In early 2014, he remembered supermarket outlets having only manned cashier stations.
Mr Johann, who wanted to be known by only his first name, said he was at a loss until facilitators from Project ReConnect showed him how to use the machines.
The project is an initiative by the Industrial and Services Co-operative Society Limited (Iscos), which helps former offenders and their families in their reintegration process.
Simple acts like using a handheld scanner and making cashless payments intimidated Mr Johann.
Referring to new technology, the 45-year-old, who is now a truck driver, said: "I had a fear of using it, so what they showed me was very helpful."
He is one of over 2,300 former offenders who have joined Project ReConnect since its launch in 2017.
It teaches former inmates, who have been in jail for more than three years, about government initiatives and practical matters, such as using Singpass and navigating the public transport system.
Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo commended the initiative in a speech during the launch of Iscos' new community space, Just BrewIN, in Jalan Besar on Sept 26.
She said that through the project, former offenders learn things that people usually take for granted.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 27, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 27, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
M2M to reunite for Singapore concert
It has been 22 years since they went away, but Norwegian pop duo M2M are back and coming to Singapore.
Industry sources say the author also wrote BTS memoir
Hybe's document on K-pop industry trends
Paddington Bear's 'high jinks' are back in third movie
LONDON - Paddington is back and he has lost none of his \"charm\" and \"high jinks\", according to English actor Hugh Bonneville, who again guides the trouble-prone bear through the third film in the hit series that saw its premiere on Nov 3.
Quincy Jones left indelible imprints on jazz, pop and hip-hop
LOS ANGELES - Quincy Jones, a major influence on American music in his work with artists ranging from Count Basie to Frank Sinatra and who then reshaped pop music by collaborating with Michael Jackson, died on Nov 3 at the age of 91.
Young Chinese pianist brings wealth of emotion
There are so many young Chinese pianists plying their art these days that it is easy to reduce them to Lang Lang, Yuja Wang, Li Yundi and the rest.
White faces, open mouths
Avant-garde Japanese dance butoh finds foothold in Singapore
Seeking sleep at Hoshinoya Tokyo
TOKYO In December 2023, I check into Hoshinoya Tokyo for a sleep retreat.
Explore the bustling Ginza and Marunouchi districts in Tokyo
Ginza, located near Tokyo Station, is one of the city's busiest high-end shopping districts.
Pastoral and scenic views at JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa
JEJU - The island bursts with juicy tangerines, and is where women well into their 80s free dive for seafood against a backdrop of dormant volcanoes and tea estates.
Connecting with the city's past at The Murray Hong Kong
Although brand-new hotels pop up all the time, restored heritage buildings-turned-hotels have an allure of their own.