Young Singaporean Launches Initiative to Combat Ageism at Work

A young entrepreneur from Singapore, Lim Kai Ning, has launched a social enterprise aimed at combating ageism and supporting older workers in revitalizing their careers. At just 30 years old, Lim founded The Courage Chapter, a community that now boasts over 800 members, primarily consisting of professionals aged between 40 and 73, including former managers and directors.

The initiative provides various resources such as transition workshops and job placement opportunities, collaborating with well-known organizations like Unilever, the St Andrew’s Autism Centre, and Lions Befrienders. Lim’s journey into this realm began during her university days at Nanyang Technological University, where she co-founded CareerSocius, a project assisting job seekers in maximizing their career potential.

A pivotal moment occurred during a resume workshop where Lim encountered the harsh realities of age discrimination. A participant, expressing his frustrations, stated, “No matter how well you write my resume, I still won’t be able to find a job. Employers will reject me because of my age.” This candid admission left a lasting impression on Lim, igniting her determination to address such challenges.

After returning from an 18-month assignment in South Korea in 2023, Lim faced a significant decision. “I was 28 years old. I asked myself if it was crazy to give up the best years of my career to start a social enterprise. I was very torn,” she shared in an interview. Ultimately, she decided to embrace the challenge, launching The Courage Chapter in November 2023 and resigning from her corporate role in September of this year.

Creating Pathways for Mature Workers

The Courage Chapter is dedicated to fostering inclusive employment, specifically targeting age-related barriers faced by midlife and older professionals. Lim was recently recognized in the National Council of Social Service’s annual 40 Under 40 leadership programme, which honors exceptional young leaders in the social service sector.

One member of Lim’s community, a former general manager who lost his job during the pandemic at the age of 58, struggled to find suitable employment. Despite applying for various roles, including managerial and administrative positions, he faced constant rejections. “It was mind-blowing because there is literally no option for him,” Lim remarked, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of mid-career workers in the current job market.

Lim pointed out that many mature workers are often at middle management or above, making job opportunities limited and competition fierce. Even those willing to accept junior roles frequently encounter barriers. One case involved a chief financial officer being offered a receptionist position, rendering her extensive experience seemingly irrelevant.

Recognizing the need for skilled positions for this demographic, Lim has made it her mission to open up new opportunities. She proposed a unique “reternship” program to her former director at Unilever, aiming to allow experienced professionals to return to the workforce with mentorship and a collaborative spirit. The initiative has led to the creation of four short-term projects, including roles in procurement and high-performance coaching.

Lim has also partnered with various organizations within the social service sector, addressing manpower shortages. This includes collaborations with St Andrew’s Autism Centre and other charities, where she helps facilitate transitions for corporate executives seeking to enter social services.

Building Supportive Networks

To further assist mature workers, Lim organized a three-day program in collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic, where leaders from social services share insights and facilitate networking opportunities. These events have proven invaluable, as illustrated by one instance where a charity CEO interviewed four Courage Chapter members after a networking dinner, resulting in three job offers.

Among the individuals benefiting from this initiative is Joe Lee, a 42-year-old former general manager at a bakery-cafe chain. Lee, who is pursuing a part-time social work degree, expressed her frustrations regarding her job search after deciding to switch careers. She stated, “I couldn’t quite understand why. Was it my age, corporate background, or lack of sector experience?” However, her involvement with The Courage Chapter led to a position as a management associate at Lions Befrienders.

Lim has also introduced fractional roles for companies that do not require full-time positions, allowing experienced executives to work part-time while still contributing significantly. To help these workers adapt, she conducts half-day workshops focused on transition skills, emphasizing the importance of community support during challenging times.

“Retrenchment … is not something you should be ashamed of because I don’t believe that any role is fully stable these days,” Lim remarked. She advocates for the notion that mature workers are a valuable, untapped resource, bringing not only technical skills but also life experiences and extensive networks to their new roles.

An example of this is Lee Poh Wah, a 55-year-old former director of systems engineering who lost his job during a company acquisition. After helping his son transition to a new education center, he sought to return to the tech industry. Despite numerous interviews, he struggled to secure a position. Ultimately, he joined the reternship program at St Andrew’s Autism Centre, where he now contributes to modernizing their volunteer management system.

Another success story is Hao Kui, a 56-year-old former general manager who joined Lim’s network in November 2024. Hao, now working part-time on digital projects with Unilever, has seen his contract extended due to his effective contributions.

Lim’s vision is shifting perceptions about aging in the workforce. “In general, aging is seen to be a very sleepy, downward spiral,” she noted, emphasizing that many older workers wish to remain engaged and continue contributing meaningfully. “I don’t plan to retire,” Hao stated, reflecting a shared sentiment among his peers.

As Lim continues to champion the cause of age inclusivity in the workplace, her efforts highlight the importance of recognizing the potential and value that mature professionals can bring to various sectors.