[Photo: Former engineer Mohammed Shahfiran Salim (in blue) with his mentor, Mr Ori Sasson, an assistant professor in information systems, and other participants.]

By Sia Ling Xin

PROFESSIONALS, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) who are interested in working in another industry can now get help from mentors.

A new mentoring programme, set up by North East Community Development Council (CDC) and Coca-Cola Singapore, will match PMETs with successful individuals and role models.

They can seek advice on work-related issues, such as jobseeking and office politics, through six meetings in a year. After the year is up, the CDC and mentor will conduct a six-month evaluation of the mentee, where they will observe the mentee's progress. Then, if both parties are agreeable, the mentoring can continue indefinitely.

The programme was launched yesterday, and will run for two years. If successful, it will be extended.

A new batch of 15 PMETs will be picked every six months. They must be able to make time for the meetings, and be willing to learn.

The programme has recruited 15 PMETs and 18 mentors.

Five of the mentors are executives and managers from beverage giant Coca-Cola, and the rest are the North East District's councillors, some of whom are chief executives of hospitals and university lecturers.

The idea was mooted by North East District's mayor, Mr Teo Ser Luck, and Coca-Cola Pacific's director of sparkling beverage portfolio, Mr Shakir Moin. They felt that people might be reluctant to make career changes because they fear entering a different sector, and wanted to counter this problem.

Mr Teo said: "The mentors might not be able to assist technically, but they definitely can help to manage issues.''

The CDC sounded out PMETs seeking job aid, who welcomed the idea.

Mr Mohammed Shahfiran Salim, 31, a former engineer who wishes to go into human resource, said: "Joining a new sector is definitely daunting. It'll be great to have a mentor. I'm very excited about the programme."

His mentor, Mr Ori Sasson, a Singapore Management University assistant professor in information systems, said: "This is a good opportunity for me to help others, and I'm glad I can be part of someone else's life."

Another mentor, Coca-Cola Pacific's marketing capability manager, Ms Elizabeth Suwanto, said: "Mentoring is like accompanying a friend on a journey, and I look forward to doing that."

lingxin@sph.com.sg

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