The 33-year-old went through 'interview after interview, only to face rejection' by prospective employers when they heard about his blemished past, he said. Facing the same plight are low-skilled workers, the handicapped and dropouts.

Trying to change this is social enterprise Employers With A Heart (EWH). Founded early last year by Mr James Chua, the chief executive of private education provider Harriet Educational Group, it aims to encourage firms to take a more active role in social work.

'The cost of living is going up, and so is competition from foreign workers. Yet, some Singaporeans still lag behind,' he said.

With the help of EWH, Mr Rizal landed his first proper job in 10 years, as a sales assistant, when Swedish furniture store Ikea decided to give him a chance.

Under a work-and-study programme, he and other participants from various backgrounds are attending private school once a week for 16 months to earn a diploma. On other days, they work full-time at jobs sourced through EWH.

With the tight labour market currently, employers have to look at alternatives to fill vacancies, so EWH steps in to play matchmaker.

In return, the companies pledge to help in various ways, for example, by creating job opportunities, providing industrial training, sponsoring workshops or giving out scholarships to cover tuition fees.

'There should be a concerted effort by the corporate sector to look beyond profitability and address social needs,' said EWH manager Shannah Teo, adding that persuading companies to do their part has not been easy.

'Companies tend to be sceptical of the motives behind our work,' she said. 'There needs to be a change in this mindset.'

But progress is being made. So far, EWH has roped in about 50 companies to support its cause, including prominent names such as Ikea, Intercontinental Hotel Group and StarHub.

'We like the direction they're taking in what they're trying to do,' said Ms Nadine Coronel, Intercontinental's human resources project manager.

She said the group is exploring opportunities such as giving job training and having guest lecturers share their expertise in the hospitality industry, adding: 'We have a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, and we support employment of people from different backgrounds and nationalities.'

Separately, some firms are making efforts of their own. DBS Bank, for example, had no qualms about hiring someone paralysed from the neck down.

'DBS is an equal opportunity employer, and we believe in the principles of diversity and inclusion,' said managing director and head of group strategic marketing and communications Karen Ngui.

Smaller local firms are also playing a part. Harriet Educational Group, for one, has pledged $1 million to give partial scholarships to the needy. Food and beverage firm Zingrill, which manages the Breeks Cafe and Seoul Garden chains, is providing job training and employment opportunities.

For Mr Rizal, the work-and study-programme has boosted his confidence and taught him discipline. He said: 'It prepares me for a better career doing higher-level work. I can't stay a sales assistant forever.'

yanghw@sph.com.sg