Inside HAVN's First Digital and Financial Literacy Workshop for Migrant Workers in Singapore

When I first started HAVN, our events were always lively, hands-on activities — carnivals, food drives, building community spaces. We focused on creating moments where migrant workers could relax, connect, and feel seen. But everything changed. We held our first-ever Digital and Financial Literacy Workshop for migrant workers in Singapore, and it was unlike anything I had done before.

I still remember walking into the room that morning, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. This was my first time running an educational workshop, and I wasn’t sure how the migrant workers would respond. Would they be interested? Would they find the information useful? I had prepared a session on preventing scams, something I knew was a pressing issue for migrant workers in Singapore. But I didn’t expect how deeply engaged everyone would be.

A New Kind of Connection

The workshop started with a simple question: “What do you know about scams targeting migrant workers?” The room was quiet at first, but then hands started to raise. One by one, the workers shared stories — some had been targeted themselves, others knew friends who had lost money. Their openness surprised me. It was clear this wasn’t just a topic for them; it was real and urgent.

I explained common scam tactics, like fake job offers and phishing messages. We talked about how to spot red flags and protect personal information. But what struck me most was how the workers didn’t just listen — they questioned and added their own insights.

Migrant workers attending HAVN's financial and digital literacy workshop at Westlite Dormitory

The Question That Made Me Pause

Halfway through the session, a worker raised his hand and asked a question that caught me off guard. He wanted to know how scammers could use social engineering to manipulate not just individuals but entire communities, and how migrant workers could build collective defenses against these tactics.

His question was sharp and thoughtful. It made me realize that financial literacy can be about community strength and trust. I hadn’t prepared for that level of discussion, but it opened a new door for me.

What I Learned from Supporting Migrant Workers

This workshop was a turning point for HAVN and for me personally. It reminded me that supporting migrant workers means more than organizing events — it means listening deeply and responding to their real needs. The energy in the room was electric. People shared their personal stories and their fears.

Some key takeaways from the workshop:

• Migrant workers want practical, clear information that they can use immediately.

• Interactive discussions help build trust and encourage participation.

• Community-based approaches to scam prevention can be more effective than individual advice.

• Youth volunteers in Singapore like me have a responsibility to keep learning and adapting.

  
  
  
  

Looking Ahead for Singapore HAVN

After the workshop, I felt a mix of relief and inspiration. Relief because it went well, and inspiration because I saw the potential for future workshops. We plan to build on this foundation with more modules on financial literacy and migrant worker rights. We want to create spaces where migrant workers can share their experiences and learn from each other.

This experience also made me reflect on the role of youth volunteers in Singapore; I partnered with Motus in Melius and Project Vero, two student-led youth groups fighting for the same goal. We have the energy and passion, but we need to stay humble and open. The migrant workers we support teach us as much as we teach them.

Hands-on Support during the Digital and Financial Literacy Workshop

Final Thoughts

Running HAVN’s first financial literacy workshop was a learning journey. It challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and listen in new ways. The migrant workers in Singapore showed me their resilience and sharp minds. They are not just beneficiaries of support — they are partners in building safer, stronger communities.

If you are interested in supporting migrant workers or want to learn more about financial literacy and scam prevention, I encourage you to get involved. Whether as a volunteer or simply by spreading awareness, every effort counts.

This workshop was just the beginning. There is so much more to do, and I’m grateful to be part of this journey with HAVN and the incredible migrant workers we serve.

–– Aditi Razdan, Founder of HAVN