DBS Foundation and SG Enable Forge Groundbreaking Partnership to Boost Financial and Digital Literacy for Persons with Disabilities

In a groundbreaking move, DBS Foundation and SG Enable have joined forces to initiate a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing support and skills training for persons with disabilities. The objective is to empower them to lead more independent lives and gain increased access to social and economic opportunities in an ever-evolving world. Marking a milestone, DBS Foundation is set to contribute SGD 1 million to this flagship initiative, showcasing its commitment to creating a positive impact.

A Pioneering Partnership with a National Scale Impact

This unique collaboration positions DBS Foundation as the first corporate entity to partner with the disability sector on a national scale to upskill persons with disabilities. The ambitious initiative aims to reach approximately 6,500 persons with disabilities and caregivers over the course of three years, beginning in 2024. This aligns seamlessly with the Enabling Masterplan 2030’s vision of enhancing access to lifelong learning opportunities for persons with disabilities, contributing to Singapore’s broader mission of becoming a more inclusive society by 2030.

Addressing Crucial Gaps in Financial and Digital Literacy

The pressing need to bridge knowledge gaps in financial and digital literacy among persons with disabilities takes center stage in this collaborative effort. SG Enable’s focus groups revealed that 80% of persons with disabilities felt that existing training programs lacked coverage of these essential daily living skills. This sentiment gained further traction during SG Enable’s Enabling Academy Learning Festival in August, where over 50% of participants expressed a keen interest in learning about topics like money management, cashless payments, and digital banking.

Given the rising number of students with special education needs and the challenges posed by an aging population, DBS Foundation and SG Enable are addressing a critical need. The Enabling Masterplan 2030 reports a 5% increase in students with special education needs in Singapore from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, with 40% of adults with disabilities expected to be 65 years or older by 2030, the partnership aims to proactively tackle challenges related to care planning and increased caregiving loads for smaller families.

A Holistic Learning Roadmap

Leveraging their respective areas of expertise, DBS Foundation and SG Enable will collaboratively develop a customized learning roadmap aligned with the national Enabling Skills Framework set to launch next year. This roadmap will cater to diverse learning needs, covering different disability profiles, including autism, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, and sensory disabilities. Recognizing that caregivers may also benefit from increased literacy, the workshops aim to encourage their participation alongside persons with disabilities.

Topics Covered and Learning Formats

The comprehensive learning roadmap will encompass various topics, ranging from basic financial concepts like budgeting and insurance to applying these concepts in a digital world. Scenario planning discussions will address long-term financial security considerations in the event of a caregiver’s passing. To ensure accessibility and engagement, learning will be facilitated through workshops conducted where participants live and work, as well as via self-directed e-modules. Virtual reality, interactive games, and other engaging formats will be incorporated to make learning enjoyable.

Beyond Upskilling: Fostering a Supportive Ecosystem

Beyond empowering persons with disabilities, the partnership aims to strengthen the support system around them. DBS Foundation and SG Enable will collaborate on developing resource guides, toolkits, and course materials for trainers, caregivers, special education schools, and others in the ecosystem. This comprehensive approach ensures that everyone involved is equipped with the knowledge needed to support persons with disabilities on their learning journeys.

Kicking Off with a Workshop at the Enabling Village

To officially launch this transformative partnership, DBS Foundation and SG Enable conducted a pilot workshop at the Enabling Village. Attended by four persons with disabilities and their caregivers, the workshop provided valuable insights into key financial literacy concepts such as saving and budgeting. Volunteers from DBS guided participants through an hour-long session, combining theory with breakout activity sessions.

Graced by Dignitaries and Future Initiatives

The official launch was honored by the presence of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ms. Jane Ittogi, who engaged with workshop participants and caregivers, gaining insights into their learning journeys and challenges. This partnership represents DBS Foundation’s ongoing commitment to empower vulnerable segments of society. Earlier initiatives include a collaboration with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to equip 100,000 Singaporeans and residents with digital literacy skills. The bank aims to conduct 800 digital literacy workshops by 2024 as part of this broader commitment.

A Commitment to Societal Impact

As a purpose-driven bank, DBS has intensified efforts to contribute to society. In August, the bank announced a commitment of up to SGD 1 billion in funding and 1.5 million employee volunteer hours over ten years to support vulnerable segments. Starting from 2024, SGD 100 million each year will be deployed in Singapore and other key markets. This comprehensive strategy underscores DBS’s commitment to creating a positive impact and fostering a more inclusive society.