10 MAY 2015 60 CENTS MCI (P) 044/12/2014
In this photo taken at the recreated boardwalk of New York City in Universal Studios Singapore, NTUC Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing chats with one of the families at the recent May Day Fiesta. 2 LEADERSHIP NTUC This Week 10 MAY 2015 Competitive Edge With Tripartism The biggest challenge in Singapore is to ensure that workers have good jobs and good salaries. By Ramesh Subbaraman
he paramount priority for the Labour environment and unique labour-management developed for them to move forward. Movement is to ensure workers have relationship. “In many other countries, the union is seen T good jobs and good salaries to take care “One of the things they talk about is as a problem solver, a party who helps you to of themselves and their families, regardless of the very special tripartite relationship manage conflicts. But in Singapore, the unions who helms the NTUC. that we have in Singapore between labour, are not just solving problems. NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Chan Chun management and the Government. One of “The union for many companies, when Sing, who assumed his role on 4 May 2015, the top challenges for us is how do we build used well, is a partner in their human resource was speaking to the media on 29 April 2015 on this unique relationship so that it is our development and an extension of their at NTUC Centre to share his plans as the new competitive advantage,” said SG Chan. training and re-profiling effort,” he said. Labour Chief. NO LET-UP INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY QUALITY INVESTMENTS AND He said there will be no let-up in this area SG Chan also wants to give greater focus to TRIPARTISM and no resting on laurels. The task ahead is to productivity growth, sector by sector and Mr Chan emphasised that some fundamentals groom a new generation of tripartite partners, industry by industry. in Singapore will not change, and that the starting from the young to ensure that in He elaborated: “In the next few years when environment for job creation in Singapore must the next five, 10, 15 years, Singapore enjoys it comes to productivity growth, I prefer not continue to be more positive with a competitive the same strong, if not stronger, tripartite to talk in generality. I prefer to look at each advantage compared to other countries. relationship. individual company and sector and examine “Other countries are competing with more This will be done not only at the macro the needs in detail. abundant manpower, cheaper manpower level, but at the sectoral level too so that the “And then we come out with specific plans costs, cheaper production costs and they are unique relationship brings about investments for the respective companies, unions gear up catching up in these areas. and with it, jobs for workers. their workers to be ready, and that is hard “The first issue is that we must have work. But if we do it well, then our workers a conducive environment to attract the UPSKILLING FOR ALL will continue to have a chance to upgrade their investments, and the type of investments we SG Chan said unions have an important role skills and earn a better pay.” must attract cannot compete based on prices to play in the area of upskilling, and that the “Our challenge is not whether labour wins and quantity type,” he said. Progressive Wage Model (PWM) is not just for or management wins, our challenge is Team SG Chan noted that one of the reasons low-wage workers. Singapore, and once the companies realise employers are prepared to invest in Singapore It also applies to the professional sector, this, then they will realise that’s where our to create jobs is due to the overall business where a structured career path is being competitive advantage is,” concluded SG Chan.
SG Chan: The task ahead is to groom a new generation of tripartite partners, starting from the young to ensure that in the next five, 10, 15 years, Singapore enjoys the same strong, if not stronger, tripartite relationship. NTUC This Week 10 MAY 2015 LEADERSHIP 3
NTUC Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing mingling with union members and their families on the second day of the May Day Fiesta at Universal Studios Singapore.
Workers stand to benefit with a strong Enabling and cohesive tripartite relationship. Workers By Fawwaz Baktee
TUC’s priority is to continue to might be striving and working very hard for ensure that the tripartite relationship ourselves and our families, but at the end of Without a strong, Nwith its partners is strengthened the day, if we are not able to work together, in order for Singapore to have a unique we will be no more competitive than many cohesive tripartite advantage to compete with other economies other countries,” he explained. relationship and in the world during difficult economic times. leadership, it will be Doing so will allow the nation to bring in QUALITY JOBS better jobs and wages for workers during SG Chan also said that NTUC is also difficult to achieve what both good and bad times. concerned about the creation of quality jobs. we can as a nation. All of This was said on 2 March 2015 by the “We not only want Singaporeans to have us might be individually then-NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Chan jobs; we also want Singaporeans to have good Chun Sing at the sidelines of the May Day quality jobs where they can upgrade and earn strong, and we might be Fiesta held at Universal Studios Singapore. better wages to better care for their families,” striving and working very He assumed the role of NTUC Secretary- he said. hard for ourselves and our General (SG) on 4 May 2015. NTUC is currently monitoring long-term families, but at the end of A strong tripartite relationship between trends of not only the number of jobs created, NTUC, the Government and employers but also their quality and types. the day, if we are not able has enabled ordinary Singaporean workers “We want our workers, especially the to work together, we will be to come together to achieve extraordinary older workers to have the chance to upgrade no more competitive than results for themselves, their families and themselves and also [provide] opportunities their country, said SG Chan. for younger workers to fulfil their potential,” many other countries.” “Without a strong, cohesive tripartite said SG Chan. NTUC Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing relationship and leadership, it will be difficult He added that NTUC will continue to work to achieve what we can as a nation. All of with the relevant economic agencies to realise us might be individually strong, and we these aims. 4 LEADERSHIP NTUC This Week 10 MAY 2015
“The Labour Movement’s largest priority is to help our workforce to build a better tomorrow. We will face these problems as one and tackle them together,” says SG Chan.
ALL-INCLUSIVE LABOUR MOVEMENT relevant to the Chinese Studies degree she One of the misconceptions that SG Chan took. Another caller nearing 70 years old was Staying sought to clarify was that NTUC only helps concerned about being able to upgrade and Low-Wage Workers (LWWs). He shared that stay relevant at his age. He also shared that the Labour Movement’s plans are not just courses are offered only in English, which he Relevant for LWWs, but also for white-collar workers is not proficient in. or Professionals, Managers and Executives SG Chan suggested that workers approach (PMEs). both the Devan Nair Employment and Into He said: “All the initiatives and Employability Institute (e2i) and NTUC programmes for LWWs are also applicable LearningHub for assistance, since they were for these PMEs. For example, a manager specifically set up to help with employment overseeing a small business of five to 10 and employability matters. Tomorrow people is very different as compared He advised all workers to work with an to a manager of a big business e2i facilitator to identify their strengths NTUC Secretary- with more than 100 and talents to get a better match with a personnel.” prospective employer as well as learn General Chan He added that how to improve themselves. although both are Chun Sing urges all managing, they NEVER GIVING UP have very different With such a changing workforce, SG workers to retain responsibilities. It is Chan said there is a need for workers their competitive crucial that managers of to remain competitive by adding value small businesses continue to their existing skills. He urged all edge through to learn and upgrade workers not to be discouraged and themselves, so that when to continue on their journey upskilling. they are eventually tasked with of lifelong learning. By Ryan Chan a bigger role, they will be “Be it young, prepared. middle-aged or eing the best today does not guarantee elderly workers, that you will have sufficient and UPSKILLING FOR ALL everyone has the necessary skills to stay on top WORKERS challenges they B During the interview, six face. The Labour tomorrow. This is the reason NTUC Secretary- callers, both young and Movement’s General (SG) Chan Chun Sing emphasised old, phoned in to seek largest priority again the need for skills upgrading to meet advice from SG Chan, is to help our the requirements of the dynamic working with almost all of them workforce to world of today. seeking to upgrade their build a better SG Chan was giving a radio interview in current jobs. tomorrow. We Mandarin with Capital 95.8FM on 5 May One caller was a will face these 2015, where he recommended creative young graduate, who problems as one solutions for different people calling in with shared there were not and tackle them various issues. many jobs that were together,” he said. NTUC This Week 10 MAY 2015 LEADERSHIP 5 Workers And Skills Upgrading Here are the highlights of the new Manpower Minister’s views on current labour issues from two recent current affairs programmes.
By Ramesh Subbaraman and Ryan Chan
Channel 5 Channel 8 ‘Talking Point’ (5 May) ‘Hello Singapore’ (6 May)
HELPING PMES UPLIFTING LWWS Stepping up efforts to encourage Professionals, Mr Lim spoke about the importance of helping Managers and Executives or PMEs to upgrade Low-Wage Workers (LWWs) to progress, themselves when they still have jobs will be a focus and cited the Progressive Wage area for new Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say. Model (PWM) as an example Calling this “futurise” through lifelong of one of the ways the Labour learning, Mr Lim shared on how the tripartite Movement is helping. partners are working together to help PMEs who “PWM will not just increase face challenges in a restructuring economy. wages for LWWs, but also “One is how can we help our PMEs to have allow them to upgrade fair treatment at the workplace, whether it is themselves. After fighting for promotion, whether it is appointment even PWM to be implemented, I am retrenchment, to make sure that the PMEs are very happy to say that we (the treated fairly. Labour Movement) managed “The second area which we think a lot more to reach the goal of making it can be done is in professional upgrading. How mandatory (for the security and can we help our PMEs of today to deep-skill, to landscape sectors) next year,” he said. do the job of today better, and at the same time horizontal-skill them so that if they need to cross e2i’S ROLE to another sector, they have the basic quality to He also went on to move on,” he explained. explain how the Devan Nair Employment EARN AND LEARN and Employability In the area of skills upgrading, Mr Lim explained Institute (e2i) can the role that SkillsFuture will play in the years help these workers. ahead and focussed on the Earn and Learn “The idea behind programme. e2i is to help LWW Earn and Learn is a work-study programme on two fronts. Many for fresh graduates from polytechnics and the LWWs do not have Institute of Technical Education (ITE) that is good enough jobs, designed to better support their transition into so we need to make the workforce. their jobs better; “Under the Earn and Learn programme, we many LWWs are not are bringing in new job entrants together with highly skilled, so the industry and together with it, providing the we have to upskill incentives so that hopefully, more companies them. We need to would be more receptive to take in new graduates move on both fronts and hopefully new graduates would be more so as to achieve receptive to starting work and learning at the better skills and same time. better jobs, such “At the end of the day, we would like to create that both progress different paths. For those who want to pursue in tandem,” said degrees, go ahead. For those who prefer to start Mr Lim. working, acquire some working experience before they go back to school, go ahead,” he explained. Mr Lim emphasised that any economy, workforce or country has more to gain if it is able to embrace the future ahead of the competition. 6 MAY DAY SPECIAL NTUC This Week 10 MAY 2015 Sheer Will And Power NTUC This Week showcases three leaders that Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong highlighted in his May Day Rally speech as being the embodiment of Labour Movement ideals. By Geraldine Peters and Ryan Chan
ABDUL RAHMAN MAHBOB SEAH TENG KIA Starting his illustrious union career with the City Council Staff Union in 1960, Seah Teng Kia’s journey in the Labour Mr Abdul Rahman Mahbob joined and served various unions before becoming Movement started in 2006, where he had the Chairman for the then newly formed Union of Power and Gas Employees (UPAGE) opportunity to join the United Workers of in 1995. He subsequently became UPAGE’s President and served till 2007. Petroleum Industry (UWPI) as a member of the Apart from being the editor of UPAGE’s newsletter and overseer to the Executive Committee. Today, he is the Branch launch of its official website, Mr Mahbob also helped look after the interests Chairman and Vice-President of UWPI. of members during the dire time of Temasek Holdings’ divestment of a few Under him, membership has grown to Singapore Power Generation companies in 2007. its largest, with his role as the Chairman of PM Lee said: “He started off in 1958 as a clerk in PUB in 1958, paid $155 Young NTUC enabling young activists to come a month. He lived through racial riots and strikes, he through. His leadership has helped his members worked hard, upgraded himself and now is retired and to grow, with one of his recent successes being enjoying the fruits of his lifelong work. He owns his the introduction of the Progressive Wage Model four-room flat, fully paid up. (PWM) to his company. “His children are doing well, youngest son was the PM Lee said: “Another much younger Youth Entrepreneur of the Year two years ago, his tribute speaker, Brother Seah Keng Tia shared daughters are managers. His granddaughter won how as a young person, he himself personally gold in the shooting team at the Commonwealth benefited from Mr Lee’s work. His parents Games in 2010. own a small hardware shop in Ching Tien. He “How is it possible that an ordinary person like went to Polytechnic but was too playful, nearly Brother Rahman who started out with nothing failed and almost dropped out. But he learned can have his children do well, his granddaughter his lesson, recovered, picked himself up, took excel on the world stage and bring honour to supplementary papers and Singapore? It is their hard work and talent, but eventually graduated with a also it’s the Singapore system that enabled them to diploma. develop to their full potential.” “Today, he works in the petrochemical industry and is planning to upgrade himself further at the Ong GOVINDASAMY MUTHUKUMARASAMY Teng Cheong Labour Govindasamy Muthukumarasamy has been the General Secretary of the Leadership Institute. Amalgamated Union of Public Daily Rated Workers (AUDPRW) since 2002, and “How is it has always been a staunch believer of upskilling. possible for a young When the Government first introduced the National Skills Recognition person like Brother System (NSRS) in 2000, he pushed for clauses in Collective Agreements (CA) for Keng Tia to enjoy incentives to be given to workers who complete training courses. Under him, the opportunities in a union has worked with the National Environment Agency thriving Oil and Gas (NEA) on a Job Re-Design project that saw workers industry, in a country enjoying a 20 per cent wage increase after completing which produces no oil Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) courses. and no gas? Mr Kumar spoke at the State Funeral Service “It’s hard work, of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, a eulogy that good teamwork, was highlighted in PM Lee’s May Day Rally good leadership and speech as one that made him feel proud. it is his determination PM Lee said: “Kumar and drive, but also represented where Mr Lee started our system, the in politics, what he fought for all government’s policies, his life and the kind of society he the industries we grew, sought to build – and did build. the opportunities we “(It is remarkable)… to have created, which made all a Daily Rated Employee union the difference.” leader stand tall, equal with all the others – Presidents, former ministers, leaders – and speak about how Mr Lee changed his life and share… personal stories with pride.” NTUC This Week 10 MAY 2015 MAY DAY SPECIAL 7
(1980s) LIM THIAM SOONG, 55, TRAIN CAPTAIN, SMRT In 1986, Mr Lim Thiam Soong started his career in SMRT driving diesel locomotives, and was tasked to transport engines and cables to workers building the MRT line. When the first MRT line opened in Singapore in 1987, Mr Lim became one of the pioneer Train Captains who drove trains from Yio Chu Kang to Braddell. In his 28 years of service in SMRT, Mr Lim was trained to drive four generations of trains. Train operators had to manually drive the first generation of trains unlike the ones today, which are mostly computerised.
Keeping Pace With Changes Outgoing NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Lim Swee Say honours workers who have kept up with the times at the May Day Rally.
By Fawwaz Baktee
(1960s) V VENGADASALAM, 65, TECHNICAL OFFICER, SINGAPORE POWER When Singapore began replacing overhead cables with safer underground ones in the 60s, Mr V Vengadasalam was tasked to install 22Kv cables and commission substation projects. Some of the physical tasks he had to do then were the laying of pipes to aid in the positioning of heavy transformers and cables. Over the years, Mr Vengadasalam has seen his job transform from manual labour to something more technical in nature. Today, the 65-year-old supervises contractor workers and assists engineers with switching duties, cable identification and spiking of power cables. (1970s) MARTIN VERGHESE, 70, ASSOCIATE TRAINER, PSA INSTITUTE In 1972, Associate Trainer Martin Verghese became a Quay Crane and Van Carrier Operator, and was the first batch of PSA employees to undergo machine operation training. He was involved in unloading the first containership to berth Singapore at Tanjong Pagar Terminal. In his later years at PSA, Mr Verghese took on the role of a trainer, guiding other PSA employees on the operations of new types of cranes such as yard stack cranes. To do so, he had to keep up with the evolution of the port industry, constantly upgrade and learn new skills. According to Mr Verghese, the evolution of the port industry has also caused the change in training methods. Decades ago, the hands-on approach was the way to teach trainees on the operation of the cranes. Today, training is done through a crane simulator. 8 MAY DAY MODEL PARTNERSHIP AWARDS NTUC This Week 10 MAY 2015
A Horticulture Executive sees his career blossom through upgrading and developing his skills for all things green.
By Geraldine Peters
Budding Mr Lisut out in nature at work: inspecting his latest flower installation at the Jurong Bird Park.
since taken an interest in courses as well. The ripple effect did not go unnoticed with Aspirations his management, as he is now nominated for a May Day Model Partnership Award arrying an ever-present smile and a REAPING THE HARVEST (MDMPA) 2015. cheerful demeanour can only mean that Inspired by Dr Khor’s words, Mr Lisut joined His three children, aged 22 to 29, are C Horticulture Executive Lisut Ahzahari the Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment very happy with the validation of their Bin Noordin, 52, loves his job. Union (AREU) in 2004 after hearing of how father’s efforts and are now encouraged unions help facilitate such upskilling. with the belief that education does not SOWING THE SEEDS “All you need is the drive then the union have to end at school. So what’s next for Having worked in the mechanical field all his and your management will help you through,” Mr Lisut? life, Mr Lisut felt he needed a change as his he said. “I just want grandchildren!” he work was physically demanding and operated And help they did, sending him to quipped, “so that I can pass down to them on a shift schedule. Realising that he could do courses that helped him develop not just the value of hard work.” gardening as a profession was a turning point his basic gardening skills but also in areas of for not just himself but his family. professional communication. “I thought it would be a good switch in my Over the years, Mr Lisut devoted his time career as I already knew the basics from to gaining certifications to add to his initial tending to my own mini garden at home, plus Vocational and Industrial Training Board it would give me time to spend with my family Certification (VITB). He has since learned as the timing was standardised,” he said. skills such as trimming and pruning to hedge Upon getting the post of Gardener at manicuring and flower design – all of which the Jurong Bird Park 13 years ago in 2002, helped him achieve an Executive role last year Mr Lisut realised that passion alone for the with a salary that he is happy with. occupation was not enough in supporting “To be an Executive you must be an all- his family of five. He visited his Member of rounder, as my five-man team, inclusive of TO MAY DAY Parliament Dr Amy Khor who offered him me, always interchange our roles to keep the MODEL PARTNERSHIP some life changing advice. greenery top-notch overall,” he added. AWARDS, “She said that my salary will increase 23 MAY 2015 naturally if I upgrade myself and not focus SHARING LABOUR’S FRUITS too much on the figure, so I took her advice,” Mr Lisut’s dedication to upgrading himself has Follow @ntucsingapore for updates on he said. rubbed off on his colleagues as his team has #MDMPA15.
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IPHONE & IPAD NTUC This Week 10 MAY 2015 MAY DAY MODEL PARTNERSHIP AWARDS 9
AS A SUPERVISOR Now, Gary is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the luge, the safety of the guests, and conducting the training for new Driven staff. His experience has allowed him Through sheer to mentor and guide his junior staff in dealing with challenges enthusiasm and a of the job and help them progress in their career. positive attitude, Going beyond his job Skyline Luge scope, Gary has also used his marketing knowledge to help the employee upgrades marketing department promote and negotiate himself and lands a corporate deals with clients. Gary also took upon himself to undergo an supervisory role. external Diploma in Commerce (Marketing RECOGNISING PERFORMANCE Due to his stellar performance and leadership By Fawwaz Baktee Management). “I took the diploma in order to have a qualities, Gary is one of the nominees for the sense of achievement for myself. Instead of May Day Model Partnership Award. He is the just working and going through the motion youngest to be nominated this year. in the operations side, I wanted to learn how Speaking of Gary’s performance at work, rofessional, patient and passionate: These the business is run from a marketing and sales Skyline Luge Sentosa Operations Manager are three qualities that Skyline Luge point of view as well,” he said. Rab Sadir said: “Gary is a very optimistic Sentosa employee Gary Tiah portrays. By remaining positive and keeping up his person. He portrays an image which is P enthusiasm despite the challenge of managing approachable to the junior staff, which is very Soon after completing his National Service (NS) in 2011, 26-year-old Gary Tiah joined his full-time job, courses and a steep learning important... He is also a person who can think Skyline Luge Sentosa as a crew operator, curve, Gary eventually landed a supervisory out of the box to solve problems. That has left encouraged by his love for the sun, sand and role in the company. me with a lasting impression of him.” the sea.
NEED TO UPGRADE After a few months of working at the company, Gary’s good performance and attitude was noted by the management and he was eventually sent on upgrading courses to develop his skills to take on a supervisory role at work. Having completed the Executive Development Programme provided by Devan Nair Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), Gary learnt the ropes of running a business, and how to deal with different situations at work. He also took other upgrading courses on people management, leadership, crisis management and resource planning. “Some of the things you learn, you apply them not only at work but in life as well. The courses helped me prepare mentally for what to expect in different work situations instead of having to learn how to handle these situations as they come,” he continued. Like anywhere else, unexpected challenges do occur from time to time and Gary credits his seniors and managers who have helped him face them. “We maintain a very good and healthy working relationship. Whenever I encounter problems at work, they would be more than happy to help. If something happens and I’m not too sure of what to do, I’d seek advice from my managers and pick up the skills and knowledge they impart,” said Gary. Gary Tiah giving safety instructions to tourists awaiting their turn to ride the luge. 10 MAY DAY SPECIAL NTUC This Week 10 MAY 2015 MAKING A DIFFERENCE We continue to present to you a few more May Day Award 2015 recipients. Congratulations!
Mr Tan Ah Ee Friend of Labour Award
Mr Tan is a General Committee Member of the Orchid Country Club (OCC) and was recently appointed Captain of OCC in January 2015. Despite his busy schedule, Mr Tan always finds the time to participate in OCC’s events and activities, including supporting its NTUC LearningHub Pte Ltd vision to be a hub for tripartism. Plaque of Commendation He also interacts closely with members to find ways to improve the NTUC LearningHub (LHUB) has been in partnership with the Club’s facilities and services to better Education Services Union (ESU) since 2006, and this relationship has serve members and the tripartite translated into gains for both the company and ESU-LHUB members. partners. LHUB has been making concerted efforts to attract, motivate and As Chairman of the OCC retain its diverse group of employees – from back-to-work mothers, Disciplinary Committee from 2013 to maturing employees to Gen X-Y-Zs. As a result, the company has 2015, he was impartial and advocated received the People Developer status from SPRING Singapore. for diligent reviews to be carried out LHUB has also initiated discussions with ESU on the Progressive before any decisions were made by the Wage Model and the Re-hiring framework at age 67. Committee. This has enabled OCC to Through LHUB’s assistance in broadcasting information about uphold its integrity in its disciplinary union activities to its pool of adjunct trainers, ESU was able to process to resolve matters effectively. increase its visibility to adult educators. Congratulations
Brother Terry Lee Brother Tan Ah Ee Director Captain and General Committee Member SLF Leisure Enterprises (Pte) Ltd and Orchid Country Club General Committee Member Orchid Country Club on being conferred the on being conferred the Comrade of Labour (Star) Award Friend of Labour Award
1 Orchid Club Road, Singapore 769162 www.orchidclub.com NTUC This Week 10 MAY 2015 MEMBERSHIP 11 NTA Hits The 20,000 Membership Mark! The National Taxi Association’s (NTA) membership has doubled since its inception in 2010 to reach a new high.
By Ryan Chan
t was celebrations time on 2 May 2015 as MOVING FORWARD NTA’s membership base grew to 20,000 NTA will continue to work closely Imembers. It is a two-fold increase from with its partners to provide better June 2010, when the six taxi operators joined benefits and protection for taxi hands to form one national body for the drivers, as well as expand its membership country’s taxi drivers. base. Currently, about three out of five taxi from a whole suite of support and help Joining the 350 taxi leaders at The drivers are members. that NTUC can render to them,” said NTUC Coliseum at the Resorts World Sentosa’s Hard “The Labour Movement has been Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) Ang Hin Rock Hotel Singapore was outgoing NTUC generous in helping us (taxi drivers). With Kee. Secretary-General (SG) Lim Swee Say. the incoming Secretary-General Brother Mr Lim also shared that he will continue NTA also had a special mention for 30 Chan Chun Sing, I’m confident that this to look into the needs of taxi drivers in his workers and organisations that have shown tradition of the Labour Movement helping new role as Minister for Manpower. their support to the taxi community. They all collars of workers, whether employees or “It is the job of us as tripartite partners to were highlighted in three key areas: vehicle self-employed, will continue. take good care of you. But for us to do that, workshops where workers such as technicians “In fact, I’m confident it will be we need your support too, because unity is keep the taxis in tip-top conditions; taxi strengthened because Brother Chun Sing has strength,” he said. administration and daily operations; and discussed with me on different occasions on “… I will (continue to) work very closely supportive organisations who take care of the what more can be done to ensure that taxi with NTA to ensure that the welfare of our drivers’ health, wellness and safety. drivers and other freelancers can benefit taxi drivers will be well taken care of. 12 YOUTHS NTUC This Week 10 May 2015
Faces Of The
Future Live performances keeping the guests entertained. Now into its fifth he nEbO Spirit of Youth Awards INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION (SOYA) on 18 April 2015 provided a In 2014, over 100 community events year, the nEbO T glimpse into the future, with the host and activities had been orchestrated of winners potentially being the faces that by nEbO members, with half of them Spirit of Youth may one day shape our nation. conceptualised and executed by the Held outdoors for the first time at youths themselves. A total of 10 awards Awards recognises Sentosa Wavehouse, the ceremony this year – five team and individual awards each – outstanding youths saw over 550 people in attendance. were given out this year. With Singapore celebrating its jubilee “I would like to encourage our young who have shown 50th year of independence, Guest-of- people to champion causes that they’re great passion in Honour and Minister for Education Heng passionate about, to imagine new Swee Keat acknowledged the importance of ideas to take Singapore forward,” said giving back to the the youth leaders of today continuing Minister Heng. to have a positive impact on society community. and inspiring others to do good. By Ryan Chan
Commemorating SG50 Youth leaders and activists from nEbO have come together to launch a special publication in conjunction with SG50, titled ‘Singapore Turns 50! My Story. Our Aspirations. One Heartbeat’. Divided into four sections ‘Nice’, ‘Expressive’, ‘Bold’ and ‘Original’, which makes up the acronym nEbO, the book features 50 youths sharing their experiences and personal stories on how their work and aspirations contribute to the nation. “As we look back at our pioneers’ achievements this SG50, we can look forward with confidence too because our youths’ aspirations and hard work will continue to contribute to a better Singapore in the next 50 years to come,” said Ms Lim Kay Min, Director of Community Engagement & Membership at NTUC Club.
Young performers delivering a heartwarming performance at the Awards. NTUC This Week 10 May 2015 YOUTHS 13
The NTUC This Week speaks to a few of the winners at the nEbO Spirit of Youth Stars Awards 2015. EXCEL AWARD – BOON HUI LU, 22 With an angelic voice piercing the soul and tugging at heartstrings, much of Hui Lu’s involvement at nEbO saw her in competitions like U Fame 2013 and ENCORE, where she emerged as the top six. However, she decided to take on a bigger leadership role, spearheading projects like Magic Kidz, where the group worked with autistic children from Metta School to teach them how to do simple magic tricks to help them improve basic motor and social skills. This year on 24 January, she worked with the Care community to head the Uku Can Do It project, which brought music into the lives of kids at the Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home. She actively sought sponsorships for ukuleles, presenting them as gifts to the home. A total of 20 volunteers also taught the children how to play the instruments. “Winning is a pleasant surprise and it gives a little boost. But within the nominees, we having the award or not doesn’t affect the drive and motivation to continue the hard work,” she said.
YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD – LIM JIA JIA, 15 For Jia Jia, her passion for helping others stems from an experience close to her heart. Being half Thai, she often sees many poor people sleeping on the streets whenever she returns to Thailand. At her young age, she led the Food Rations Distribution activity, where she brought 23 youth volunteers to pack and distribute food rations to more than 20 low-income families. One of the groups of people she is also most passionate about helping is the elderly. Her first experience with them was on a trip to a home for the elderly organised by her school as part of their Community Involvement Programme (CIP) and it was through this experience that she realised how lonely they feel sometimes and the importance of caring for them. Last year, she organised for a group of elderly people to enjoy a magic performance. “The award gives good encouragement for others to join and give back to society. But I think that when it comes to social work, there is no recognition needed. We get enough reward from the sense of achievement from these events,” she said.
STRENGTH OF UNITY AWARD – POH YONG SHUN, LEADER OF TEAM STANDING STRONG, 18 Poh Yong Shun may be the group’s leader, but Team Standing Strong rotates roles when planning events to ensure that every member has a chance to take on leadership roles and spearhead events. First formed 18 months ago, the team – comprising Douglas Toh, Jasmine Oh and Benjamin Lim – have been busy achieving many milestones. They were winners of the Inspiration of Tomorrow in their first year, with Douglas and Yong Shun also recognised at the Young Achiever Award.“We were rather surprised when we won, as awards for team spirit are usually something the sports team excel at,” he said. Like his other members Douglas, Jasmine and Benjamin, Yong Shun first volunteered as part of his school’s CIP, an experience he found he learned a lot from. “We thoroughly enjoy planning events and helping people. It lets all of us keep in touch, and best of all, it gives us a sense of happiness and accomplishment knowing we are able to touch people’s lives and contribute to the community,” he said. 14 EVENTS NTUC This Week 12 MAY 2015 LM Treats For All! While the Labour Movement has been looking after workers’ interests at the workplace, it has also been stacking up a whole host of goodies in their live and play areas. Indulge in this variety of treats catering to one and all. (Left) Every Tuesday - FREE Admission to the Alive Museum Singapore Family Recreation & Fun What’s Carnival Here’s a chance for union members to unwind and bond Happening, with their families with the return of the Family Recreation & Fun (FRF) Carnival! Held since 2005, the FRF Carnival at Downtown Where East has reached out to many families of low-income members to help them achieve a greater work-life balance and better well- being. Members can look forward to a fun line-up of carnival games and activities, stage performances Every Day and lucky draw. Each family will be given a recreation package Free Treats! worth $150 which includes Enjoy free treats every day this month! Just flash your admission tickets to Wild Wild NTUC Membership Card to enjoy these fantastic deals. Wet, coupons for eXplorerkid and Every Sunday - FREE JWEL Ice Cream at FairPrice Xtra Orchid Bowl, and F&B coupons. Every Monday - FREE Squid Fries at The Manhattan FISH Mark these dates: 22 Nov and MARKET 20 Dec 2015, Downtown East, D’ Every Tuesday - FREE Admission to the Alive Museum Marquee. Apply by 10 Sep 2015. Singapore Eligibility criteria applies. For Every Wednesday - FREE Nestea Green Tea at Yoshinoya enquiries and application, please Every Thursday - FREE Délifrance’s Viennoise Chocolat visit: http://goo.gl/AIQ1z0. Every Friday - FREE $10 ZALORA Gift Card at Bugis+ Popup Store Every Saturday - FREE Timezone’s Powercard with 2 Game Credits Terms and conditions apply. For more information, visit www.powerofu.sg/powerofu/ntucmembership/ everyday_free_treats.html.
Labour Of Love Truck Look out for NTUC’s Labour of Love truck, which will be roving around Singapore in the month of May! Design your own U Care for Singapore – Celebrating SG50 card and write wishes for the nation’s golden jubilee. You can also pen words of encouragement on a specially-designed bookmark for U Care beneficiaries. FairPrice Foundation will donate $50 to U Care Fund for every penned message. For more information on the truck’s location and timing, please visit http://www.powerofu.sg/powerofu/ntucmembership/.
Correction: In the 3 May 2015 issue under the article “Making a Difference”, Medal of Commendation awardee Ms Aileen Tan’s designation was stated as Group Chief Resource Officer. Her correct designation is Group Chief Human Resources Officer.
A child being held up by her mother to get a better view of the fireworks display.
Participants of the May Day Fiesta watching a grand display of fireworks. MAY DAY WEEKEND! The May Day Fiesta saw some 35,000 union members and their families have themselves three The three-day fiesta gave union members a chance to spend quality nights of fun and excitement from 1 to 3 May 2015 time with their families. at Universal Studios Singapore.
The WaterWorld stage show was one of the highlights of the three-day Fiesta.
On 2 May 2015, National Taxi Association celebrated their 20,000 membership milestone at the Hard Rock Hotel Coliseum.
Milestone celebrations: Currently, three out of four taxi drivers are union members.