SBF Foundation Youth Connections Programme

What transforms youthful potential into real-world success? For eight students at Singapore Polytechnic, it was not textbook lessons or online tutorials—it was the chance to sit face-to-face with seasoned professionals who have navigated the complexities of their industries.

Through Youth Connections, an initiative spearheaded by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) Foundation that connects young individuals, including youth-at-risk, with accomplished business leaders as positive role models, these aspiring minds were given rare insight into the challenges, triumphs, and opportunities that await them in the professional world.

For KPMG, one of the programme’s key supporters, it was a strategic project in shaping the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers. The programme created a space for fostering meaningful connections that empowered students to expand their professional networks, build the confidence to face future challenges, and nurture their career aspirations at a formative stage in their lives.

Our participation was a living example of KPMG’s broader mission to empower young people globally, driven by its 10by30 initiative to impact 10 million youth by 2030. This commitment took on real meaning through the personal, powerful stories that unfolded over two months—stories where learning went both ways, lives were touched and futures were reimagined.

Dawn Westerhout, Head of Corporate Affairs and Marketing for KPMG Asia Pacific, explains the synergy between 10by30 and Youth Connections. “One of KPMG’s goals globally is 10by30. The SBF Foundation’s programme aligns well because it allows us to actively contribute and exemplifies how we are investing in our future,” she says.

Dawn was among four KPMG leaders who embraced the opportunity to take part in Youth Connections. Together with Hanim Hamzah, Asia Pacific Regional Leader for Legal Services, as well as Yeo Lik Khim and Victor Lim, both capital markets group Audit Partners from KPMG in Singapore, they engaged with eight students from Singapore polytechnic between September and November 2024. 

These students, studying diverse courses such as business, accountancy, communications, media, computer science and engineering, were paired with business professionals of their choice. Over the two-month programme, they engaged in insightful discussions, shared meals and toured KPMG’s Singapore office, creating meaningful connections.

Lik Khim engaged with two students studying business and accountancy. They were given a tour of KPMG in Singapore’s dynamic workspace, including the firm’s cutting-edge forensics cyber lab – a testament to how the firm equips its thinkers with the latest technology to stay ahead. To further inspire them, Lik Khim introduced them to several young and experienced managers with similar academic backgrounds and had them share their career journeys.

While the youths made meaningful connections, KPMG’s managers also felt encouraged by the rewarding experience of lending support to their juniors. “It was a good opportunity for us to know the workforce of tomorrow, their thoughts on the present, the gap between polytechnic and university and what they could do about it,” Lik Khim says.

By the end of the programme, Lik Khim’s students expressed their interest in the firm’s internship opportunities.

Lik Khim also notes that over the course of their time together, her two young students gained more confidence. One shared that she now felt more assured about pursuing her dreams and ambition. This positive impact, which was evident after only two meetings, was a pleasant surprise, says Lik Khim.

“It goes to show that people face different challenges and may have self-doubt at times. However, there are different ways we can help them - even in small ways,” she says.

Victor Lim, whose Youth Connections students were pursuing studies in chemical engineering and banking and finance respectively, recounts a similarly worthwhile experience.

At their second meeting held over dinner, he asked them to prepare a drawing that reflected their identity and depicted their interests, concerns and aspirations for the future. “It was a great experience hearing from them about their challenges. It also allowed me to reflect on my own personal journey.”

For Victor, the experience underscored the importance of role models not only at the beginning of one’s career but throughout one’s working life. 

“We all lean on others at times. Offering our experience – our values, our view – costs us little but can mean much. The ability to help shape someone’s path is a privilege, a true hallmark of leadership.”

Hanim Hamzah is no stranger to guiding and teaching young adults throughout her career in the region. The Youth Connections programme, though, was her first time guiding teenage students. And while the two young men she was partnered with – one studying science and the other an arts course – benefited from hearing about her experience working as a lawyer in various overseas markets, she too gained insights into the challenges that young Singaporeans of different backgrounds face today.

“It’s invaluable to have mentor-mentee relationships outside organisational structures. A fresh perspective can be transformative,” she says.

As artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies reshape the future of work, global organistions like KPMG that are strategically positioned at the forefront of industry trends can provide young people in Singapore with valuable exposure and the assurance of the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace of the future.

The two students matched with Dawn were pursuing computer science and media studies. Reflecting on her time with them, she notes that students often focus exclusively on knowledge acquisition and analytical skills at school, with few opportunities to build their soft skills. Engaging with professionals through Youth Connections offered an opportunity for them to hone their interpersonal skills.

According to Hanim, her two students were daunted by the prospects of competing in the world of AI and rapidly-evolving technology. As she assured them, “In the end, traits like emotional intelligence, humility and listening will carry someone far. Building these skills is just as important as technical expertise”

The students who toured the KPMG office also learned first-hand that the firm is not just comprised of accountants and auditors. As they learned more, they were surprised at the many career opportunities that exist within the firm and the ranges of role and types of job that were available.

“I took them to the design room where they met the KPMG team and we talked about how design supports brand messaging,” Dawn explains. Lik Khim’s students, meanwhile, learned an important lesson about work life balance. “Their perception of auditors changed. They found out that auditors not only work hard, they play hard too!

“Each of our youth embarked on this programme with open minds and courageous hearts, eager to explore new possibilities and insights from others. Along the way, they’ve gained more than guidance, they’ve developed newfound confidence in their own potential.” says Jean Tan, CEO, SBF Foundation.

The 2024 Youth Connections programme may have officially wrapped up in November, but all four KPMG mentors plan to continue to stay connected with their youths. Victor, for one, has invited both of his youths to join a hiking trip with one of his audit engagement teams, so they could also hear from other people at various levels of the organisation. 

According to Dawn, the effort to make the difference can start small. “This is one of the ways that we can contribute. All these efforts, all the various little differences that we make, they all add up.”