Each Sunday, while many enjoy a day of rest, hundreds of Indonesian migrant workers in Singapore gather to study and build a better future. At the heart of this transformation is Development Singapore, a non-profit organization offering free education and skills training for domestic workers who dream of more.
A Path From Domestic Work to Business Ownership
Karlina, a 43-year-old domestic worker, has spent nearly two decades in Singapore. Now, she’s focused on preparing for life after migration.
“I’m very interested in skincare. I want to open my own facial salon when I go home,” she said.
Karlina is one of over 3,000 Indonesian women who have attended classes at Development Singapore. Another student, Nurul Aida, 26, shares the same ambition: “I won’t work in Singapore forever.”
The Founders’ Vision: Education as a Way Out
Development Singapore was founded in 2007 by Harun Lie and Josanti Cornelius Huwae Kaidoen, who were moved by the challenges faced by migrant workers and the communities they left behind.
Harun, a pastor in Singapore, saw firsthand how family structures were disrupted when mothers had to leave their children behind to seek work abroad. He met one domestic worker who cried for two weeks after arriving—she had left a 4-month-old baby behind in Indonesia.
Together with Josanti, a former teacher, they built a curriculum aimed at providing education up to high school level in partnership with an institution in Batam. The program later expanded to include diploma courses, entrepreneurship training, and digital skills.
From Classroom to Career: Real Success Stories
Two former students now hold managerial positions—one as a hotel manager in Central Java, and another as an assistant manager in Batam. Others have started businesses, become teachers, or even taken on leadership roles in their villages.
- Nurul Fatimah, now runs a motorcycle rental business in Bali, growing from just two motorcycles to 34.
- Sulit Sukesi returned home and became a village chief in Central Java.
- Some alumni are even pursuing master’s degrees.
Practical Skills for Real-Life Application
In collaboration with Indonesia’s Ciputra Entrepreneurship Center, Development Singapore offers practical courses including:
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial literacy
- English language
- Makeup and beauty skills
- Social media and digital marketing
- Graphic design and video editing
Using tools like Canva and CapCut, students like Aster have started promoting their businesses while still working in Singapore.
Powered by Volunteers and Passion
The organization runs weekly training sessions costing around S$1,000, funded entirely through donations and volunteers. Classes are free for all students.
Volunteers include entrepreneurs, professionals, and university students from Singapore and Indonesia. Elda, a makeup teacher, commutes from Batam every two weeks. Yobel, a graphic designer, teaches video editing using his professional expertise.
“The students inspire me. Despite being far from home, they have such strong motivation to learn,” said Yobel.
A Future Beyond Borders
Each course runs for about three months, and many students return to enroll in other programs or pursue higher education through online universities.
“We want them to go home not only with savings, but also with skills, knowledge, and the courage to start something new,” said Sri Redjeki Widjaja, Development Singapore’s current coordinator.
With a growing network of alumni, the ripple effect continues—impacting families, creating jobs, and inspiring communities across Indonesia.
Conclusion
Development Singapore has changed the lives of thousands of Indonesian migrant workers, proving that education and empowerment can turn hardship into hope.
From domestic workers to entrepreneurs, educators, and leaders, these individuals are building a better future—one skill at a time.
