Recognising companies and individuals who have made a difference

Mr Chng Hwee Hong, Chairman, Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE)
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen

1. I am happy to join you today to recognise the contributions of SCORE, employers and partners in rehabilitating and reintegrating ex-offenders in our community.
   

2. As all of you know, SCORE champions the reintegration of ex-offenders, into the workplace, into the community, and with their families. But this is not the work of SCORE alone. While SCORE can train inmates to help them adjust and return to the workplace and community, they would first need to be given that opportunity to do so. So employers and the community must be willing to accept them, so that ex-offenders can have that second chance. So community support is essential in helping these individuals regain a sense of purpose in life, and to reconnect with society.
   

3. For many years, SCORE has been actively engaging the community and it is heartening to know that many of you have come forward to partner SCORE in this very meaningful mission. There are more than 4,000 employers now currently registered with SCORE. The partnership between SCORE and all of you has enabled many ex-offenders to have a fresh start in life and not to repeat doing wrong.
   

4. The work that all of you are involved in is extremely important as that is what it takes to help build a fair and inclusive society in Singapore. Sometimes we may make the wrong choices in life, but we want a society in Singapore where there is always a second chance – in fact more than a second chance, multiple chances to get things back on track. That's what all of you help to do, and I thank you all for your strong support. So we should give a round of applause to acknowledge the contributions for all you have done. Thank you very much.
   

Building inclusive workplaces

5. One of SCORE's key areas of focus is to expand employment opportunities. Employment is vital in the reintegration journey of ex-offenders as it enables them to spend their time purposefully and to build a positive social network. It builds their self-worth so that they can learn new things and take on more responsibilities.

6. With a bit of guidance and patience, ex-offenders can perform at their jobs just as well, or even better than any other employee. So I'm glad that some employers, some businesses have implemented progressive practices such as a buddy system and they have put together structured orientation programmes to help ex-offenders quickly adapt to their work place.

7. One good example is Poh Tiong Choon Logistics company. It started working with SCORE in 2008. To help ex-offenders adapt to their work, they assign good supervisors to coach them. This creates a supportive work environment that helps each individual stay in the job, and progress in their careers.

8. Today, one of its supervisors, Mr Mohamed Zamir, has been nominated for the Model Supervisor Award. When Zamir realised that an ex-offender under his charge, Mohamed Fariz, was planning to resign, Zamir quickly intervened and spoke to him to understand his challenges. Zamir acted as a confidante, he encouraged Fariz to focus on his responsibilities to his family, and even gave him advice on his recent marriage. So he also acted as a marriage counsellor.

9. Through his constant encouragement, Fariz persevered, worked hard and his performance improved. According to Fariz, he used to be the kind of person who gave up easily. But with his mentor, with his supervisor's encouragement and guidance, Fariz became more confident and started to see that he too can make a difference, not just to his workplace, but he can through that, contribute to his family as well.

10. So Fariz is very thankful to his employer, to his supervisor Zamir, for taking this first step to listen to him, to understand his circumstances. With that encouragement, he has now stayed on in the company. It has been for eight months and still counting, I hope he stays on for a long time. And it goes to show that empathy and actions can mean a lot to the people we are reaching out to. A person's life can be turned around when a friend or a member of the community stands behind him or her. And all of us can do our part to make a difference in the life of another person.
    

Corporates, organisations and individuals building a supportive community together

11. So besides offering fair employment opportunities, companies and organisations also can make a difference by extending support for ex-offenders and their families.

12. For example, the Singapore Academy of Law has been collaborating with SCORE since 2011, to organise activities for the children of ex-offenders and has made contributions to the Yellow Ribbon Fund. Last year, the Singapore Academy of Law organised a Charity Concert, with performances by members of the legal fraternity, including our Chief Justice, contributing to this concert and they also had Yellow Ribbon Fund beneficiaries coming together. And they raised funds in support of the Yellow Ribbon STAR bursary. The bursary provides full course funding for ex-offenders who want to upgrade themselves academically.

13. At the individual level, there are also many who have selflessly contributed their time, money and effort to support the reintegration of ex-offenders. Today, we want to recognise Mr Phillip Tan in particular for his commitment, compassion and creativity.

14. Mr Tan took over the chairmanship of the Yellow Ribbon Fund in 2006 and he has since contributed significantly to the development of aftercare programmes that serve the needs of ex-offenders and their families. He not only provides leadership and guidance but he also personally makes the effort to spend time with ex-offenders and their families to listen and understand their problems. With a better appreciation of the challenges they face, Mr Tan launched initiatives like Yellow Ribbon Emergency Fund and Yellow Ribbon STAR bursary.

15. Mr Tan also actively encourages corporate donations, and introduced creative fund-raising events such as Gala Dinners and Golf tournaments to raise funds. These initiatives have created awareness and built up an even stronger network of supporters for ex-offenders. For his efforts, SCORE is awarding Mr Tan the “Bridge of Hope” award this year. Congratulations to Mr Phillip Tan. Well done!
    

Conclusion

16. I am sure there are many more other inspiring stories of community support among our guests here today. Your stories are also an inspiration to your peers, your family, your friends and your business partners, and your acts of kindness can encourage everyone in Singapore to be a part of this meaningful journey. Your contributions not only help our ex-offenders, but also reach out to their family members and friends. So whatever you do, it's not just impacting one person but a community of people. And together with our collective efforts we can have a more supportive community, a more inclusive workplace which will give many of these individuals the hope and the will to stay on the right path.

17. So finally let me congratulate all the award recipients this afternoon. And to all of those who are here making an effort to move ahead in their lives, I would like to encourage all of you to persevere in this journey. I know it may not always be an easy road ahead, but we are here in the community to support you and we will be with you in this journey together. So on that note, thank you very much and have a very pleasant day ahead. Thank you.