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South West CDC
Media Release

Enhancing last-mile assistance to job seekers in the South West District through first-of-its-kind goodFriends Network

4 October 2024

South West CDC partners goodjobs.com.sg and The Social Equity to launch new goodFriends Network to provide an additional level of wrapped-around support for job seekers.

Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development, Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration and Adviser to Boon Lay Grassroots Organisations, together with Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and Mayor of South West District, launched the goodFriends Network on 4 October 2024 at the South West Community Job Fair @ Boon Lay. The network is a new initiative by the South West Community Development Council in partnership with goodjobs.com.sg (opens in new tab) and The Social Equity to enhance last-mile assistance to job seekers, in response to evolving needs of the community.

2        Recognising that jobseekers require more than traditional career coaching, the goodFriends Network is the first-of-its-kind in the community to offer some helping hands and listening ears to help the job seekers tide through the difficult period. Comprising volunteers who are professionals in their respective fields, business leaders, as well as students from the Institutes of Higher Learning, the network aims to provide the "last-mile" friendship and assistance to job seekers, encouraging them to explore more job options, thereby increasing their chances of employment. The network would also empower volunteers with the resources needed to effectively help job seekers and foster a network of caring volunteers in the community.

3        “I am very encouraged by this collaboration between the South West CDC, goodjobs.com.sg (opens in new tab) and The Social Equity, which will help jobseekers enhance their job prospects and secure employment. This brings out the spirit of Forward Singapore, where partnerships between Government, corporates and the community can help create a more caring and inclusive society,” said Minister Desmond Lee.

4        “The goodFriends Network is the first-of-its-kind initiative that creates a system of support for job seekers in the community. They will be befriended by volunteers who are professionals in their fields, and students from Institutes of Higher Learning. The job seekers will benefit from their tips, advice and friendship. We hope this web of friendly connections and knowledge will boost the job hunters’ confidence and energise their skills upgrade and job search. When we show care and encouragement for one another, we are able to go the extra mile as a resilient community,” said Mayor Low.

5        Ms Jenny Wee, PBM, Chief People Officer & Director of goodjobs.com.sg (opens in new tab) said, “Since the first South West Community Job Fair in September 2021, we have noticed an interesting trend. Typically, resident-jobseekers who are able to bring a job home are those who have the support of their loved ones. Jobs search can be a difficult and lonely process, especially for jobseekers who may be mid-career switchers, seniors or back-to-work individuals. Having a friend and judgement-free encouragement will make the job search process a lot easier and help the resident-jobseeker not give up when the going gets tough. We hope that the goodFriends Network can plug the social gap and contribute towards a more cohesive and resilient community for Singapore.”

6        As part of the district’s efforts to move towards a localised job and skills ecosystem, the South West Community Job Fair will be brought to various divisions in the South West District, including Boon Lay and West Coast. The South West Community Job Fair @ Boon Lay aims to bring jobs closer to job seekers and residents and provide training, upskilling know-how and opportunities in partnership with community stakeholders. A total of 24 booths by employers, Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs), and training providers will be available at the job fair. Jobseekers who are keen to join the goodFriends Network will be able to do so at the various job fairs, including the one at Boon Lay. Please refer to Annex A for additional information on the various booths that will be available.

7        Photos for South West Community Job Fair @ Boon Lay may be downloaded from the following link (opens in new tab).