) or https:// as an added precaution.Mr Hiroshi Ishikawa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Singapore,
Mr Joel Leong, PBM, Chairperson of TomoWork,
Ms Anita Kuan, Deputy Principal of Temasek Polytechnic,
Distinguished Guests, participants, and friends of TomoWork,
Introduction
1. It brings me great joy to join you this afternoon to celebrate the 6th Tomo Day, and with it, the graduation of the 6th cohort of the TomoWork Talent Accelerator Programme (TAP).
2. As I was listening to the presentations earlier, what struck me was how far the students have grown over the past eight to nine weeks. One thing that I think we don't necessarily realise is that it takes an incredible amount of effort for them to stand before you and present their ideas and the work that they've done. Let's give them another big round of applause.
3. The second group of people I think we should also give a big round of applause to are the companies that have stepped forward to support the students in their journey. That entire experience in the past eight to nine weeks, or the years of partnership that they've had with TomoWork, has done incredible things not only for their company but also for the culture of the people who have worked in their companies. Let's give them a big round of applause.
4. I would like to congratulate TomoWork on yet another successful run, and your work in building bridges between young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the world of work.
Key Achievements of the TAP
5. Since its inception, the TAP has supported 148 participants on their journey towards gainful employment. Of those seeking work, close to 75% have been able to find employment within six months upon graduation from the programme. This speaks volumes about the impact the TAP has had on its recipients – it has helped young graduates with SEN to find their footing and confidence, and employers to discover the value that our graduates bring.
6. With effect from 2026, the TAP has been newly included as one of the 62 programmes supported under the President's Challenge 2026. At the heart of TAP is how it develops participants holistically. TAP works with participants to hone their workplace and executive functioning skills – skills like teamwork and creative and collaborative thinking – which are essential to doing well at the workplace. Such skills building is embedded into the work immersion phase of TAP so that participants develop such skills through simulation of real-world scenarios.
Graduate Success Story
7. Today, we celebrate those of you who have newly graduated from the TAP. I would like to share the story of one participant, who demonstrates the possibilities that the TAP can unlock.
8. Victor Goh graduated from Temasek Polytechnic in 2020 with a Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Tourism and worked part-time as a service crew for banquets and a trainee in bartending upon graduation. However, his visual impairment worsened as he often had to navigate dimly lit workplaces and he eventually left that job. While he subsequently took on a data entry role, Victor wanted to find a role that could better use his skills.
9. In 2023, Victor decided to join TAP. Through the programme, he built up project management and leadership skills. He was also matched with a mentor, whom he is still in contact with today. After graduating from the programme, Victor was referred through TomoWork to the Expedia X Hilton apprenticeship programme, which helped him to further build his confidence and skillset. Today, he holds a full-time role as a sales executive at a supply chain company.
10. What strikes me about Victor's story is not just how he realised his aspirations, but the many people who walked alongside him and supported him. Before TAP, Victor felt uncertain and a bit pessimistic about what the future holds for him. With the encouragement of his SEN Support Officer in Temasek Polytechnic and SG Enable officers, he took that first step and joined the TAP, eventually bringing him to where he is today.
11. Victor's journey is also a testament to what partnerships can achieve.
12. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Singapore-Japan diplomatic relations, and I am heartened that our partnership extends into the social sector. TomoWork itself began as a Japanese corporate initiative launched here in Singapore in 2019 and has since grown into a programme that helps young people with SEN find their footing in the world of work. We are grateful for the many Japanese representatives here today who have supported our cause and look forward to closer partnerships with Japanese companies to create meaningful opportunities for students.
Conclusion
13. In closing, TomoWork has helped open doors for students with SEN to envision and work towards a future full of possibility and purpose. Indeed, that is something that we want to be able to share with our students who come from diverse backgrounds, full of potential, so that they too can feel very much a part of society, so that they too can thrive and do well at work. This cannot be done without the support of partners, many of whom have joined us here today.
14. To our employers and industry partners, I encourage you to recognise the full range of qualities that make a great employee- qualities like resilience, creativity, adaptability and commitment. I see many of these qualities in our young presenters and students here today. This shows you the impact of the program and how much it has changed their lives.
15. To our participants and alumni present today, I want to impress upon each and every one of you that you have so much to offer. Continue to embrace learning and self-discovery and make this a lifelong endeavour. I look forward to seeing the various paths you all will take from here! I hope to be able to see you be the sterling example for others to follow, for others to see the various possibilities here in Singapore and even abroad.
16. Congratulations to the 2026 graduating cohort of TAP and thank you so much for having me. It truly is a privilege.