Career fair for elderly job seekers get mixed responses from netizens

A career fair was held on Wednesday (June 15) at Pasir Ris East Community Club, targeting seniors aged 60 and above. The one-day Jobs-for-Seniors Fair saw about 800 vacancies from more than 10 companies. Positions for bartending, cook, basic care attendant, and service crew were included in the available positions.

According to a Facebook post by Pasir Ris Elias Community Club, the vacancies were in industries such as food and beverage, transport and healthcare. Some participating companies included supply chain solutions provider A-Sonic Logistics, Caregiving Welfare Association, Kentucky Fried Chicken Management Pte Ltd, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, and recruitment firm Cornerstone Global Partners.

“As we get older, it becomes more difficult to compete with those younger than us,” said Madam Ng to The Straits Times. She has worked several jobs and said some firms prefer younger employees able to learn quickly than experienced workers.

Another job seeker, Ramasamy Veerayan, 72, said he was willing to take any job offered.

He used to earn S$11,000 a month in an oil and gas company, although he doesn’t mind a pay cut as long as he can continue providing for his family.

New positions were also posted on June 16 at silverjobs.sg, a job platform for seniors.

The latest job vacancies include full-time positions for a healthcare assistant, mixologist and course administrator, with a monthly salary of S$2,200, S$1,600 and S$2,000, respectively.

Meanwhile, netizens commented on the news, highlighting certain issues with the system.

“Reality is many companies don’t really hire aged people,” said Facebook user Marc Tang while another said the only jobs available were security or cleaning positions.

“Most of the people above 60 yrs of age want to work as long they are active and healthy. However, the age of the person is also taken into consideration during a job interview,” said Facebook user Mt Rowsudeen. “Most of the elderly seniors are usually employed as cleaners or security guards.”

Many also said that the elderly should be enjoying retirement instead of working.

“60s still work, ah? Probably die at 70 plus…Just 10 years to enjoy retirement,” calculated Facebook user Bang Zul.

“Other countries, above 60 enjoy retirement by travelling & spending time with grandkids. Over here they’re ‘encouraged’ to work,” added Facebook user Zig Steenine.

“If someone has to work even at 72 to provide for his family when he should rightfully be enjoying his retirement, then something is seriously wrong with the country’s system,” said another netizen. /TISG

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