Employers, Have A Heart
Hunting for a job in Singapore is never easy for former offenders such as Mr Mohamed Rizal, 33.
He went through numerous interviews. Every interview resulted in rejection when prospective employers heard about his past.
Dropouts, low-skilled workers and the handicapped also have the same problem.
In early 2006, Mr James Chua, the CEO of private education provider Harriet Educational Group founded social enterprise Employer With A Heart (EWH).
It aims to encourage firms to be more active in social work.
Mr Rizal got his first proper job in 10 years, as a sales assistant, when Swedish furniture store Ikea decided to give him a chance. This was made possible by EWH.
He and others from different backgrounds participate in the Work And Study In Singapore Programme. They work full-time at jobs sourced through EWH. Once a week, for about two years they attend classes at Harriet Business School to earn a diploma.
Mr Rizal said that the Work And Study In Singapore Programme has boosted his confidence and taught him discipline. He also said: ‘It prepares me for a better career doing higher-level work. I can’t stay a sales assistant forever.’
Click “Employers, Have A Heart” for the Full Report by Yang Huiwen, published in the Straits Times on Mon, Nov 12, 2007.