Singapore-based Exotic Office Solutions champions the idea of hiring ex-convicts to reignite their lives with passion via smart office tech

Jaden Tan of Exotic Office Solutions is an advocate for inclusive hiring to tackle the issue of automation's mixed reputation in recent times due to the rise of AI.

As the technologies continue to be integrated into more industries, discussions about workplace automation often center on maximizing productivity, increasing efficiency, and more cautiously - its potential impact on hiring and job security.

But what if from another perspective, automation could foster more inclusive and equitable workplaces with greater opportunities for learning?

This is what the company is striving for by letting automation and related systems handle repetitive and mundane tasks, employees at all levels from managers to interns could work more efficiently which in turn allows them to focus on on-the-job training and upskilling for roles that require creativity, strategic thinking, and the human touch.

This advantage is particularly significant for individuals such as ex-offenders and the underprivileged, who often enter the workforce at a disadvantage and are confined to menial tasks with little room for career progression.

Having faced similar challenges himself, Tan is committed to creating learning opportunities for marginalized individuals in the workplace. At Exotic Office Solutions, he has implemented automation-driven workflows both internally and across hundreds of client offices. His efforts have earned industry recognition, including ‘Emerging Brand 2023,’ ‘Best SME Workplace 2024,’ and the SME500 Award for three consecutive years (2022–2024).

Beyond business, he views these initiatives as a way to support national reintegration programs such as Singapore’s Yellow Ribbon Project while helping companies align with the nearly 90% of Singaporeans who prefer to support socially responsible organizations.

Tan acknowledges that trust remains a key barrier to hiring ex-offenders and marginalized individuals. To address this, he shared insights on how office automation can help businesses create more transparent and trustworthy environments, covering topics such as:

• How office automation technology can break down barriers and provide opportunities for overlooked individuals.
• Ways technology can foster transparency and build trust between employers and employees.
• His personal journey from ex-offender to entrepreneur and his vision for a more inclusive business landscape in Singapore.