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CNA
42 minutes ago
- CNA
Mountbatten Vocational School for special needs students to close by end of 2025
SINGAPORE: Mountbatten Vocational School (MVS), which serves students with special needs aged 14 to 21, will close its doors this December. Hopes of establishing a new institute have also fallen through, despite a new site being secured with the government's help. Some parents - who were officially informed of the closure in June - told CNA they are concerned their children's chance at a livelihood beyond the classroom is at stake. The school, which was founded 50 years ago, equips youths with disabilities with the skills and confidence necessary for employment and independent living. EDUCATION LANDSCAPE HAS CHANGED Authorities have assured that they will support the affected students and their families. The education and training landscape for persons with disabilities (PwDs) 'has evolved significantly over the years', said the school in a joint statement with the Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), and the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf). They added that this has led to a decline in enrolment at MVS in recent years, with 'increased challenges in training students for the evolving job market'. CNA understands that at its peak, the school had an enrollment of more than 70 students. Following a joint review in 2022, MOE and SADeaf, the social service agency managing MVS, agreed to cease school operations by end-2025. The education ministry partially funds the school. The school stopped enrolling new students in January last year to ensure that the remaining students could graduate this year. MVS' impending closure saw members from SADeaf, MVS and others come together to propose a new vocational training centre called the Institute for Inclusive Futures (IIF). It had hoped not just to fill the gap the school's closure would create, but also aimed to address the 'post-18 cliff effect', where many PwDs suffer a sudden lack of support after leaving the education system. Over the past two years, SADeaf, together with MSF and SG Enable, had explored the feasibility of the proposal. MOE and MSF had also helped secure a site for the new initiative. Despite these efforts, the ministries were informed by the IIF board that the transition could not proceed as it would require a significant operational shift for MVS, according to the joint statement. The IIF board, in a separate statement, cited various factors for discontinuing its efforts, including a lack of long-term financial feasibility and differences with authorities who wanted a focus on training for those above 21 years old. FINDING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS MVS held its final graduation ceremony for its students on Jul 19. CNA understands at least 20 more students who are set to complete their education at the school by the end of the year will not have an official ceremony. Parents told CNA they were devastated by the sudden change in plans. They had hoped to continue their children's education through the IIF, but are now grappling with the challenge of finding alternative options. Mr Rajendran Veerappan said his 21-year-old son Yughendra, who has Down syndrome, has become noticeably more independent since attending the school. 'He knows how to do housework,' said the single father. 'A lot of things he can do by himself. I can see the achievement in him.' His son has acquired practical skills such as cooking and earned certifications that support his transition into the workforce. Mr Rajendran said MVS provided a supportive environment for Yughendra and many others who found it difficult to learn in mainstream and other special education schools. He shared that the closure of the school has made things 'very difficult'. 'Now I need to (start searching all over again. I got to go through another big round to find a school, then (arrange) transport. All these things are major issues for us,' he added. 'It's not only me - there are many people having this kind of problem. So I think it would help if the school is not closed.' Another parent, Rodnel Unciano, said he hopes that there will be some programmes for his 20-year-old son to continue benefitting from. Authorities have said they are committed to supporting those affected, pledging to help match students and more than 15 staff members with suitable education and job opportunities. EMBRACING INCLUSIVE HIRING Many MVS graduates have benefited significantly from their time at the school. Among them are alumni who have been hired by Siloso Beach Resort in various roles, including housekeeping and food and beverage services. The resort said in a statement that many MVS graduates have been trained in F&B services as wait staff, dishwashers, housekeepers, cleaners and bellhops. 'They get to try out a variety of different roles, but the role that they will eventually settle into will depend on their individual abilities and preferences.' The resort, which only recently learned of the school's closure, noted that firms that embrace inclusive hiring practices can tap a broader talent pool and foster a healthier workplace culture. 'But for our company, the more important reason is that it adds purpose to what we are doing, because if we want to give back to society, this is one of the most effective ways of having an impact,' it added. 'We can see the impact directly on their lives, how meaningful employment and being able to provide for themselves improves their wellbeing and self-esteem.' Mr Karl Fischer, manager of corporate social responsibility at Siloso Beach Resort, said it has been working with the school since 2012.
CNA
2 hours ago
- CNA
Asia Tonight - Sun 3 Aug 2025
22:14 Min About the show: Top stories of the day with 'live' reports and interviews to keep you up-to-date on what's happening in one of the most dynamic regions of the world. Daily at 8pm (SIN / HK)
CNA
5 hours ago
- CNA
Commentary: How can we recognise heroic acts of Singapore's migrant workers?
SINGAPORE: On Jul 26, migrant workers rescued a driver of a car that fell into the Tanjong Katong sinkhole. The men acted spontaneously without proper equipment or training. They exhibited humanity, selflessness and courage which generated an outpouring of praise from all quarters. This was not the first time migrant workers came to the rescue. In April, construction workers saved several children from the River Valley shophouse fire. They were also lauded online, and received the SCDF Community Lifesaver Award. The seven workers who saved the driver were given token recognitions from the gift of appreciation coins, which elicited some negative comments, to being invited to the Istana, which was seen as nice but not quite sufficient. Non-governmental organisation ItsRainingRaincoats raised S$72,000 (US$55,000) for the workers in two days, but some netizens asked whether a cash reward would make selfless acts a transaction. Would workers who do good now expect something in return? HOW SHOULD ACTS OF HEROISM BE REWARDED? The fact is, regardless of what's done for these workers, people are going to criticise. But there is no evidence that these folks acted with any expectation. Rewards do not necessarily convert an altruistic act into a transactional one. We can agree that valour ought to be publicly recognised in a dignified and tangible way that moves beyond just symbolism. It unequivocally demonstrates that we place a high value on the lives saved and the courage displayed. For migrant workers, a substantial cash reward may be life-changing as it can relieve their debts and transform their family's prospects back home by funding education, healthcare or housing. The government could set up a Public Valour Fund that could be supplemented by donations raised by charities. Besides cash prizes, there are other ways to reward heroic migrant workers that might be meaningful for their individual needs and aspirations. For instance, their work permit could be automatically renewed for a significant period, barring work-related and social misconduct. They can also be awarded access to heavily subsidised or free skills certification courses, to enhance their employability and earning potential within Singapore. Perhaps comprehensive insurance coverage for all physical injuries and mental health issues could be given to them as well. Some netizens suggest that our government could even grant heroic workers permanent residence (PR) status. This could be the most profound and transformative reward, signifying Singapore's willingness to embrace migrant workers as part of the national fabric. Of course, it should not be automatic for all. Their heroic act is a powerful merit, assessed alongside other factors like clean work record, basic language proficiency and employer's recommendation. GO BEYOND CELEBRATING MIGRANT WORKERS Singapore continues to transform itself into a world-class city. We owe a great part of this to over 1.5 million foreign workers, representing about 40 per cent of our workforce. As we celebrate our 60th year as a nation on Aug 9 with the theme 'Building Our Singapore Together', we must acknowledge the literal contribution of blood, sweat and tears of our migrant workers. This year's theme also highlights the importance of multiculturalism, boldness, resilience and openness in our nation's continued progress. If we espouse these values, it would be patently hypocritical if we appreciate migrant workers only in emergencies, and not when they contribute to our nation every day. Migrant workers have faced many challenges in living and working in our midst. Welfare issues from excessive recruitment fees to poor dorm conditions and getting ferried in lorries are perennial talking points. And some in Singapore still view migrant workers as second-class citizens. In sum, how they are treated daily is the litmus test of how sincere we are in valuing them. To be sure, there have been positive changes since COVID-19. In 2024, 46 per cent of Singapore respondents in an International Labour Organization (ILO) report said that the pandemic has made them 'more supportive' of migrant workers. Those who feel that foreign workers 'have an overall positive effect on the economy' has gone up to 69 per cent from 58 per cent in 2019. But there is much room for improvement. We need to be a nation that takes care of foreign workers who live here. Some, like foreman Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah, who led his team to save the driver from the sinkhole, has worked in Singapore for decades. This is as good as their home. We are aware of the needs of the migrant worker community. We have discussed and debated them endlessly. On the eve of our 60th national birthday, it is time to go beyond celebrating migrant workers to treating them as one of us – treating them as we would like to be treated, and giving them the respect and care for building our nation.
