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Our Story

 

The SIM People Development Fund (SIMPDF) was set up to support Singaporeans from all walks of life in upskilling through access to learning pathways and experiences. Since March 2021, we are a registered charity with Institution of Public Character (IPC) status. Our donors are given tax deductions for their donations to SIMPDF. We are governed by a diverse and independent board of directors.​

Our focus is to serve four groups of people who fall through the cracks – the Dependent, Disabled, Disconnected, and Displaced. We do so by collaborating with partners who work closely with each of the four groups of beneficiary mentioned.

Purpose Driven Initiatives

SIMPDF addresses gaps in existing initiatives and offer help to those that do not meet the eligibility creteria. This is done through piloting innovative initiatives to equip individuals with skills to future-proof their careers.

 

Individual Grants

Facilitate education and skills development to enhance employability
and social mobility of learners

Enterprise Grants

Aid organisation transformation through innovative workforce
strategies

Research Grants

Build and make accessible new research knowledge in selected fields for individuals and organisations

Davin Raj S/O Daniel Raj

Davin Raj S/O Daniel Raj

NorthLight School, SIMPDF Study Award Recipient

I was pleasantly surprised to be selected as a recipient of the SIMPDF Study Award. I had never received an award before, particularly for being a good student. It was such a new experience for me and I was glad I received this award in the presence of my parents. The award supported my family and me financially to purchase daily necessities especially on days when their salaries were delayed. The award also allowed me to make personal purchases such as stationery and a new bag for school. I am grateful to be a recipient of the award. It motivates me to always give my best.
Emily Natassia Binte Jasferi

Emily Natassia Binte Jasferi

Higher Nitec, ITE, SIMPDF Study Award Recipient

I come from a large family of 10 with seven younger brothers. I am the eldest among my siblings, and my youngest sibling is only two years old. My father is the sole breadwinner of the family, and my mother is a homemaker. As the eldest child, I take on household chores after school to help in the family. The SIMPDF Study Award has really helped me with my schooling expenses. I do not need to stress over financial expenses, and this has helped me focus on my studies to achieve academic excellence. Thank you so much, SIMPDF
Muhammad Hasif Bin Yusof

Muhammad Hasif Bin Yusof

Nitec ITE, SIMPDF Study Award Recipient

With the SIMPDF Study Award, I was able to significantly reduce the number of part-time jobs I had to take up to support myself. This allowed me to concentrate on my studies and internship, through which I gained valuable industry experience. With the support of the award, I was also able to participate in school enrichment activities such as teambuilding events, which enhanced my schooling experience. I aspire to further my studies upon completing my NITEC programme, to broaden my career opportunities and achieve financial stability in the future.
Nadiah Binte Tuah

Nadiah Binte Tuah

Republic Polytechnic, SIMPDF Study Award Recipient

My aspiration is to have a stable job and be able to take care of my family. I aim to have a career that I love, in the same industry that I am currently studying. I intend to reach my goal by completing my diploma, and to take hold of every opportunity that will support my professional growth. The SIMPDF Study Award eased some of my financial burdens and allowed me to study without worrying about finances.
Soh Kai Meng Leonard

Soh Kai Meng Leonard

Singapore Polytechnic, SIMPDF Study Award Recipient

The SIMPDF Study Award provided me with valuable financial assistance which alleviated the burden of educational expenses and allowed me to pursue higher educational opportunities. Having received the award, I am motivated to perform well academically, so that I may gain admission to highly competitive university programmes, such as computer science and information security. This will enable me to kickstart my career in my desired industry – cybersecurity
Xavier Lim

Xavier Lim

Singapore Institute of Management, SIMPDF Study Award Recipient

I am extremely grateful for the SIMPDF Study Award which supported me in developing myself in the business development field, moving me closer to my goal of starting my own business. The award allowed me to focus on self-development be it in academia or skills acquisition without having to worry about my financial situation.
Sarah Loo

Sarah Loo

Singapore University of Technology and Design, SIMPDF Study Award Recipient

Thanks to the SIMPDF Study Award, I did not have to take on a part-time job to support myself. This enabled me to focus on my studies and self-initiated projects in preparation for my career. In 2023, my friends and I participated in the James Dyson Award: International Design Competition, and we emerged the national runner-up! We designed and built an affordable braille embosser out of a 3D printer for the visually impaired. Without the SIMPDF Study Awards, I wouldn’t have had the energy and time to hone my craft and participate in the competition.
Cheryl Tan

Cheryl Tan

Youth Intern

iShop@Heartlands Initiative

I hope to share my e-commerce experience and knowledge with the business owners to help them reach a wider audience outside of Boon Lay. At the same time, I can gain real-world knowledge about managing a business from the business owners, something that cannot be taught within the classroom.
Gordon Neo

Gordon Neo

Youth Intern

iShop@Heartlands Initiative

As a digital native, and someone familiar with e-commerce and data analytics, I can value add to the shop owners and hopefully boost their sales. I think it’s a great chance for me to contribute back to the community of heartland businesses that I grew up with.
Aisha Mohamed Sanif

Aisha Mohamed Sanif

Owner, PetiSejuk, Boon Lay Shopping Centre

iShop@Heartlands Initiative

Being a small business, our revenue is not very high. Also, with the COVID-19 pandemic, our customers’ needs have changed, with many preferring to shop online. I am open to learning from these youths to help my business do better through e-commerce. I also hope to share with the youths my experience in running a business.
Poon King Wang

Poon King Wang

Director, Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, SUTD

SUTD Research

Our partnership with SIMPDF is determined to help Singaporeans design a better and more resilient future of work. We will do this task-by-task, because we now can combine cutting edge technologies with research insights to make the most of everyone's talents.

[divilifeshortcode id=’30665′]

[divilifeshortcode id=’30665′]

Our Mission

Enabling Singaporeans to participate in the ever-changing marketplace by realising the potential of their life skills through access to learning pathways.

Our Vision

Successful bridging of opportunities for Singaporeans to fully participate in the economy.

Keeping it SIMPLE –

Singaporeans in the Marketplace, Pathways, and Learning Experiences

Our Differentiating Factors

 

We are a charity with a start-up mandate and mindset in that we are comfortable with uncertainties, and we believe in collaborating with partners on the ground across our four target groups of the Displaced, Dependent, Disconnected and Disabled .

Our primary focus is empowering individuals with valuable skills to thrive in life, employment and challenges. Adopting a targeted approach and informed by research, we aim serve to fill the gaps that are not addressed in the current landscape.