He was one of 800 job seekers that thronged a job fair on Sunday morning organised as part of Sembawang GRC's Active Aging Festival.

Dr Maliki Osman, chairman for Sembawang GRC Successful Aging Committee, said this is the first time employers are brought in for a senior citizens event.

"We want to send a message that senior citizens can continue to be employed if they're physically active and able to contribute. Employers should see them as potential workforce they can tap on.

"If you look at recent turmoil in the financial market, senior citizens were affected. The residents I meet tell me they want to be financially independent and not be dependent on their children," he said.

More than 600 job vacancies were available at the job fair in areas like retail, food and beverage, service and healthcare sectors.