21 August 2026 – 46 corporate participants from 27 companies came together on Friday, 21 August 2026 for the 7th edition of In Their Shoes, organised by SBF Foundation, in partnership with New Hope Community Services (NHCS) and the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH).
The day-long experience began with a guided Learning Journey. Through site visits, community sharing sessions and facilitated discussions, participants gained a deeper understanding of the work of NHCS and SAMH, as well as the lived realities of vulnerable communities. The experience encouraged participants to look beyond assumptions and recognise the complex barriers individuals may face in accessing employment and building stable livelihoods.
Participants then took part in a Poverty Simulation Workshop, navigating realistic scenarios involving limited finances, housing insecurity and systemic barriers. Under pressure, seemingly straightforward decisions became difficult trade-offs. The experience demonstrated how a lack of resources and support can narrow a person’s choices, even when they are doing everything they can to move forward. For many participants, the experience was both emotional and eye-opening, prompting reflection on how businesses can better understand and respond to the realities faced by vulnerable individuals.
A key takeaway from the day was the importance of moving beyond awareness towards action. Inclusive hiring is about recognising potential, rethinking assumptions and giving every individual a fair opportunity to succeed. This could mean reviewing recruitment criteria, adopting skills-based hiring, equipping managers to support diverse needs, or partnering with community organisations to create sustainable employment pathways. In Their Shoes prompted reflection on how businesses can help remove barriers rather than unintentionally reinforce them.
When businesses open their doors to those who are too often overlooked, they help restore dignity, build confidence and create a more inclusive Singapore for all.
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