Latest news with #SUSS
CNA
15-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Author & Real Estate Boss Kelvin Fong's 'Elevate Your Assets, Elevate Your Wealth'
CNA938 Rewind Play 30 mins In 'Culture Club' Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Kelvin Fong, Deputy CEO of real estate agency PropNex Realty, and author of 'Elevate Your Assets, Elevate Your Wealth'. Fong will discuss how his book offers wealth creation strategies through real estate investment. He'll also answer common questions asked by property investors, such as: At what stage of my life should I buy property? How advisable is it to buy industrial properties or own a home overseas? How will the ongoing geopolitical tensions and global tariff tensions affect my mortgage? CNA938 Rewind - Faster than ever - 5G+ is here in Singapore Singtel has unveiled its new 5G plus network, promising speeds up to four times faster than the current 5G. Lance Alexander speaks to Associate Professor June Tay, Head of the Digital Media Programme at SUSS, to explain what this means for your phone and data usage. 11 mins CNA938 Rewind - Exploring the American outdoors with influencer Andre Carrillo In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro speaks to Andre Carrillo: Filipino American traveller, influencer and video content creator. Carrillo talks about exploring Redding in Northern California and Denver, Colorado - two regions in the United States that are outdoor havens for nature lovers. View Andre's many adventures on Instagram @andrercarrillo. 20 mins CNA938 Rewind - Author & Real Estate Boss Kelvin Fong's 'Elevate Your Assets, Elevate Your Wealth' In 'Culture Club' Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Kelvin Fong, Deputy CEO of real estate agency PropNex Realty, and author of 'Elevate Your Assets, Elevate Your Wealth'. Fong will discuss how his book offers wealth creation strategies through real estate investment. He'll also answer common questions asked by property investors, such as: At what stage of my life should I buy property? How advisable is it to buy industrial properties or own a home overseas? How will the ongoing geopolitical tensions and global tariff tensions affect my mortgage? 30 mins CNA938 Rewind - Hey Taylor – a Made in SG Women's Health Clinic and App In 'Made in SG' Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the co-founders of Hey Taylor marketed as Singapore's first hybrid women's health clinic and app. Eve Lee and Dr Jody Paige Goh explain why they set up the practice which provides primary care designed around women's lives and healthcare needs. They'll explain how the clinic & app function to combine medical depth with tech-enabled care, designed to support women across every stage of life - offering primary care treatment, fertility screenings, menstrual and menopausal care and hormonal care consultations.
CNA
15-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Faster than ever - 5G+ is here in Singapore
CNA938 Rewind Singtel has unveiled its new 5G plus network, promising speeds up to four times faster than the current 5G. Lance Alexander speaks to Associate Professor June Tay, Head of the Digital Media Programme at SUSS, to explain what this means for your phone and data usage.
Business Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
From bars to business: Why inclusive education is key to a stronger economy
AS SINGAPORE continues to strengthen its position as a resilient, forward-looking economy, we must also ask: What does true inclusivity look like in our society and workforce? While we often associate the term 'inclusive education' with efforts to support people with disabilities or learning challenges, there is another group too often left behind – ex-offenders. At the heart of this discussion is a unique initiative led by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), in partnership with the Singapore Prison School and the Singapore Prison Service: the Prison School Project. Launched amid the pandemic in 2020, this project offers incarcerated individuals the opportunity to pursue undergraduate business degree pathways while serving their sentences. This isn't just about education; it's about unlocking human potential, reshaping social mindsets and reinforcing a key message – every individual, given the right tools and support, can contribute meaningfully to society and the economy. Education behind bars: A dignified second chance The idea that someone in prison can be enrolled in a university-level programme may seem unconventional, but it is a logical – and necessary – evolution in our approach to rehabilitation. The Prison School Project at SUSS offers inmates a structured and accredited academic pathway, beginning with specially curated courses in logistics, marketing, analytics and business management. Supported by faculty and associate lecturers who serve above and beyond their regular workload, the initiative is a testament to the university's commitment to social good. Education in correctional facilities is not new, but what makes this initiative stand out is that it offers a full undergraduate degree, not just vocational skills or basic literacy. The courses are adapted to suit the prison environment, with the support of the Singapore Prison School. Beyond the walls, this degree is not just a certificate, a piece of paper. It is a symbol of dignity, and a stepping stone for inmates to re-enter society – not just as former offenders, but as trained professionals ready to contribute to Singapore's economy. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Reducing recidivism, strengthening resilience Education is one of the strongest predictors of post-release success. Studies globally show that access to higher education in prison reduces recidivism significantly. For a city-state like Singapore, which places a premium on meritocracy, efficiency and low crime rates, investing in the rehabilitation of offenders through education is not just a social initiative – it is a strategic economic one. By equipping incarcerated individuals with skills relevant to the workforce, we reduce their likelihood of re-offending and increase their chances of securing stable employment. This has broader implications: reduced costs to the state, enhanced community safety and a stronger, more resilient workforce. However, when ex-offenders continue their undergraduate studies post-release, they have to navigate diverse challenges such as finding employment while studying; financial instability; relationship building with family and friends; and reintegration with the society at large. Hence, the Prison School Project is looking towards supporting post-release reintegration into the university learning community through bridging programmes, mentorship and career readiness support, ensuring that learners are able to focus on their studies while balancing the other demands of life. This transition planning and support is a crucial component of the project's long-term impact. Breaking the stigma: A shared responsibility While this initiative is driven by the university and supported by government institutions such as the Singapore Prison School, the Singapore Prison Service and the Yellow Ribbon Fund, it cannot succeed in isolation. The business community has a vital role to play. Corporate employers in Singapore must begin to view hiring reformed individuals not as a charitable act, but as an investment in people – people who have worked hard to earn their second chance. The reality is that ex-offenders who graduate from programmes like the Prison School Project may be more disciplined, focused and motivated than their peers. Having overcome enormous adversity, they bring with them resilience, gratitude and a strong work ethic. However, even with qualifications in hand, ex-offenders often face a wall of societal judgment. Employers may hesitate to interview them. Colleagues may question their credibility. These biases are not only unfair – they are unproductive. To build a truly inclusive economy, we must reshape our collective mindset around what it means to give someone a second chance. Call to action: What businesses can do Offer internships and apprenticeships: Businesses can provide structured opportunities for ex-offenders nearing release. These real-world experiences are crucial for building confidence and skills. Create inclusive hiring policies: Review HR frameworks to ensure that a criminal record is not an automatic disqualifier. Instead, adopt a case-by-case approach that considers rehabilitation efforts and academic qualifications. Partner with educational institutions: Collaborate with universities like SUSS to co-develop industry-relevant modules, offer guest lectures or even mentor incarcerated students. Your insights can help shape a future-ready curriculum. Champion awareness: Lead by example. Employers who share stories of successful hires from unconventional backgrounds contribute to shifting public perception. These stories can be powerful tools in breaking the stigma. Contribute to funding and resources: The private sector can support programmes like the Prison School Project through corporate social responsibility initiatives, scholarships and philanthropy. Economic value through human capital Singapore's long-term competitiveness depends not only on our infrastructure or policies, but also on our ability to harness all our human capital. Individuals are released from the correctional system with the hope of rebuilding their lives. If they are left without support, they may return to crime or become disengaged from the economy. But if they are given access to education, training and employment, they can become net contributors to the nation's prosperity. This is not an idealistic notion – it is a practical one. Singapore has always thrived by turning constraints into opportunities. Our small size means we cannot afford to waste talent. That includes those who took a wrong turn in life but are ready to chart a new course. The value of inclusive education lies not only in the academic qualifications earned, but in the ripple effects it creates: stronger families, safer communities and more diverse workplaces. When we choose inclusion, we don't just change one life – we uplift entire systems. A blueprint for change With a total of 28 students enrolled since its launch five years ago, the Prison School Project has already begun to serve as a model. Most importantly, it is a deeply human endeavour – one that recognises education as a transformative force. As the project looks towards expansion – with more courses, faculties and learners involved – it will need broader societal support. This is where you – the business leaders, the hiring managers and the decision-makers – come in. Let us reframe our view of ex-offenders not through the lens of their past, but through the promise of their future. Let us embrace inclusive education as a foundation not only for social justice, but for economic growth. And let us do so together – as a united society committed to building not just a stronger economy, but a more compassionate one. The writers are from SUSS. Dr Tay Huay Ling is associate professor, logistics and supply chain management. She is also the prison school coordinator at SUSS' School of Business. Yeo Lay is dean of students, Student Success Centre, at SUSS.
Independent Singapore
23-04-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘Ageism is real': Man in his late 30s says employers prioritise young applicants over qualifications
SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man in his late 30s took to social media to share that switching careers feels like a lost cause at his age, since employers seem to care more about his birthdate than the skills and certifications he's worked hard for. In a lengthy post on the r/askSingapore forum, he explained that for the past few years, he had dedicated his time and energy to completing postgraduate courses, taking up PMP and project management certifications, slogging through project management modules, studying data analytics, and becoming 'knowledgeable in all the buzzword skills like Tableau'. He added that on top of his academic and technical pursuits, he made a concerted effort to strengthen his employability in every way possible. He actively engaged in networking, took on freelance projects to gain hands-on experience, and emphasised his transferable skills in every application. Yet despite his dedication, he said employers seemed to overlook all his efforts and qualifications, focusing instead on one thing: his age. 'I've sent out hundreds of customised resumes and tailored cover letters in the past eight months. What did I get in return? Rejection after rejection—or worse, absolute silence,' he wrote. 'Everyone says 'never too old to learn' and 'mid-career switches are possible if you work hard enough.' But the reality is, once you hit your late 30s or 40s, the job market looks at you differently. Ageism is real, even if nobody admits it. Employers say they want experience, but when you try to pivot, your experience is suddenly 'not relevant.' You're competing with younger applicants who are cheaper and seen as more 'mouldable.'' 'Certifications and new skills are nice on paper, but they don't erase the years you spent in a different industry or the fact that you're not 25 anymore. Every application vanishes into a black hole. It's hard not to feel like upskilling at this age is just a way to keep hope alive, not to actually get hired,' he said. The man clarified that he's not against learning later in life, but in his opinion, upskilling in your late 30s often feels futile because the system is stacked against older candidates. 'The Singapore government and NTUC/e2i career coaches keep pushing courses, but what we really need is for employers to give mature workers a fair chance, not just lip service,' he argued. 'If you're in the same boat, just know you're not alone. I'm tired, demoralised, and questioning if all this effort is worth it. Maybe it's time we talk honestly about the limits of 'lifelong learning' in Singapore, instead of pretending that another certificate will magically fix things,' he concluded. 'Paper qualifications are just half the game' In the comments section, many echoed the man's sentiment, expressing just how hard it is to get a job these days. Even a fresh graduate with a degree in business analytics from SUSS chimed in, saying, 'Similarly, [I have] zero calls or interviews for data analytics roles. It feels horrible after four years of effort and sleepless nights with no results.' Another commented, 'It's rough out there, man… The idea of upskilling just spawned an industry of courses and certificates, but I am not convinced it benefits anyone outside those providing the courses. I took some NUS courses and honestly, the level was embarrassingly low, total cringe… But we are expected to constantly stack on those courses.' A third shared, 'I don't disagree with you; ageism is real. When I switched industries, I really started from ground zero at an associate pay of S$2,400, and then in two years, I got the fresh grad pay with a postgraduate certificate. Four years later, the fresh grads' new salary matched my current salary.' However, some commenters disagreed, pointing out that while upskilling is admirable, employers are not obligated to hire someone simply because they've completed additional courses. One individual bluntly stated, 'Nobody owes you a job just because you took some 'upskill' courses. At your age, the value you bring is to be experienced and knowledgeable in a field, to go for an experienced hire role, and not compete with fresh grads for junior roles. 'Ask yourself, what hard or soft skills do you really have that differentiate you from a younger candidate? Any sane hiring manager will choose a fresh grad over a late-30s uncle for the same skillset.' Another added, 'You can be a Harvard grad and not find a job. Paper qualifications are just half the game; the hiring manager has to like you and see you as someone whom they can groom. The latter part is much harder to nail, and especially so when you have more years on you.' In other news, a man shared on social media that his girlfriend called him 'heartless' for refusing to cover the full cost of her dental procedure. In an anonymous post on the NUSWhispers Facebook page, the man explained that the dental procedure she needed was priced at around S$1,200 in Singapore. Wanting to be financially sensible, he suggested that they look into getting the treatment done in Johor Bahru, where it would cost only about S$400. However, his girlfriend rejected the idea outright, saying it was 'beneath her' to go across the border for medical treatment. Read more: Man says his GF called him 'heartless' for refusing to pay the full S$1.2k for her dental treatment Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
