New S'pore jobs portal launched for North West District residents looking for work near home
The portal was launched on Aug 2 at the SkillsFuture Festival @ North West at Causeway Point in Woodlands.
SINGAPORE – Job seekers in Singapore's northwest looking to work near their home can now find opportunities more easily, with the launch of a new online portal which curates jobs in the North West District.
The district comprises Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, Nee Soon GRC, Sembawang GRC and Bukit Panjang SMC.
The
Jobs Anywhere @ North West portal, by NTUC's Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and FindSGJobs, currently has about 10,000 job vacancies. Jobs on offer include those at heartland merchants, such as hairdressers, and at hawker stalls, for stall assistants.
The portal was launched on Aug 2 at the SkillsFuture Festival @ North West at Causeway Point in Woodlands.
Mr Alex Yam, the mayor of North West District, said the jobs portal was developed in response to feedback from residents over the years.
'We understand that many residents face challenges finding flexible and part-time work opportunities near home, due to caregiving duties or other circumstances,' said Mr Yam, who is also an MP for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.
He hopes the portal will help such residents find suitable jobs at heartland merchants.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Opening of Woodlands Health has eased load on KTPH, sets standard for future hospitals: Ong Ye Kung
Singapore New vehicular bridge connecting Punggol Central and Seletar Link to open on Aug 3
Business Property 'decoupling' illegal if done solely to avoid taxes: High Court
Singapore HSA investigating teen who was observed to be allegedly vaping in MRT train
Asia KTM plans new passenger rail service in Johor Bahru to manage higher footfall expected from RTS
Singapore Tengah facility with over 40 animal shelters, businesses hit by ticks
Singapore 60 years of building Singapore
One such merchant is Mr Lim Kian Hong who runs Two Herbs, a herbal scalp treatment business. It has seven outlets, including one at Block 166 Woodlands Street 13.
He typically advertises job vacancies by sticking job ads in his shop window. He said he has found it difficult to find Singaporeans to fill vacancies even though he offers flexible work arrangements.
He decided to list the vacancy on the new jobs portal after being approached by Community Development Council staff. 'Hopefully more people will be coming in to interview for the job,' he said. He is hiring hair therapists, to help with tasks such as hair washing.
The portal lists both full-time job opportunities and flexible 'microjobs' which typically refer to short-term or temporary work.
A separate jobs portal, called the Heartland Job Portal, was launched in August 2024 for those looking to work near their home, though this portal lists job vacancies islandwide.
Speaking at the launch of the portal, Mr Yam also acknowledged that the job landscape has become increasingly competitive, especially for the youth. 'Beyond securing employment, our youths continue to face significant stress in their search for fulfilling careers,' Mr Yam said.
Mr Alex Yam, the mayor of North West District, said the jobs portal was developed in response to feedback from residents over the years.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Beyond job matching, the platform offers career guidance and employment resources, Mr Yam said. This is where youths can find 'the right advice and right upskilling opportunities as well', he said.
Ten training providers, including NTUC Learning Hub, James Cook Institute and Republic Polytechnic had booths at the festival, highlighting courses in the digital, green and care sectors. The care sector includes social services, early childhood, healthcare and community care.
Ms Kameeni Mehta, 56, visited the event to learn more about artificial intelligence courses on offer. She left having signed up for two AI courses held over the weekends, so she will not have to take time off from her job at an insurance company.
She said she was keen to learn a new skill, and picked AI to 'keep abreast with changes'.
'At a certain age, you just can't be complacent', said the Woodlands resident. 'AI is keeping everybody on our toes, and it's fascinating.'
The SkillsFuture Festival @ North West is being held at Causeway Point on Aug 2 and 3.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Times
42 minutes ago
- Business Times
From Singapore to the world: Homegrown leaders in emerging fields
Singaporeans are equipped to take unconventional paths, says Kajima's youngest leader 'If you are able to contribute meaningfully, there is room to thrive within global platforms,' says Luke Wu, managing director at The GEAR, Kajima. When Luke Wu stepped into a leadership role in one of Japan's oldest and largest construction groups, he did not just take an unconventional path, he redefined what leadership at the firm looks like. The 34-year-old is the youngest managing director at construction and engineering conglomerate Kajima, which is behind iconic buildings including Parkway Parade, OUB Centre and Resorts World Sentosa. Four years after joining Kajima in 2021, he rose to oversee The GEAR company, a new business unit within Kajima – the group's first and only overseas research and development (R&D) facility, as well as the firm's regional headquarters. Wu, who completed his law degree at the National University of Singapore, has always been drawn more to building ventures and ecosystems than to traditional legal practice. 'Early in my career, I worked across startups and innovation initiatives, where I saw how ideas could be turned into real-world impact. While moving into the built environment and a multinational corporation (MNC) like Kajima may seem unconventional, many of the skills I had developed proved highly transferable,' he says. What was particularly compelling was that the group gave him the chance to tackle complex, long-term challenges that shape the world we live in. He adds: 'Kajima, with its 180-year history, continues to evolve and was willing to back someone with an unconventional profile to lead a completely new function. That openness reflects how MNCs today are rethinking leadership and innovation.' Wu says in the process of building and leading innovation-centric functions in large organisations, he found that trust is foundational, translation or the ability to align perspectives and priorities is essential in implementation, and that long-term thinking matters. 'Real innovation does not happen on a quarterly timeline. It requires patience, consistency, and a clear sense of purpose. I was fortunate to be involved in the launch of The GEAR building, and the decision to set it up as a new function to build capabilities for Kajima and the region from the early days. The shift from physical infrastructure to innovation platform allowed me to bring my past experiences into something future-facing, rooted here in Singapore,' he notes. Located in Changi Business Park, The GEAR is a smart building that houses the technology services business as well as the open innovation platform of the Kajima group. Despite the journey being rewarding, it is not without prejudices. One of the biggest hurdles for Wu was earning credibility, particularly as leadership is often associated with seniority. 'One key lesson is that credibility is earned through clarity, consistency, and contribution,' he says, adding that he also had to get comfortable with not having all the answers. What also helped Wu was that he stayed curious, learnt quickly, and focused on the work and the people around. He adds that it is vital to be able to work across cultural lines, balance global expectations with local execution, and build influence through trust rather than authority. Singaporeans, he says, are often better equipped than they think for global roles. This is because people here grow up in a diverse, fast-paced society that teaches them the ability to work across systems and cultures. 'I hope my experience shows that young Singaporeans don't need to wait for permission to lead or stick to predefined roles. If you are able to contribute meaningfully, there is room to thrive within global platforms. 'Your training might start in one area, but with curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge assumptions, new paths can open up in unexpected ways.' Grooming Singapore's new tech leaders starts with collaboration and mentorship at SAP 'My early international assignments... have profoundly influenced my approach to teamwork and collaboration,' says Manik Narayan Saha, managing director of SAP Labs in Singapore and Vietnam. Much like how artificial intelligence (AI) improves continuously, Manik Narayan Saha is constantly learning to keep his ideas fresh. Such is his belief in upskilling that he has pursued numerous training programmes, including a Masters in applied finance in 2008, an executive education from INSEAD in 2016, and an executive programme from Stanford in 2023. And this motto has served him well in his 29-year career. Now, Saha is on a mission – to help develop a vibrant AI community in Singapore. The managing director of SAP Labs in Singapore and Vietnam says it boils down to collaboration and mentorship. Nearly all of the German enterprise application and AI company's new hires at SAP Labs Singapore are from local universities – about 90 per cent are from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). 'When we proposed setting up SAP's AI research and development (R&D) teams in Singapore in 2021, we used data on university and research rankings, and conversations with professors to back our pitch,' says the NTU alumnus. Currently, Saha oversees a team of 600 in Singapore and Vietnam. SAP has been in Singapore since 1989 and the office here is the organisation's first Asian subsidiary. In Singapore, the Labs team has grown to 410, of which 250 are in the AI division and as a global AI centre of excellence, it is filing patents regularly, says Saha. He notes that SAP's collaboration with EDB and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) not only helped accelerate the team's growth, but also aligned the company with Singapore's National AI Strategy 2.0 to foster a vibrant AI community. For instance, SAP, NUS and EDB announced in 2024 an industrial Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scheme to rope in about 10 PhD candidates in SAP research projects. The company also encourages cross-border partnerships to expand staff skill sets. 'We believe that these comprehensive approaches, including research collaborations and recruiting graduates into AI roles, will contribute to a more capable and skilled AI workforce n Singapore,' Saha says, adding that some of these employees could be the next generation of tech leaders here. Beyond that, Saha is a firm believer of international experience. This, as competition for global roles has intensified partly due to remote working, a broadened talent pool, and higher demand for better paying roles. Companies now favour candidates who can navigate complex global markets to drive innovation, so Singaporeans should be bold to embrace overseas opportunities, says Saha. 'My early international assignments to Dalian, China, and Seattle, United States, with port operator PSA Corporation, followed by my tenure as a trainee at US tech firm Sun Microsystems in 2005, and two years in Germany with SAP (2009-2010), have profoundly influenced my approach to teamwork and collaboration,' he notes. The overseas stints provided him with significant insights and appreciation for a myriad of cultures, which is crucial for any leadership role within a global company. Increasingly, having an international mentor or coach is valuable in handling the complexities of senior leadership roles, says Saha, who adds: 'This mindset, along with a commitment to continual learning, is instrumental in achieving success within global organisations.' Connecting science to save lives in a biopharma career at MSD 'I have always taken a liking to biological and life sciences since my teenage years,' says Luisiawati Khalil, director in global clinical trial operations for Singapore and Malaysia, MSD Research Laboratories. All it took was an optional course just before graduation to ignite Luisiawati Khalil's career in the biopharmaceutical field. The 'Good Clinical Practice' course in 1994 at the University of Surrey, where she earned her degree in nutrition and dietetics, was a game-changer. Further inspiration came in 2011 when she earned her Master of Public Health at the National University of Singapore. 'I attended it, and the entire contents just 'spoke to me',' she says, drawn by the fact that she can save lives through clinical work. And this is at the heart of what good clinical practice is about – to provide care for patients through excellent teamwork, flawless clinical operations, and collaboration with Singapore's top institutions. It typically involves diagnosing, treating, managing medical conditions, assessing patients and evaluating treatment outcomes. 'I have always taken a liking to biological and life sciences since my teenage years,' says Luisiawati, whose interest was piqued by the idea that she too, could play a role in drug development that gives hope to patients. That spark brought her to MSD, a global biopharmaceutical leader, where she has stayed for over 20 years and now serves as director in global clinical trial operations for Singapore and Malaysia within MSD Research Laboratories. Luisiawati, now in her 50s, started at MSD as a clinical research associate and climbed the ranks over the years to lead trials in oncology, vaccines, and general medicine. Her journey has been rewarding, but it has also been demanding. Monitoring clinical trials in hospitals is hard work, but the challenges invigorate Luisiawati. And there are plenty in this field – having to deliver under stress, to follow ethical and time-sensitive standards, to stay up-to-date with regulations, and policies in different jurisdictions that may not be as friendly for trials to be conducted. What adds to the shine of the sector for her is the fact that Singapore has many key opinion leaders in selected therapeutic areas. What this means is that the industry is vibrant and collaboration is plenty. It then ensures that Singapore is competitive and comparable to international standards, says Luisiawati. MSD, known as Merck & Co Inc in the United States and Canada, has been in Singapore for 30 years, employs over 1,800 people, and manufactures and supplies four of its top 10 global products from Singapore. Multiple functions including research, manufacturing, and commercial operations are located in Singapore, with its Asia-Pacific headquarters. The group has an extensive presence in Singapore and invested in expanding its operations, which include manufacturing facilities, an animal health site, a translational medicine research centre, and an information technology hub. In Singapore, MSD has made investments in excess of US$2 billion for manufacturing assets since 1997 and over US$240 million in research since 2009. So how can other Singaporeans excel in global MNCs like her? 'Go back to first principles,' says Luisiawati, who adds that people should remind themselves of what they are passionate about and good at. Another tip – be comfortable with the uncomfortable, she says. So what lesson has she learnt along the way that matters a great deal? Ask and Luisiawati will say it is best summed up by MSD's founder, George Merck: 'We try never to forget that medicine is for the people. It is not for the profits. The profits follow, and if we have remembered that, they have never failed to appear.' This, she says, 'is a tenet that gives me reason and purpose to wake up every day and do what I do'.
Business Times
42 minutes ago
- Business Times
DBS: A purpose-driven and innovation-led bank for Asia
IN 1968, as Singapore was just finding its feet as an independent republic, a bank was established to finance the future of a young nation. The Development Bank of Singapore as it was then known, DBS was tasked with nation-building, underwriting the industrialisation of a city that dared to dream. Nearly six decades on, DBS has not only become Southeast Asia's largest bank by assets but has also been recognised as the World's Best Bank multiple times by leading global publications. Yet, its identity remains deeply interwoven with Singapore's own journey. 'These developmental roots speak to our culture of purpose in nation-building and helping our clients on their growth paths,' says DBS CEO Tan Su Shan. From shaping skylines to seeding industries, DBS in its early years played a central role in Singapore's rise. Its involvement in strategic industrial projects laid the groundwork for Singapore's future in many sectors, including high-tech industries. It also helped develop pivotal real estate projects, including the Raffles City Convention Centre, then the largest commercial property development in Singapore. These projects not only transformed the cityscape but also sparked economic activity that propelled the country forward. Hon Sui Sen (left), Howe Yoon Chong (2nd from left) and S Dhanabalan (right) topping off the 50-storey DBS Building in 1974. All three served as DBS Chairmen. As Singapore developed, DBS evolved from a state-led development institution into a full-fledged commercial bank. It played a crucial role in establishing Singapore's financial infrastructure with pioneering innovations. The bank launched Autosave, Singapore's first interest-bearing current account, in 1980 and introduced PayLah! in 2014, driving digital payment adoption well ahead of the national PayNow system. In addition, DBS helped catalyse the development of Singapore's fledgling capital market, leading the stock market listings of iconic brands like Singapore Airlines and SingTel. The bank enabled participation of retail investors in new listings via ATMs – a global first. As a pioneer of real estate investment trusts (REITs), DBS launched CapitaMall Trust, Singapore's first REIT, and subsequently helped establish Singapore as Asia's largest REIT hub outside Japan. In wealth management, DBS worked closely with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to promote Singapore as a wealth hub, launching AI-driven platforms and championing sustainable investing. The integration of POSB into the DBS family further embedded the bank into the everyday lives of Singaporeans. 'The notion of being 'neighbours first, bankers second' further entrenched our role in society,' says Tan. 'We became more deeply embedded in the lives of Singaporeans – even right from birth with many parents opening their baby's first bank account with POSB.' Today, Singapore is positioning itself for its next phase of development beyond SG60 with a focus on technology and innovation, building a sustainable and green future, and fostering a more inclusive society. DBS is aligning itself to meet those national priorities. 'As a leader in digital banking and a strong champion of helping companies transition to net-zero, we will continue to reimagine banking to support the nation's ambitions,' says Tan. DBS is also growing its footprint in what it calls 'connectivity markets' such as the Middle East, Australia and the West, following the expansion of its long-term Asian clients into new geographies. 'While we remain an Asia-focused bank, our aim is to follow our clients as they grow,' says Tan. Banking with purpose While many companies speak of values and vision, DBS has built its strategy and operations around a simple yet powerful purpose: to be the Best Bank for a Better World. 'Being purpose-driven is part of our DNA,' says Tan. 'From the time of DBS' and POSB's founding as the Development Bank of Singapore and 'People's Bank' respectively, we have believed in good citizenship.' 'Core to this is our belief that as a bank, we can do well by doing good – that is, to make a positive impact by enriching lives, transforming businesses and serving the communities we operate in,' Tan adds. That ethos is embedded in the bank's core values as captured in the mnemonic PRIDE! (Purpose-driven, Relationship-led, Innovative, Decisive, Everything Fun!) These are not just slogans on posters but criteria in performance reviews and daily decisions. 'Being purpose-driven is the reason DBS – through POSB – banks underserved segments such as migrant workers in Singapore,' Tan notes. 'It also underlines our efforts over the years to democratise financial planning for Singaporeans, support small businesses, and bolster digital and financial literacy efforts.' In 2014, DBS established the DBS Foundation to expand its impact beyond banking. Over the past decade, it has committed S$130 million to causes that drive social good and environmental sustainability. Now, that commitment is scaling up. 'In the coming decade, we are upsizing our commitment to S$1 billion to foster inclusion and provide essential needs to Asia's vulnerable,' Tan reveals. DBS aims to be the Best Bank for a Better World, anchored by its belief in doing well by doing good which includes creating impact beyond banking. PHOTO: DBS Innovating for the future of banking Through the past decade, DBS has become globally synonymous with digital transformation. The lender's reinvention from a traditional bank into a tech-enabled one has drawn global accolades and positioned it at the cutting edge of the future of finance. 'Our culture of innovation is anchored on our entrepreneurial mindset and agile ways of working,' says Tan. 'We have organised ourselves around customer journeys, where cross-functional teams are empowered to experiment and deliver at speed.' Although it is already at the forefront of innovation, DBS continues to break new tech frontiers. Artificial intelligence, generative AI, and decentralised finance are not future ambitions but are already being industrialised across the bank's operations. DBS Token Services, a blockchain-powered platform for institutional clients, is one example of smart contract automation and tokenised asset services. 'We're doubling down on industrialising the use of AI and Gen AI to amplify productivity and reduce toil for employees, while driving more hyperpersonalised and contextual solutions for our customers,' Tan explains. DBS sees innovation not just as a competitive advantage but as a means to improve lives. 'Ultimately, we are leveraging technology to make banking simpler, smarter and more inclusive,' says Tan. Anchored in Asia, adapting for growth Unlike its regional peers, DBS has a unique footprint across Asia's three key growth engines: Southeast Asia, South Asia and North Asia. The bank's six core markets – Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, India and Indonesia – provide resilience and opportunity. 'Our diversified geographic footprint has been a source of strength,' says Tan. Adaptability, underpinned by a robust regional network, is also vital in today's volatile global economy. DBS has been working with its clients to reconfigure supply chains, explore alternative trade routes, and manage liquidity across jurisdictions. The lender also sees Asia's long-term fundamentals as unshaken. Trade outside the US – what DBS calls 'TOTUS' – accounts for nearly 90 per cent of global trade and around 85 per cent of GDP. Asia is leading the charge. 'Asia accounts for more than half of the world's middle-class households and manufacturing value add,' Tan notes. 'In 2024, the region contributed almost 60 per cent of global growth and accounted for more than half of global trade.' Intra-Asian integration, rising affluence and accelerating digital adoption continue to power the region. For DBS, this is fertile ground to deepen its presence, innovate locally and connect markets. Flying the Singapore flag high From its roots as a domestic development bank, DBS today operates on a truly global stage. The lender has been named the World's Best Bank eight times since 2018 by various international publications and has maintained its title as Asia's Safest Bank for 16 consecutive years. In 2024, its return on equity of 18 per cent placed it seventh among global peers – a position most banks from markets the size of Singapore's can only dream of. From left: DBS Chairman Peter Seah, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and former CEO Piyush Gupta celebrating the bank's 50th anniversary in 2018. PHOTO: DBS Tan credits a mix of structural strengths and the bank's own transformation drive for these accolades. 'DBS has been a beneficiary of Singapore's status as a key global financial centre,' she says. 'We have also leveraged structural megatrends such as the region's rising middle class, burgeoning wealth creation, cross-border flows and infrastructure build-up.' As DBS continues to grow across the region and beyond, it remains anchored in the ethos that built it: putting customers first, embracing change, and doing what is right. 'We are honoured to have flown the Singapore flag high on the world stage all these years,' says Tan. 'Going forward, we stand by an unwavering belief that by being at the forefront of change, and guided by purpose, we can create a future that is not just successful but also sustainable and impactful.'
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Florian Wirtz unfazed by huge Liverpool price tag
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Liverpool's Florian Wirtz arrived at Anfield for an initial £100 million that could rise to £116 million. LONDON – Florian Wirtz says his huge price tag 'doesn't matter' as he prepares for his first season in the English Premier League after a switch to champions Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen. The attacking midfielder arrived at Anfield for an initial £100 million that could rise to £116 million with add-ons, making his move a potential British record. However, speaking after impressing in a 3-2 friendly win over Athletic Bilbao on Monday, the 22-year-old brushed off the size of his transfer fee. 'I don't think about it. I just want to play football and how much money the clubs pay between each other, it doesn't matter,' he said. 'Of course the big challenge is to win the title again and it is the most difficult thing so (I will) try and just create chances and also work against the ball. 'I can also run a lot so (I will) bring this to the team and then with the ball I can make the team better and bring my teammates into better situations.' Liverpool face FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the season-opening Community Shield on Sunday and kick off their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth on August 15. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 25-minute MRT delay on EWL between Boon Lay and Buona Vista due to track point fault Singapore Hidden vapes and where to find them: Inside ICA's clampdown at land checkpoints Singapore Sorting recyclables by material could boost low domestic recycling rate: Observers Singapore SM Lee receives Australia's highest civilian honour for advancing bilateral ties Asia Trump's sharp India criticism on tariffs, Russia oil corner Modi as rift deepens Singapore More train rides taken in first half-year, but overall public transport use stays below 2019 levels Singapore BlueSG needs time to develop software, refresh fleet, say ex-insiders after winding-down news Asia Cambodia-Thailand border clash a setback for Asean: Vivian Balakrishnan Germany international Wirtz said he was relishing the challenge. 'There are some differences to Germany but I think there is also something I can learn and make me better so I am really looking forward to it,' he added. 'It's more intense and more physical, every player is really strong, really fast. That is what everybody is telling me.' Liverpool have spent more than £250 million so far in the summer transfer window on a clutch of new players including Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, who also came from Leverkusen, and Giorgi Mamardashvili. The club are understood to have made a bid of around £110 million plus potential add-ons for unsettled Newcastle striker Alexander Isak last week, which was rejected. Manager Arne Slot said after two friendlies against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on Monday that there was 'always room for improvement' despite the club's march to a record-equalling 20th league title last season. 'We've added a few, in my opinion, extra weapons,' said the Dutchman. 'So, Florian has a lot of creativity in the final third. We've lost with Trent (Alexander-Arnold, who has signed for Real Madrid) a lot of creativity from the back. 'Trent's crosses and picking out runners was so special – I think Flo has this quality as well in a totally different position.' Liverpool paid tribute to late forward Diogo Jota in their first matches at Anfield since the forward and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain last month. Slot said in his programme notes that it had been a 'tough time for everyone connected with the club, but especially for Diogo's family, his wife, his children and friends'. 'We cannot imagine the pain that they have been going through, and the club will continue to give them all the support they can going forward,' he wrote. 'We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.' AFP
