes the wider integration of persons with disabilities within society.

SG Enable's Job Placement & Job Support Partners - Autism Resource Centre, MINDS and SPD - are also co-located and sited within EV's Information and Career Centre to provide a one-stop integrated employment facilitation service for both jobseekers and employers of persons with disabilities.

With EV housing Singapore's first inclusive preschool, gym, supermarket, and medical and dental clinic, these successful prototypes have catalysed greater disability inclusion efforts in the wider society, and changed our inclusion landscape. New training and employment models were also piloted in EV, demonstrating the possibilities and benefits of sustainable employment for persons with disabilities.

Opening of Tech Able (2015)

The product of a multi-agency partnership between the private, public and people sectors, Tech Able aims to promote the adoption of assistive technologies, to enable persons with disabilities to live, travel, learn and work independently.

It comprised the Singtel Enabling Innovation Centre, which leverages technology for training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The ST Engineering Enabling Technology Centre was also housed within the facility, functioning as a resource centre on assistive and info-comm technology.

Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, then Minister for Social and Family Development, launched Tech Able in 2015.

In recognition of how Tech Able enables persons with disabilities through introducing assistive technologies to them, it won the Zero Project Award in 2019. Supported by the United Nations and the Essl Foundation, the Zero Project finds and shares impactful, innovative and scalable solutions that remove barriers for persons with disabilities all around the world.

Launch of $30 Million Tote Board - Enabling Lives Initiative (2014)

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, launched the initiative that focuses on enabling cross-sector collaborations to create meaningful social impact for persons with disabilities and their caregivers in the areas of Caregiver Support, Transition Management and Technology.

As the grant manager, SG Enable proactively engages key stakeholders to identify emerging needs and fostered partnerships to develop solutions to meet these needs.

The first grant call started in January 2015, and the tranche was renewed in 2020. Now known as the Enabling Lives Initiative Grant, grant calls will continue to run till 2024.

Recognising Inclusive Employers (2014)

Mr Chan Chun Sing, then Minister for Social and Family Development, graced our Enabling Employers Awards (EEA) gala dinner.

Awards such as "Leading Employer", "Enabling Champion" and "Exemplary Employee" were given to inclusive employers and organisation leaders, as well as employees with disabilities who have made a mark with their performance in the workplace.

At the dinner, Mr Chan also announced the launch of the Open Door Programme, a $30 million scheme which helps persons with disabilities get trained and find employment while defraying employers' costs in training and supporting them.

From 2014 onwards, we held the EEA biennially, before transiting to the Enabling Mark Awards Ceremony in 2021.

Establishment of SG Enable (2013)

Centre for Enabled Living (CEL), which provided information on services and administered government schemes for the elderly and persons with disabilities was reconstituted to focus on disability and renamed SG Enable. Meanwhile, CEL's services for the elderly were transferred to the Agency of Integrated Care.

SG Enable's key functions then included: enhancing employability and employment options for persons with disabilities, administering grants and support, improving transition management across life stages, and enhancing information and referral services.