Over $154,000 raised through Microsoft Singapore's philanthropy event

SINGAPORE - Over $154,000 was raised through Microsoft Singapore's flagship philanthropy event, We Tech Care, on Saturday (Dec 10). The event saw over 200 volunteers gathering to run a host of technology workshops.

Microsoft Singapore said the money raised will be channelled to towards the Microsoft YouthSpark Scholarship, which helps people with disabilities to pursue a tertiary education in information technology; and towards vocational IT skills training for SPD (formerly Society for the Physically Disabled) beneficiaries.

It added that through these programmes, 32 scholarships have been awarded to 29 students. In addition, over 68 persons with disabilities have been trained in IT and 30 have since found employment.

Ms Chia Yong Yong, President, SPD, said technology empowers people with disabilities and unlocks their potential.

"We are grateful that Microsoft shares SPD's vision that people with disabilities should be integrated into mainstream society, and for the continued support," she said.

More than 600 participants including children, parents and professionals also took part in coding activities, learnt tips and tricks on getting more productive or preserving their online reputation, and experienced simulations and demonstrations on how technology can assist people with different abilities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who was the guest-of-honour, said the future the Republic wants is one that includes people of all abilities, and that involves not just assisting people and enabling people, but about helping everyone contribute to their future.

"The future that we want is a future that will be made by all of us, made by people of every ability, including those who think of themselves as not disabled but abled," he said.

"But in fact, everyone has something hindered in them that can be unlocked, and everyone learns and grows by having relationships with people of different abilities," he added.

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