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Speaking on a panel on social impact at the SBF conference, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Dinesh Vasu Dash said some companies want to do good, but struggle with getting started<\/span> or knowing where the needs are.\u00a0<\/p>\n On the other hand, the mayor for the South East District said the Community Development Councils would know where the needs are.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we partner with businesses, we can then help to direct your resources towards areas where the impact might be highest,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n Mr Neo said the government has been working with businesses and community organisations to make it easier to give back, and VolunteerInc will build on these efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n VolunteerInc hopes to make it easier and more impactful for businesses of all sizes to volunteer their time and skills, he said. It will reduce constraints by connecting businesses and volunteer opportunities tailored to size, interests and capabilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Mr Neo said SBF has partnered with more than 50 businesses and deployed 500 employees to volunteer in the community over the past nine months, while more than 120 businesses have indicated interest.<\/span><\/p>\n Creating quality jobs is also a way for businesses to drive social change, helping workers thrive as the nature of work changes, said Mr Neo.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cA good job isn\u2019t just a good paycheque. It is a pathway to dignity, stability, and social mobility,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n Businesses that invest in fair wages, skills development and inclusive hiring help ensure Singapore\u2019s progress is shared by all. That builds a stronger, more cohesive Singapore, and provides a stronger environment for businesses, he added.<\/span><\/p>\n Noting that AI is reshaping work, Mr Neo said Singapore must find a strategy that makes sense for workers and businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis means investing in and deploying AI in ways that amplify the value of our human capabilities \u2013 such as judgment, relationships and trust, and investing where AI can open up new horizons, new roles and new career opportunities,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nJOB CREATION AND SKILLS<\/h2>\n