New initiatives improve vocational preparation, career transitions and access to continuing education.
Singapore announced new measures to support persons with disabilities in education, employment and lifelong learning at the Inclusive Lifelong Learning Forum & Festival 2026 at Enabling Village on 12 October. Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of National Development (MND), outlined initiatives to improve vocational preparation, post-school transitions and access to continuing education and training (CET).
Speaking at the forum, Dr Harun stressed the importance of creating practical opportunities for individuals to develop their abilities and participate in society. “Inclusion certainly does not happen by accident,” he said, highlighting the need for sustained support from families, educators, employers and service providers.
MOE will introduce structured applied learning and workplace exposure at Special Education (SPED) schools serving students with Autism Spectrum Disorder that offer the national curriculum. School-based job coaches will guide participants through job tasters and practical assignments according to their readiness. St Andrew’s Mission School is developing a World of Work curriculum, while Pathlight School is preparing its My Future Me programme to familiarise students with different occupations.
The ministry will also implement person-centred transition planning for all SPED students. Individual Transition Plans will document their post-school goals, whether further study, employment or community participation. A formal programme will help graduates entering the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and polytechnics familiarise themselves with campus facilities and support services. Dedicated care planners will assist individuals and families with longer-term arrangements for finances, housing, healthcare and social engagement.
To widen career opportunities, SG Enable’s Sector Train-and-Place programme will progressively extend to information and communications technology, healthcare, human resources and administration. Following a hospitality pilot in 2025, the initiative expanded into food and beverage and logistics in 2026. Dr Harun reported that three in four participants assessed as work-ready after completing hospitality training secured jobs.
Financial and institutional support will also expand. Singapore will extend the 95% Course Fee Grant to persons with disabilities taking selected mainstream courses. The Capability Development Grant will help training providers prepare their educators, facilities and curricula for learners with different requirements. SG Enable’s Advisory Committee on CET for Persons with Disabilities will guide improvements in training quality, relevance and accessibility.
Dr Harun described the overarching objective as building “a lifelong support system for persons with disabilities, from their school years, through further education, and into employment”. He concluded by outlining a vision of a “‘We-First’ Singapore where everyone, regardless of background or ability can have the opportunities to thrive.”
Source: Singapore Ministry of Education
