SINGAPORE – The Singapore Business Federation (SBF), through its social-impact arm the SBF Foundation, has successfully raised S$1.45 million to support a flagship initiative aimed at helping vulnerable individuals secure employment—an outcome that highlights a growing focus on inclusive hiring in Singapore. The funds build on prior sponsorships and will enable a scaling of efforts both in job preparedness and employer engagement.
Launched as the “EmployWell” programme, the initiative targets individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds including long-term unemployed parents, caregivers, persons with mental-health conditions and women facing employment barriers. SBF Foundation emphasises its mission: “business-led efforts that strengthen Singapore’s social compact by uplifting lives, supporting inclusive employment and empowering communities in need.”
Under the new funding, job-readiness workshops, case-management support and employer-matching services will be expanded. Participants will receive tailored training, mentorship and placement assistance, while the Foundation works with companies to adopt inclusive recruiting and retention practices. An earlier evaluation of the Employability Fund found key success factors include strong leadership buy-in, workplace adjustments and ongoing coaching for both employee and employer.
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Feedback from pilot phases shows over 900 people have already been placed in work through inclusive-hiring companies. The latest fundraising milestone offers the capacity to support more candidates and deepen employer networks. Human-resources professionals and business leaders are encouraged to participate in “Empower Circles”—forums designed to raise awareness of inclusive hiring and break down barriers facing vulnerable job seekers.
For employers, involvement brings advantages beyond social value. Inclusive hiring opens access to motivated talent pools, helps realise corporate-social-responsibility goals and can improve staff retention. A case study in the evaluation report pointed out that employees from vulnerable groups were “loyal and committed” once supported—offering operational as well as social gains.
Vulnerable job seekers face varied obstacles: age, caregiving duties, health conditions, digital-skills gaps or long spells out of the workforce. The SBF-led initiative works to pair them with companies willing to accommodate and support these realities. The goal is not simply placement, but sustained employment and pathways for progression.
With the recent infusion of funds, SBF Foundation aims to broaden the programme’s reach and deepen its impact across sectors. The focus will continue on mobilising businesses, transforming hiring norms and ensuring vulnerable individuals are not left behind in Singapore’s talent ecosystem. Companies that adopt inclusive practices are encouraged to join this collective effort to build a resilient and equitable workforce.
