IN FOCUS: More firms open to hiring workers, interns with
Mr Low tips raw coffee beans into a tray and runs them through a ProfilePrint machine, which then “tastes” the beans and matches them to a digital fingerprint in order to grade them.
Mr Low, who is deaf, used to work in the mailroom as an administrative officer for a large company. He told CNA via Telegram texts that he enjoys his current work as he likes to learn new things.
Text messages, and some basic sign language is how he communicates with his colleagues, and during meetings, he uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) transcribing software and written messages in the chat to keep up with the discussion.
He said that it was hard to find a job as many companies need people who can communicate by phone.
“I help scan the samples, and the AI predicts the results like an expert,” he said, when asked how technology has helped him look beyond the usual jobs.
Mr Abhimanyau Pal CEO of SPD, an organisation that helps people with disabilities, said that from January to July this year, the organisation has received enquiries from employers in slightly different sectors than before, including in security, IT, logistics, urban farming, cleaning and healthcare.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, enquiries usually come from employers in the F&B, security, hospitality, manufacturing and retail operations.
EMPLOYERS MORE RECEPTIVE, POLICY PUSH
He said that in general, employers have become more receptive to hiring people with disabilities due to the efforts in raising awareness by SG Enable, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the media.
“Mindsets of jobseekers with disabilities are changing as they are aware of the challenging employment situation and are increasingly more receptive to different employment options,” he said.
“The grants and aids by the Government for employment of Singaporeans also help in gradually improving the employment situation.”
