SINGAPORE SPIRIT Fearless, fiery, feisty! Singaporeans from all walks of life continue to channel this unique energy and vibe to power the Lion ...
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07 AUGUST 2016
60 CENTS
MCI (P) 028/12/2015
SINGAPORE
SPIRIT
Fearless, fiery, feisty!
Singaporeans from all walks
of life continue to channel
this unique energy and
vibe to power the Lion City
forward into the future.
2 NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL NTUC This Week 07 AUGUST 2016
TOP STORIES Happy
Birthday
Singapore!
5 The Lion City is back with a
Exclusive Interview
with Edwin Lye
Former unionist Edwin Lye shares with full roar to celebrate its 51st
us about his move to the Singapore
National Employers Federation. birthday! NTUC This Week
heads out to the new venue at
the National Stadium to catch
the action and excitement at
the National Day preview.
By Shukry Rashid
6
Payouts and Investments
There are now two new options
for CPF members for their CPF Life
payouts and investment schemes. Traffic policemen escorting VIPs during the parade.
T
he Labour Movement joined some 55,000
other people at the new National Stadium
for the National Day Parade (NDP) preview
on 30 July 2016. It was an evening coloured by a
sea of red and white spreading across the viewing
gallery, with spectators all decked up in national
hues. Performances on the ground and up in
the air triggered emotions ranging from hearty
cheers to reflections and pride.
8
The National Day Parade also features 3,000 performers.
Stepping into the Wearing white and orange, the 37-strong
Water Industry NTUC contingent was part of the 1,400
In this edition of our Future Jobs individuals in the parade segment.
series, we catch up with site Something special this year – the NTUC
engineer Gerald Koh on his move
contingent brought the excitement a little closer
into the water industry.
to spectators when it marched up the aisles of the
stands at the end of the parade.
Highlights of the parade include a spectacular indoor fireworks display.
11
CDE Goes Mobile
Centre for Domestic Employees
launches its mobile initiative to bring
services closer to both domestic
employees and their employers.
Come
NTUC This Week 07 AUGUST 2016 NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL 3
Flyer Going aerial to
With share in the nation’s
birthday celebrations – that
was what 50 migrant workers
Me from the Tuas View Dormitory had a
chance to do on 30 July 2016 when
they boarded two capsules at the
Singapore Flyer. The outing – named ‘Come The Migrant Workers'
Centre prepares 50 goodie
Flyer With Me’ – was arranged by the Migrant bags for the migrant workers
and volunteers as a token of
Workers’ Centre and its volunteers, in conjunction appreciation.
with the U Heart programme. We join them for
the fireworks session as the area around the Sports
Hub came to life with vibrant colours lighting up the
night sky during the
National Day preview.
By Shukry Rashid
Photos by Young NTUC
The ride up the
Singapore Flyer is a
first for many of the
migrant workers.
4 NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL NTUC This Week 07 AUGUST 2016
Covering n
The NTUC Contingent
marching proudly at the 1990
NDP held at the Padang.
The
Different
Grounds
The Labour Movement’s
National Day Parade
contingent this year
marches out in full glory
at the National Stadium.
We take a walk down
the different grounds
to relive some of the
memories.
Before its closure
in 2007, the Kalla
Stadium was the ng
main venue for
the NDP.
While waiting for the new National Stadium to be completed,
several NDPs were held at the Marina Bay Floating Platform.
NOW
Loud and Proud: The NTUC Contingent bears the Labour Movement's
standards at this year's NDP held at the National Stadium.
NTUC This Week 07 AUGUST 2016 SPECIAL INTERVIEW 5
Interview with
Edwin Lye
Formerly from the Labour Movement,
Edwin Lye shares with Ramesh Subbaraman
about his move to the employer side at SNEF.
F
ormer general secretary of the Singapore If you can’t in the first premise even
Teachers’ Union (STU) and vice-president define that common space, then it is a
on the NTUC Central Committee bit difficult to carry the conversation.
Edwin Lye has joined the Singapore National Hopefully, I will be a bit sharper in
Employers Federation (SNEF) since 1 August trying to do that. It will be not without
2016. The 46-year-old has spent more than 20 challenges. I have to, for one, assure
years in the Labour Movement. members of SNEF that there will not
be an overtone of labour, after all my
NTUC This Week: How did the move to SNEF background is labour.
come about and was it an easy decision?
Edwin Lye: I was a bit apprehensive when I What did you learn in your Labour
was approached … having served as a union Movement journey and your tenure as
leader for so long and then to start all over vice-president on the NTUC Central
again and take on a totally new role is not Committee?
something you take lightly. I reflected upon it It gave me a more comprehensive view
and asked myself a few critical questions. about what the Labour Movement
Firstly, am I personally convinced that is about and also better understand
tripartism works and is it the way forward? the issues of the other sectors and
My personal answer to that is yes. Having the concerns of my fellow leaders.
cleared that hurdle, it makes it easier. Then In the public sector, we hardly talk
the next question, if I believe in it, is there about retrenchment. But when you move
now an opportunity for me to contribute to around with the other union leaders, for them
tripartism? Would I then want to take up the retrenchment is a very real issue. In fact, some
challenge? A few factors prompted me to take of our leaders got retrenched. When you see your
up the challenge. First, I met SNEF President friend getting retrenched and the subsequent
Dr Robert Yap, some of his council members issues that come with the loss of a job, looking
and key staff like Executive Director Koh Juan for a new job, then it hits you.
Kiat. I felt they were sincere in wanting me to
come on board and contribute. Second was the What would you consider your personal
fact that the STU team is in good stead, and I achievements at STU?
have no worries. I would say the fact that I could be there for
my fellow teachers who needed help – that was
What will you be bringing to the table when more important to me than anything else. When
you join SNEF? they are at their wits’ end, they come to us,
For one, the networking – I am a known face whether it is just for a listening ear or a formal
in the Labour Movement so it will be easier to representation. It can be as simple as asking for
call up people and say we have this issue, let’s information about certain types of leave and
sit down and talk about it. Secondly I will be their eligibility or it can be as complex as a full
able to define the common space faster having blown disciplinary inquiry.
been in the Labour Movement for a while.
Whether you like it or not, when three parties
representing three different constituencies Edwin Lye was one of three who was awarded the SNEF-Stephen
Lee Award for Leadership Development in Tripartism and Industrial
come together, you need to start with the Relations. The award aims to groom individuals for important
common space and then grow from there. positions in SNEF.
6 CPF NTUC This Week 07 AUGUST 2016
CPF: New Options
CPF members now have two new options for their CPF Life
payouts and investment schemes.
By Fawwaz Baktee
A
n additional CPF Life payout option that RETIREMENT INVESTMENT SCHEME Manpower Ministry said that it will work closely
increases over time and a new optional Meanwhile, the new investment scheme option, with the CPF Board to implement the new
investment scheme – that was what the called the CPF Lifetime Retirement Investment recommendations in stages, and will provide more
13-member CPF Advisory Panel came up with in Scheme (LRIS), will give members an additional details when they are ready.
its latest round of recommendations. and simpler investment option, especially for
Released on 3 August 2016 and accepted by those who are younger. For more details on the new recommendations,
the Government, the recommendations were the The panel said that the current CPF visit www.cpfpanel.sg.
second part of the panel’s report which studied Investment Scheme, which was introduced in
how a new CPF Life option can address the cost 1986, has limitations for CPF members who wish
of living and if there can be an additional private to invest their CPF savings to achieve higher
investments and annuities scheme to provide returns but lack the financial expertise, time and
more flexibility for members who are prepared to resources to actively manage their investments.
take more risks. According to the panel, the LRIS option will The Labour Movement
provide a member with a small number of well-
is happy that the
ESCALATING PAYOUTS diversified funds, which will be simpler to choose
Currently, CPF Life’s Standard Plan ensures that a from. The panel also recommended that these Government has accepted
member will continue to receive a fixed monthly funds should not need to rely on CPF members the CPF Advisory Panel’s
payout for the rest of his or her life, from the age to actively rebalance their investment portfolios recommendations that
of 65. and should help them enjoy the benefits of long- are in line with our call to
With the new escalating payout option, term investing.
members can choose to have their payout at an The panel added that with the LRIF option, provide members with more
escalating rate of 2 per cent every year. the cost of investing should be kept as low as options and flexibility in
The panel also noted that the escalating possible by pooling CPF savings to purchase managing their CPF savings
payout option will require members to receive investments in bulk and these investments to better meet individuals’
starting payouts that are 20 per cent lower should be passively managed.
compared to the standard plan. Members can
retirement needs. We urge
however choose to increase their starting payouts ADVISORY PANEL CONCLUDES the Government to ensure
either by topping up their CPF Life premiums The second part of the report concludes the that proper public education
further or deferring their payout start age, up to CPF Advisory Panel’s two-year deliberations and advisory services are
the age of 70. that sought to provide additional choices to
made available to all so that
“The rising cost of living is a concern for cater to the varying needs in retirement, while
some workers who are nearing retirement. maintaining simplicity in the CPF system. members can make informed
They worry that the longer they live, the more The first part of the report which choices which best meet
expensive things will be. This is why I think the addressed the minimum sum and the lump their needs.”
panel’s recommendation for a new CPF Life plan sum withdrawals at payout eligibility age was
with escalating payouts is a good additional submitted in February last year and implemented NTUC Assistant Secretary-General
plan,” commented NTUC International Affairs in January 2016. Cham Hui Fong
Special Duties Director Sylvia Choo, who sits as a In a statement released after the Government’s
member on the CPF Advisory Panel. acceptance of the recommendations, the
NTUC This Week 07 AUGUST 2016 CPF 7
LM’s Quick Guide
to CPF Changes
More Options for Your
Retirement Needs
Upon turning 55, you need to decide how much to
STEP 1: set aside in your Retirement Account
Basic Retirement Sum Full Retirement Sum Enhanced Retirement Sum
$80,500 $161,000 $241,500
Payout $660 - $720 per Payout $1,220 - $1,320 Payout $1,770 - $1,920
month for life per month for life per month for life
(Retirement sums vary according to your cohort)
NEW STEP 2: Upon turning 65, you have two decisions to make
1 2
Choose between CPF LIFE Plan with Decide if you wish to start your payouts
level payouts or escalating payouts at 65 or later
Payouts
rising at 2% per year
Level
payouts
Escalating
payouts
Age
For the same amount of retirement sum, you can o pt to start For every year you defer your starting payout (up to age 70),
with a lower payout that will increase a
t 2% every year. your starting payout increases by up to 7%.
If you wish to start with a higher payout amount, you c
an top up
your Retirement Account, up to the EnhancedRetirement Sum.
NEW OPTION FOR
Lifetime Retirement Investment Scheme
ALL CPF MEMBERS For those who are keen to invest their CPF savings for a higher expected return, but feel that they
lack the financial expertise and/or time and resources to actively manage their investments, here’s
why the Lifetime Retirement Investment Scheme could be suitable for you!
Low Fees Simple and Fuss-Free
Your CPF savings are pooled together with Fewer choices will mean less headache
other members to purchase investments in over which fund to choose.
bulk for economies of scale.
Your investments follow a market index. Do not need active management of your
portfolio to adjust risk.
Information accurate as at 3 August 2016 For more information, please visit www.cpfpanel.sg
8 FUTURE JOBS NTUC This Week 07 AUGUST 2016
Stepping into the
Water Industry
As part of our ongoing series on Future Jobs,
we catch up with site engineer Gerald Koh on
his move into the vibrant water industry.
by Jonathan Tan
Gerald’s responsibilities include ensuring that elements such as the
irrigation pipes for this rooftop garden are laid according to plan.
A
nnounced recently by Prime Minister Lee until the opportunity presented itself to him A STEEP LEARNING CURVE
Hsien Loong, Singapore’s water industry through a relative. “The first few months were the hardest as
will be receiving a $200 million boost “This was not something I learnt about in I had to really pick up knowledge of how
from the Government as part of the Research, school. But my first impression was that this things worked to make up for my lack of
Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2020 Plan. is something good for the environment and experience in the industry. Particularly, I had
One of the spin-offs is more opportunities for something very new. to understand the technical jargon and the
those who are looking to carve out a career in an “It’s how we’re now focused on reducing our processes which happen here.
industry which is projected to employ some 15,000 usage of water in our buildings and maximising “Fortunately, I could count on my
professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) by the amounts we do use,” shared Gerald. colleagues as they helped me with on-job-
2020, up from 14,000 presently. His entry into the industry was “something that training,” said Gerald, who credits his ability
came along” while looking for a job after completing to manage his responsibilities to the project
TAKING HIS CHANCES his National Service, but it was an endeavour he manager who mentored him, showed him the
Not limited to candidates who have a background fully devoted himself to once he stepped in. ropes and shared the tricks of the trade.
in industrial engineering, there are opportunities As a site engineer, his role as a middleman In order to keep up with the technological
for those with an open mind to learn. is to ensure everything goes according to plan. changes in the water systems used in his
Just ask 23-year-old Gerald Koh, a site engineer “We’re like the bridge between the designer and projects, Gerald spent his free time reading
with local urban solutions and technology the workers. Communication is a big aspect of up on system catalogues as well as learning
company Netatech. A game programmer by enabling us to get our job done,” he said, adding how to read CAD (computer-aided drafting)
training from a local polytechnic, Gerald never that a typical week on the job sees him divide his drawings.
imagined he would end up in the water industry time between 15 job sites.
EYE ON THE FUTURE
“It’s satisfying to see a project change over
time; from when it’s all bare concrete to when
Gerald's role as a site
engineer often gives him
everything comes together with the various
access to high places such elements,” said Gerald.
as the rooftops, where Sharing his aspirations for the future,
water tanks are stored.
Gerald said: “I’m looking forward to branching
deeper into the industry and exploring the
possibility of tendering for projects. I would
even like to take on international projects
where there is more land to work with and
help devise different types of water solutions
for different needs.”
GOOD TO KNOW
Young NTUC has been active in promoting
the opportunities in Singapore's green sector.
To find out more, visit www.youngntuc.org.sg.
10 UNIONS NTUC This Week 07 AUGUST 2016
Ensuring Housing Lapses
a Fair Exit in Dormitories for
Foreign Workers
The Migrant Workers’ Centre has been
doing its rounds to check on living
conditions for foreign workers in factory-
converted dormitories. Findings – there’s
certainly a lot more room for improvement.
By Ryan Chan
Closure of Jurong Country Club:
Workers hear about their compensation
package and job opportunities across
various industries.
By Ramesh Subbaraman
A
fter nearly six months of negotiations, both Attractions, Resorts
& Entertainment Union (AREU) and the management of Jurong
Country Club have agreed upon a compensation package for the
F
112 workers who will be laid off when the club closes at the end of this year. ollowing a visit to foreign workers’ dormitories, the Migrant
The club's closure is to make way for the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High Workers’ Centre (MWC) has called for standards to be imposed
Speed Railway project. for smaller, factory-converted dormitories (FCDs) so that
AREU Executive Secretary Desmond Choo described the compensation foreign workers have better living conditions.
package as a fair one and in many instances, above the market rate. “We have documented all the housing lapses or failures we have
observed during our visits to FCDs and have shared our findings
COMPENSATION PACKAGE with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
A briefing session was held recently by the club’s management, NTUC’s e2i “We have observed from our visits to FCDs that, in general,
(Employment and Employability Institute) and AREU to explain to affected there appears to be more room for FCDs to improve workers’ living
staff the compensation package and discuss job opportunities. conditions, when compared to purpose-built dormitories. The MWC
One of the elements of the compensation is a $1,500 training grant believes there is a need to set standards for smaller FCDs like those
which the affected workers can use to attend courses in search for a new job. set in the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act for large institutional
Jurong Country Club President Bobby Wee shared that the management housing,” said MWC via a Facebook post.
was also examining ways to come up with an ex-gratia payment for long Under the Act, dormitory operators housing 1,000 or more
serving workers. foreign workers have to apply for a licence from MOM, which keeps
an eye on workers’ living conditions like cleaning arrangements,
JOBS ASSISTANCE amenities provided and occupancy rates through quarterly
“We recognise that employment facilitation for these workers will be more management reports that operators have to submit.
difficult because a lot of them are mature.
“We have done two things, we have gotten our e2i colleagues to identify LESS THAN NORMAL
skills gaps and their expectation, and activated our unionised group of MOM has also urged FCDs to improve the housing conditions
companies affiliated to the AREU to assist them," said Mr Choo. of these workers. In a Straits Times article, Minister of State for
Meanwhile, another group of individuals have also come forward to help Manpower Teo Ser Luck said on the sidelines of a visit to an FCD
the workers. operated by ASL Shipping that MOM is looking into MWC’s findings.
They are the businessmen who serve on the club’s management He also said information gathered by MOM from dormitories has
committee and other club members. shown “a big gap to close in terms of meeting just the normal standard”.
Hailing from the transport and logistics, food and beverage, Currently, there are 1,000 FCDs in operation housing about
construction and landscape sectors, and they will explore the possibility 80,000 foreign workers in Singapore.
of job opportunities for the affected workers.NTUC This Week 07 AUGUST 2016 DOMESTIC HELPERS 11
With the Mobile CDE,
foreign domestic
workers will now have
assistance go to where
they congregate on
their off days.
Photos by CDE
Centre for Domestic
Employees Goes Mobile
Mobile CDE seeks to bring help services closer to both domestic
employees and employers.
By Fawwaz Baktee
T
o reach out to as many Foreign Domestic FDW hotline. The Mobile CDE is another “Even better, we now have the centre going
Workers (FDWs) in Singapore as avenue for FDWs to seek advice and assistance.” to them through the Mobile CDE. I hope those
possible, the Centre for Domestic Speaking at the sidelines of the launch, who are in difficulty do not keep their worries
Employees (CDE) officially launched the Mobile NTUC Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) and to themselves. Step forward and I am certain
CDE on 31 July 2016. CDE Chairman Yeo Guat Kwang reiterated the centre will help them in any way they can,”
With the Mobile CDE, the centre seeks to the need for the centre to take an upstream said Ms Mulsyastuti, in Indonesian.
bring services closer to a more diverse group approach to help FDWs. The Mobile CDE will next be deployed on 14
of FDWs at various congregation areas on the “The Mobile CDE is an extension of our August 2016 at Toa Payoh Town Park between
island such as around Paya Lebar MRT, Toa continuous efforts to make our services 12pm and 5pm. Details of the Mobile CDE’s
Payoh Town Park, Ang Mo Kio Garden East and accessible to our stakeholders. At the same upcoming deployment will be posted on the
Coleman Street. time, it will also help to raise awareness of CDE centre’s website at cde.org.sg.
The Mobile CDE will set up kiosks to among the community at large,” said ASG Yeo.
facilitate on-the-spot advisory and consultation He added that CDE will look into acquiring
for employment issues for both FDWs and more mobile kiosks should the need arise.
their employers. GOOD TO KNOW
It will be deployed for at least two Sundays CALL TO COME FORWARD
a month at the various congregation areas as a Indonesian domestic worker Mulsyastuti
start, said CDE. Sardjiman, 38, said that the mobile initiative
The launch, held outside Paya Lebar MRT, can benefit her peers who may be facing
was concurrently the first outreach session of the employment issues but are unable to go down
mobile kiosk. to the centre. Ms Mulsyastuti also said that she
had faced employment issues with her previous
MORE ACCESS TO HELP employers in her 12 years working in Singapore. 24H Helpline: 1800 2255 233
C 0 M95 Y100 K 0 C 60 M55 Y50 K 25 C 0 M50 Y100 K 0 C 0 M0 Y0 K 90
Gracing the event as guest-of-honour, Minister “My employer now is good to me. But I have PANTONE 485 C PANTONE 405 C PANTONE 144 C PANTONE Neutral Black U
of State for Manpower Sam Tan emphasised the experienced employment issues before with my Address:
need for FDWs to have access to help. previous employers and I wasn’t sure where to 185A Thomson Road, Goldhill
He said: “While most of our FDWs are turn to for help. Centre (level 2)
settling-in well here, a small number of them “I volunteer my time with CDE whenever I
Operating Hours:
may run into difficulties. We have informed can to help inform and educate my peers that Tues-Sun, 10.00am–6.00pm
all FDWs on their rights and how they can get there is a place where they can go to should (Closed on Mon and Public Holidays)
help, such as calling the Manpower Ministry’s they need assistance.12 UNUSUAL
APPRECIATING
LM NTUCUThis
NTUCWeek
This07Week
AUGUST
07 AUGUST
2016 2016
Working Together
for Union Members
Here’s an example of the Labour Movement’s network in
action – a number of unions and U Associates have come
together to organise informative talks for members.
By Jonathan Tan
C
ollaborating to bring value to NTUC members, a Technologies Electronics Employees’ Union (STEEU) and
number of unions and U Associates have come the Union of Telecoms Employees of Singapore (UTES).
together to organise a series of talks on various Besides sharing how the transition from MediShield
issues. Close to the hearts of participants, the topics to MediShield Life will benefit Singaporeans, FPAS and
touched on financial planning and even managing IFPAS also worked in requests from their union partners
emotions at the workplace. to customise the content to include financial planning
Facilitated by NTUC’s Membership Department, for members. These included pointers on retirement
these interactions were also a way for partners like the U planning and CPF Life.
Associates and unions to explore more opportunities to
better serve the needs of members. TAKEAWAYS
“I felt that the talk was professionally done with well-
ADDRESSING EVOLVING NEEDS accredited speakers who were armed with visual slides
An example of this was the series of five talks about and even pamphlets which they distributed to us in the
MediShield Life and what is in it for Singaporeans. audience. We really benefited with a better knowledge
Taking place at various venues, the talks were and understanding about what MediShield Life has to
conducted by the Financial Planning Association of offer us.
Singapore (FPAS) and Insurance and Financial Planning “I am definitely looking forward to more of such
Practitioners Association of Singapore (IFPAS) for more engagements,” said Daniel Yeo, AUSBE’s AVA (Agri-Food
than 250 union members from the Attractions, Resorts & Veterinary Authority of Singapore) branch chairman,
& Entertainment Union (AREU), Amalgamated Union who attended the talk given by FPAS.
of Statutory Board Employees (AUSBE), SingaporeNTUC This Week 07 AUGUST 2016 UNION LEADERS 13
Raymond
Chin
By Fawwaz Baktee
A
fter having served in the army as a I know many branch officials who stopped that what we do as union leaders actually touch
regular for five years, 33-year-old serving as they found it hard to commit to lives, and our work gives hope to not only our
Raymond Chin entered the security union, work and family life. But I continued my members, but their loved ones as well.
industry as an operations executive in 2010. union work because I felt that I was doing it for a
Today, he is an operations manager for good cause. You took over as general secretary in 2015.
Reachfield Security and Safety Management What are some of the things you champion?
and the general secretary of the Union of Do you have a story to share that The first executive council position I had was
Security Employees. strengthened your commitment to union as the assistant general secretary. I was an
work? understudy of Sister Kalshum Mohammed
NTUC This Week: Tell us how you got involved I have plenty to share, but one that really struck Ali, who was the general secretary then. She
in the industry and union work? me was when the union managed to give a relinquished her position as she was migrating to
Raymond Chin: After leaving the army, I went death insurance compensation for one of our Australia and by default, I took over the position
into industries like insurance. It was only after a members’ family. of GS.
friend of mine recommended that I go into the The deceased was a branch member from my Increasing the salaries of security officers
security line in 2010 that I joined Reachfield. company. He was suffering from cancer. When and making sure they have work-life balance
My company was unionised in 2012. There he passed on, his mother was all alone and are the things I’m concerned about. But there is
was a nomination process and I found myself needed to be taken care of. still much work to be done as this can’t be done
becoming a branch official of the company. To The money, although it wasn’t a really huge overnight.
be honest, I didn’t know much about union amount, meant a lot to the member’s mother Officers are also often labelled as low-wage
work then. and helped for a short while. workers but I don’t think we should call them that
After becoming a branch official, the union I was quite new then and didn’t believe that anymore. We’ve been pushing to raise their wages
sent me for courses and I realised that the core of the disbursement of the insurance could really with the Progressive Wage Model and I hope they
what we do is to better the lives of our workers. help until I saw it for myself. And I realised will move out of the low-wage group eventually.
NTUC THIS WEEK
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IPHONE & IPAD ANDROID14 APPRECIATING U NTUC This Week 07 AUGUST 2016
Appreciating
All Workers
in our Midst
It takes nothing to smile or greet with a
hello but the effects can certainly make a
lot of difference in one’s day. We look at
how the ‘Appreciating U’ movement
is gaining momentum.
W
e all remember Maya Angelou’s famous wise words –“I've learned
that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you
did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
We buzz through pretty landscapes, pristine offices and peaceful places
every other day. But how often do we stop and appreciate the people who
make all these happen?
To raise awareness and extend a sign of respect to professions that do
their work in the shadows of the corporate world, NTUC U Care Centre
(UCC) initiated the ‘Appreciating U’ movement for our unsung heroes in
July 2014. The initiative provides a platform to encourage organisations to
step up and pro actively recognise the quiet but important contributions
of these workers – especially the cleaners, security officers and landscape
workers among us.
This year too, there have been organisations expressing their appreciation
to workers carrying out their duties behind the scenes; UCC is supporting
their efforts with tokens of appreciation for workers.
Here are some of the moments, captured in colour and warmth.
ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB
6 May & 12 July 2016 – Orchid Country Club organised an appreciation
lunch for its cleaning crew alongside its monthly Staff Communications’
Session at the Aranda Lounge. While other staff gathered to appreciate
their co-workers’ contributions, they also rejoiced in Hari Raya celebrations.
Earlier in May, a group of 45 landscape technicians were also treated to a
sumptuous buffet at Gayatri Restaurant in the same spirit of celebrating
their contributions.
NTUC CLUB AND ARANDA COUNTRY CLUB
13 & 15 July 2016 – Some 80 landscape workers, security officers and
cleaners, together with staff and management of NTUC Club enjoyed
good food and great company at an appreciation lunch held at Sakura
International Buffet Restaurant. The workers were also presented NTUC Workers being treated to lunch
at Sakura International Buffet Rest
Workers being treated to lunch at Sakura aurant.
FairPrice vouchers as a token of appreciation from management. Next door
International Buffet Restaurant.
at Aranda Country Club, similar celebrations were held to thank workers.
SUPREME COURT OF SINGAPORE
15 July 2016 – Thirty five cleaners at the Supreme Court of Singapore
were recognised for their contributions. At this occasion, outstanding
employees who went the extra mile in delivering their roles at work were
also commended at the Certification Presentation Ceremony.
GOOD TO KNOW
Keen to organise similar meaningful events? You can contact
NTUC U Care Centre at 1800-255-2828 or send an email to
ucarecentre@ntuc.org.sg to find out more.
urt of
The Supreme Co ng the
ngap ore re co gnisi
Si
of its cleaners.
contributionsNTUC This Week 07 AUGUST 2016 WORKING WOMEN 15
MEMBERS’ CORNER
THAI FLAVOURS
Craving for Thai cuisine? Head down to
Bangkok Jam at Tiong Bahru Plaza to
get your fix. NTUC members enjoy 15 per
cent off a-la-carte items with a minimum
order of one rice or noodle main course
per diner.
Valid till 30 Sept 2016 for dine-in only
Workplace
at Bangkok Jam, Tiong Bahru Plaza,
#02-135. For enquiries, visit www.bangkokjam.com.sg or
call 6250 3446.
Challenges GET HEALTHY
Stay in the pink of health with
supplements from GNC. Simply flash
Women Face
your NTUC card to enjoy 15 per cent
off regular-priced items. Promotion
does not apply to foodstuff and nett-
priced items.
What are some of the challenges women face and are Valid till 30 Sept 2016 at
more employers adopting family-friendly practices? Hougang Mall, Liang Court and
White Sands outlets. Not valid
We share results from two surveys done recently. with ongoing promotions, VIP
privileges, discount cards and
By Fawwaz Baktee vouchers.
Striking a Work-Life Balance
A
survey conducted by Jobstreet.com found that women in Singapore are still
facing challenges in striking a work-life balance.
Key findings released on 22 July 2016 showed that working mothers spend
less than two hours with their children on workdays.
Seventy per cent of the 480 female respondents said that they would give up
working if they had the financial means to do so.
Other challenges faced by women at the workplace include having to look after
their children while building a career, a lack of career advancement opportunities and
gender-salary gap.
HAIR CARE
Commenting on the survey, NTUC Women’s Committee Chairperson K
If you’re on the lookout for a new place for your hair care needs,
Thanaletchimi said: “It is undeniably true that women in Singapore continue to struggle check out Salon Symphony. The salon is offering 50 per cent off
between work and family life. Work has become an economic necessity to raise a family chemical services and a Loreal Intensive Hair Treatment at only
for most women in this highly competitive environment. $38 (U.P. $158). Members must make an appointment prior to
“There must be a collective will for employers, government and society as a whole to the visit and present the NTUC card to enjoy the promotion.
lessen this load of both emotional and financial struggles which women are having to
go through at various stages of life.” Valid till 30 Sept 2016. Salon Symphony, Liang Court #02-14,
177 River Valley Road. For more information, visit
www.just10group.com or call 6837 2535.
More Employers are Providing Nursing Rooms
R
esults of an online poll
conducted by NTUC U Family in
June this year on 698 working
mothers found that more workplaces
are now providing greater support for
lactation facilities.
About 60 per cent of the respondents
indicated that their companies provide
nursing rooms for breastfeeding mothers
– a 25 per cent rise from 2013.
However, the poll also found that 31
per cent out of the remaining respondents who are not provided with private nursing
facilities had to express milk in areas such as toilets and storerooms.
FACE REJUVENATION
“The Labour Movement continues to call on government agencies to review the use Give your face a rejuvenating lift with the Omega Light Face
of gross floor areas for lactation facilities and help existing office building owners who therapy at Privé Aesthetics. The session uses state-of-the-art
have used up the permissible gross floor area to look into unused common spaces to technology that features four different levels of wavelength
install public nursing rooms. for skin penetration to facilitate regeneration. Quote
“NTUCMember” when booking to receive a discounted rate of
“Employers are encouraged to introduce breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies
$98nett (U.P. $235.40).
and a supportive culture for their breastfeeding working mothers,” said NTUC U Family.
Moving forward, NTUC U Family will introduce online courses to help prepare
Valid till 31 Aug 2016 at all outlets. Call 6509 0098 (nex) or
mothers to continue breastfeeding upon returning to work. 6737 0755 (Palais Renaissance) to make an appointment.
For more information, visit priveaesthetics.com.A Passionate
Pursuit
It’s all in the attitude as we find out
when talking to Elizabeth Choong
about her entry into the
workforce at age 54.
By Ryan Chan
T
o get the first bus at 5.30am ready appreciated and valued, and motivates me to independent enough, but as any mother who has
from the bus depot in Bedok, Elizabeth provide better service to all,” she shared. successfully returned to work will tell you, re-
Choong has to wake at 3am each day. The SBST is one of the companies in Singapore entering the workforce was no easy task.
bus captain, who operates the services 7 and that supports hiring mature workers. They have “My husband was a little sceptical at first –
222, greets each passenger like an old friend, structured training programmes that ensure he didn’t think there was a need for me to go out
helping to brighten their day with a warm smile those with no prior experience driving heavy and work – but he’s happy that I’m happy now.
– a gesture that passengers return happily. vehicles can comfortably operate a bus. My daughter is also very supportive. Recently,
At 58 years old, Elizabeth is a shining Apart from learning how to properly operate she came up to me and said, ‘Mummy, I think
example of how it is never too late to pursue a bus, trainees have to learn other skills such as you’re really cool,’” said Elizabeth, with a laugh.
one’s passion. Having stayed out of the customer service, basic first aid and fire safety. “I would encourage any mothers thinking of
workforce for 18 years to care for her children, To date, 50 per cent of bus captains in SBST are re-entering the workforce to follow their passion
she only discovered her desire to serve others mature workers. and find a job that makes them happy. Passion is
four years ago. one of the most important factors for people to
RE-ENTERING THE WORKFORCE do well, and it is never too late to make a change
SHARING A SMILE Elizabeth made the bold step to return to and do what you love,” she shared.
Elizabeth first returned to work at the age of 54, work when she felt her three children were
and landed a job as a jackpot assistant at a local
casino for six months. An innocent bus ride,
however, soon got her started towards a decision
to switch careers.
“I was sitting in a bus one day and I observed
how the bus captain operated the vehicle with
ease. I’ve also always enjoyed driving my kids
around as a mother, so I thought to myself, why
not give it a go?” she reminisced.
With her mind set, she approached
SBS Transit (SBST), where she was warmly
welcomed aboard. Such was her insistence on
becoming a bus captain that she turned down
the position of assistant route master, which
she was initially offered.
“There is something about being a bus
captain that is very meaningful. Knowing that
you are an important part of a passenger’s day
in getting them to work or school makes me feel After staying out of the
it is very fulfilling. workforce for 18 years,
Elizabeth Choong finds
“The smiles of passengers are also very her calling in the bus
rewarding. A simple smiles makes me feel industry.You can also read
