Growing up hasn’t always been easy for me.

My siblings and I have had to make ends meet as early as the age of 13, an uncommon scenario for most Singaporean children. My parents were preoccupied with their jobs and the mess of my home life prompted me and my siblings to make choices that had not been the best for us in our schooling years. It was then that my cousin chose to make time for me and my siblings, which changed the trajectory of my life.

Having benefitted from her kindness, I too, wanted to work in a space where I could have the same kind of impact on someone else. I’ve since had the privilege of meeting other like-minded individuals who had their lives impacted in similar ways: Shaun Tan, a firm believer in providing opportunities and the right environment for individuals to unlock their potential, and Arudra Vangal, who grew up facing myriad social challenges due to his high-functioning autism.

Together, the three of us looked for a gap we could fill and stress-tested various business models that could empower us to move forward sustainably. Eventually, we would also go on to build Inclus – a place where we could make space for everyone, not just in the workforce but also society at large.

Advocating inclusive hiring practices

The positive effects of inclusive hiring practices for businesses have long been known. They greatly increase a company’s talent pool and result in a diverse team with new perspectives and ideas that can help businesses in problem-solving and creating solutions in novel and creative ways. On a more personal front, individuals who may have previously been left out of the employment market gain a sense of agency and contribute meaningfully to society.

In other words, everyone wins when everyone is included.

Our key programme, which looks to secure internships and open employment opportunities for students and graduates from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) with Special Educational Needs (SEN), has been invaluable in helping us achieve this.

Through our programme, various pipelines are established with multiple stakeholders within their ecosystem. This, coupled with ongoing support by professionals at Inclus, means that previously siloed services can now better communicate and support their integration into the workforce. This also provides SEN students with the opportunity to engage with open-market employers earlier in their development, greatly increasing their odds of employment.

These processes and accompanying personalised systems and solutions not only address ongoing challenges employers face but also greatly mitigate the “falling-off-the-cliff” effect for students who will eventually have to transition from school to work. Seeing the positive impact of our programme, we have allocated substantial resources, including personnel, expertise, and financial support, to continuously develop these processes to ensure that they are robust and sustainable. Our goal is to always foster both economic and individual development, leading to improved well-being for students as well as the workforce.

This is done through our innovative and cutting-edge approach. Unlike other programmes in this space, Inclus clearly separates the recruitment team from Life Skill Coaches (LSCs). We have dedicated teams for employer engagement and contractual agreements, resulting in minimal overlap and confusion.

Leveraging technology to enhance support

Another standout feature is the use of a mobile app for LSCs to engage with candidates. This technology facilitates seamless communication and support, especially in urgent situations or when job assistance is required. The app not only streamlines processes but also prioritises the well-being of candidates, leading to positive feedback from both candidates and LSCs.

The mobile app reflects our commitment to leveraging technology for candidates' well-being. Real-time support and timely assistance are provided through this innovative solution, enabling candidates to access resources and guidance when needed. The combination of technology and personalised support creates a unique and impactful experience, facilitating candidates' successful transition into the workforce.

In the short term, this project aims to identify and support students with disabilities in transitioning to the workforce by expanding outreach efforts to special education schools. This expansion will provide tailored assistance to a broader range of students with disabilities facing similar challenges.

Ensuring equal opportunities across borders

Looking ahead, our long-term vision is to extend the project's impact internationally. By replicating and adapting this successful model in countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, Inclus seeks to ensure equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities across borders.

To drive long-term positive impact, this project prioritises sustainability by continuously evaluating and refining processes for effectiveness and scalability. Strategic partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, employers and disability support organisations contribute to a more impactful ecosystem of support.

Our future plans involve collaborating with special needs schools locally and internationally. This will enable students to get comprehensive support from the beginning of their educational journeys, empowering them to overcome barriers and achieve their fullest potential. Pilot projects established internationally will assess the model's feasibility and impact in diverse contexts, laying the foundation for potential expansion.