Sakae Sushi offers second chance for ex-offenders

Sakae Sushi owner and North East CDC Councillor Mr Douglas Foo proves there is hope beyond bars.

Setting a lead in giving ex-offenders a second chance, Sakae Sushi is taking in over 100 inmates at a job fair tomorrow.

The sushi restaurant chain hopes more companies will follow in its footstep to help ex-offenders integrate into the community and get on with a regular job.

"It's not about their past baggage that we should be concerned about, but how they can excel in future," said Sakae Sushi owner, Mr Douglas Foo, 37.

These words ring true and inmates are not letting such a golden opportunity slip by. Many have come forward to enrol in various counselling and rehabilitation workshops.

Among them are Peter, 40, and Ali, 46. Both will soon finish serving their their jail term and are looking forward to showcase the skills they have learnt while in prison and they hope to secure jobs at Sakae Sushi during the job fair, which have openings for 380 inmates.

Nearly 1,000 jobs are up for grabs at the job fair, organised by North East CDC and the CARE (Community Action for the Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders) Network. They are offered by 18 companies, ranging from food and beverage, retail, to manufacturing and hospitality sectors.