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OUR VISION To be the Champion for Foreign Domestic Workers’ Social Well- Being and Lifelong Learning OUR MISSION To create a conducive environment for FDWs to enjoy a balanced work-life To ensure that all FDWs have access to social support services when needed To provide vocational and employability skills training for FDWs to enhance their competency and to pick up useful skills for their future employability. To promote bonding between FDWs and their Employers and help integrate FDWs into the community
CONTENTS
o From Our President
o A Word From Our Chief Executive Director
o Our Objectives
o Our Corporate and Financial Governance
o Disclosure and Conflict of Interest Policy
o Who We Are
o Our Committees
o Deliberations and Decisions
o Our Core Business
o New Focus in Capabilities Development
o Enhancing FAST Care Programme
o Supporting Work Life Balance of FDWs
o Empowering the People
o Bonding Employers and FDWs Through FAST Flagship
Events
o Outreach And Promoting Understanding of FDWs Issues
o Our Outreach Efforts
o Research and Advocacy
o Funding Support
o Plans Going Forward
o Establishing Brand and Sustainability
o Reverse Policy
o PDPA Policy
o Statement Of Accounts
o FAST’s Partners
o FAST’s Associate Members
FROM OUR PRESIDENT The year started on a right note as plans to realise FAST’s vision of setting up the multi-service hub or FAST Hub for FDWs were in its final phase of completion. The plan was to complete the renovation and retrofitting works and move in to operate the Hub in early 2020. However, the plan was derailed with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Regardless, we face the challenge head-on. While complying with the government’s advisory to stop all major gatherings and events and putting in place social distancing and other measures, alternative ways and means were adopted to look after the well-being and interest of the foreign domestic workers (FDWs). Our top most priority was to ensure that our social support services remain accessible to the FDWs. Along with that, we channel our efforts to offer work-life balance opportunities and continue to provide training for FDWs while Singapore observes the circuit breaker. Our staff resorted to using social media to deliver these needed services. Everything went virtual. We continued to provide counselling service through our Helpline, posted important advisories and messages of encouragement on our Facebook, conducted talks and virtual fitness classes and started live chats through our very own ‘Brother Agony Hour’. The latter provided an important platform for the FDWs to share their thoughts, challenges and concerns during the circuit breaker. All these efforts enabled FAST to continue engaging the FDWs during this very challenging period. Renovation works at the Hub are expected to resume soon. We have set a new timeline to retrofit and renovate the premises to welcome our first FDW to the FAST Hub by the first quarter of 2021. By then FDWs can look forward to a multi-service hub that offers everything including a fully-equipped gym, aerobics and dance hall, yoga room, modern culinary centre, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, band studio, entertainment hub, a life- long learning centre for training; talks; seminars; hobby craft and more. FDWs will also have accessed to social support services including counselling, befriending, legal advice and mediation. For those who love the outdoors, vast open spaces will have pits for barbecue, an alfresco café and recreational areas. Those with green fingers can join our sustainable farming project and gardening club. It will be a home-away-from-home with something for everyone. I look forward to welcome all FDWs to the FAST ‘home’. Seah Seng Choon, JP, PBM
A WORD FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The COVID-19 pandemic struck during the last quarter of the financial year. During this unprecedented period, businesses had to find new and innovative ways to adapt and survive. Similarly, FAST was hit hard. Nevertheless, with a team of passionate staff and supportive EXCO, FAST responded to the challenge by putting in place a rigorous and robust business continuity plan to cushion the impact of the pandemic. I am pleased to share that FAST reached out to more than 65,000 foreign domestic workers (FDWs) and employers through our Helpline, counselling, mediation, legal advice, befriending, training and work-life balance services by the end of the financial year. Before the pandemic struck, FAST also achieved many new milestones in our quest to be the organization of choice for FDWs and employers. More than 8000 FDWs, employers, partners and guests attended our annual flagship event, the FAST 10th Foreign Domestic Workers’ Day. FAST also organized our inaugural fund-raiser, the ‘FAST 10th FDW Day Charity Dinner’ at Marina Bay Sands Singapore in November 2019, in which more than $100,000 was raised through our supporters, partners and sponsors. The event was also graced by the then Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower, Ms Low Yen Ling. At the start of the pandemic, FAST was entrusted by the authorities to operate a temporary dormitory for displaced foreign workers at the FAST Hub during the pandemic. FAST is touched by the passion and support of many businesses and individuals. Many stepped forward to donate face masks, sanitizers, medication, snacks, fruits, pre-loved clothes, bath towels, beddings, blankets, mattresses and items that were needed by the displaced foreign workers. Others volunteered their services to provide translation, motivational talks and training. At FAST, all hands were on deck to take on multiple roles. Besides ensuring that the core services to the FDWs were not disrupted, the staff took on additional roles to manage the temporary dormitory for the displaced foreign workers. It was a very challenging year for FAST but with the strong leadership, supportive community and passionate staff, FAST is looking forward to resuming its plans at the end of the pandemic. William Y M Chew
Annual Report
ANNUAL REPORT FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKER ASSOCIATION FOR SOCIAL SUPPORT AND TRAINING (FAST) ANNUAL REPORT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 29 FEBRUARY 2020 The Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training (FAST) was formed on 23 March 2005 as a society. It was registered under the Charities Act on 11 December 2007. FAST was approved as an Institution of a Public Character on 1 December 2015. In alignment to the vision of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), FAST has renamed itself from a Volunteer Welfare Organization (VWO) to a Social Service Agency (SSA).The details of its charity status are as appended: Charity Registration Number : 002074 ROS Registration Number : 2040/2005 UEN: : T05SS0103A Registered Address: 3 Ching Cheng Avenue, Singapore 429401 In April 2013, to reflect its expanded role, FAST was renamed Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training. The 15th AGM was held on the 18 July 2019. As the term of office has ended, an election was conducted to form the new EXCO. The following were elected into the EXCO for the term of office 2019/2021: President : Mr Seah Seng Choon, JP, PBM Vice-President : Ms Helen Tan Vice-President : Mr Lim Fang Sung Hon Secretary : Ms Irene Tan Hon Assistant Secretary : Mr Louis Lim, BBM Hon Treasurer : Mr Michael Chew Yew Kuen, PBM Hon Assistant Treasurer : Mr Leslie Yong Boon Chuan, BBM(L) EXCO Member : Ptr Solano Reynaldo Ortiz EXCO Member : Ms Ivy Tan EXCO Member : Dr Cheah Kim Fee EXCO Member : Ms Patricia Chua
Two new members were elected into the EXCO during the AGM :
Dr Cheah Kim Fee
Ms Patricia Chua
During the term, three members left the EXCO :
Mr Lee Seng Choon
Prof Yu Lee Wu
Mr Stephen Chia Keng Wah
There were new additions to FAST’s Board of Advisers. While Mr Hawazi
Daipi was appointed as the Senior Adviser, the following were appointed
as Advisers to FAST:
Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Adviser
Prof Yu Lee Wu, Adviser
Dato’ Seri Derek Goh, BBM, Adviser
Mr Lee Sen Choon, Adviser
Mr Lee Sen Choon was appointed to the Trustee Board and Mr
Lin Shilie replaced Godwin Tang, Deputy Director, Planning
and Development, FMMD, MOM. The latter left MOM.
Trustees : Mr Seah Seng Choon, JP, PBM (President, FAST)
: Mr William Chew Yew Meng (Chief Executive Director,
FAST)
: Mr Lee Sen Choon (Former EXCO member and Adviser to
FAST)
: Mr Lin Shilie, Deputy Director, Strategic Planning and
Foreign Worker Policy, MOM
Banker : DBS
External Audit : Baker Tilly TFW LLP
OUR OBJECTIVES The objectives of FAST as per its Constitution are reproduced below: To enhance foreign domestic workers’ (FDW) contribution to their employers and local community in Singapore through: (a) Facilitating and providing livelihood development courses and training for FDWs that ensure their lifelong employability; (b) Providing cross-cultural communication training to FDWs to improve their relationships with employers; and (c) Providing opportunities for FDWs for social integration and community building. To promote better understanding on FDW issues. To provide humanitarian support to FDWs In distress.
OUR CORPORATE AND FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE Our Commitment to Good Corporate, Financial Governance and Risk Mitigation. FAST continues to review and put in place stringent corporate and financial governance practices in its business. In discharging its duties and responsibilities, FAST is guided by a set of corporate and financial governance guidelines based on the best practices in the voluntary welfare organisation sector and the Code of Governance for Institutions of a Public Character For its fiduciary functions, FAST continues to review its financial guidelines and practices regularly. In 2019, the Risk Management Task Force was set up by the Risk Management Committee to review and put in place guidelines and measures to mitigate the various aspects of risks that FAST may be exposed to. The Task Force is headed by Dr Cheah Kim Fee who is also the Chairman of the Risk Management Committee. Dr Cheah replaces the outgoing Mr Lee Sen Choon. DISCLOSURE AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY All EXCO members and staff filled out a disclosure form on the declaration of conflict/no conflict of interest for the term. Should there be any conflicts of interest declared, FAST EXCO will pass a resolution to either prohibit the said EXCO member/staff from getting involved in the said work/duty or continue to handle the work/duty.
WHO WE ARE COMPOSITION OF FAST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES Besides the existing pool of expertise in the FAST’s EXCO, Dr Cheah Kim Fee and Ms Patricia Chua were elected to the FAST EXCO during the AGM. Dr Cheah, a Dental Surgeon was a former CEO of a Dental Group and Ms Chua, a Business Entrepreneur was a Vice-President of an International Remittance Company. FAST EXCO now comprises members that possess competencies in business development and management, accounting and finance, law, dentistry, remittance, recruitment, counselling, social service, social enterprise, community relations, and customer service. It continues to seek suitable and passionate members who could enhance the work of FAST to join the EXCO. In compliance with FAST’s Constitution, the Honorary Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer relinquished their appointments after serving one term of office. Honorary Treasurer Mr Lim Fang Sung was elected as a Vice-President during the AGM. Honorary Secretary Mr Michael Chew, PBM was elected as the Honorary Treasurer to replace Fang Sung. Ms Irene Tan was elected as the Honorary Secretary and Mr Louis Lim, BBM, the Hon Assistant Secretary for the new term of office. As the Assistant Treasurer Mr Stephen Chia did not wish to continue serving FAST for the new term of office due to his work commitments, Mr Leslie Yong, BBM(L) was elected to the position of Hon Assistant Treasurer to replace Mr Stephen Chia. In line with the FAST Constitution, having served three terms of office as the President and Vice-President, Mr Seah Seng Choon, PBM and Ms Helen Tan will relinquish their respective appointments at the end of the next term of office in 2021 during the AGM. The current composition of the newly elected EXCO, the profile of the members and the number of meetings attended by each member are depicted in the table below :
NAME/APPOINTMENT AND PROFILE DATE FIRST DATE OF ATTENDANCE AT
APPOINTED APPOINTMENTS/ AGM & EXCO
TO EXCO DESIGNATION MEETINGS
Mr Seah Seng Choon, JP, PBM 29 July 2005 29 July 2005 Hon 15th AGM
President Treasurer EOGM (22 Aug)
Adviser, Consumers Association 27 July 2007 Vice EOGM (10 Feb)
of Singapore President 49th EXCO (7)
21 July 2009 Vice 50th EXCO
President 51st EXCO
9 June 2011 President 52nd EXCO
19 April 2013 President
28 August President
2015
16 June 2017 President
18 July 2019 President
Ms Helen Tan 29 July 2005 29 July 2005 EXCO 15th AGM
Vice President Member EOGM (22 Aug)
Director, Goodyear Employment EOGM (10 Feb)
27 July 2007 Hon
49th EXCO (7)
Assistant
50th EXCO
Secretary
51st EXCO
21 July 2009 Hon 52nd EXCO
Assistant
Secretary
9 June 2011 Hon
Treasurer
19 April 2013 Vice
President
28 August Vice
2015 President
16 June 2017 Vice
President
18 July 2019 Vice
President
Mr Lim Fang Sung 16 June 2017 16 June 2017 Hon 15th AGM
Vice President Treasurer EOGM (22 Aug)
CEO 18 July 2019 Vice EOGM (10 Feb)
Unity Assurance Pac President 49th EXCO (7)
50th EXCO
51st EXCO
52nd EXCO
Ms Tan Si Ying, Irene 28 August 28 August EXCO 15th AGM
Hon Secretary 2015 2015 Member EOGM (22 Aug)
Business Director EOGM (10 Feb)
16 June 2017 EXCO
50th EXCO (6)
Member
51st EXCO
18 July 2019 Hon 52nd EXCO
SecretaryNAME/APPOINTMENT AND PROFILE DATE FIRST DATE OF ATTENDANCE AT
APPOINTED APPOINTMENTS/ AGM & EXCO
TO EXCO DESIGNATION MEETINGS
Mr Louis Lim Hee Thuang, BBM 8 July 2016 8 July 2016 EXCO 15th AGM
Hon Assistant Secretary Member EOGM (22 Aug)
Lawyer, 16 June 2017 EXCO EOGM (10 Feb)
William Poh & Louis Lim Member 49th EXCO (7)
Hon 50th EXCO
18 July 2019
Assistant 51st EXCO
Secretary 52nd EXCO
Mr Chew Yew Kuen Michael, PBM 24 July 2014 24 July 2014 EXCO 15th AGM
Hon Treasurer Member EOGM (22 Aug)
CEO, 28 August Hon 49th EXCO (6)
AVA Insurance 2015 Secretary 50th EXCO
Brokers Pte Ltd Hon 51st EXCO
16 June 2017
Secretary 52nd EXCO
18 July 2019 Hon
Treasurer
Mr Yong Boon Chuan, Leslie, 19 April 19 April 2013 EXCO 15th AGM
BBM(L) 2013 Member EOGM (10 Feb)
Hon Assistant Treasurer 49th EXCO (6)
Non-Executive Director, 24 July 2014 EXCO 50th EXCO
JK Tech Holdings Ltd Member 51st EXCO
28 August Hon 52nd EXCO
2015 Assistant
Treasurer
16 June 2017 EXCO
Member
18 July 2019 Hon
Assistant
Treasurer
Ptr Solano Reynaldo Ortiz 27 July 2007 27 July 2007 EXCO 15th AGM
EXCO Member Member EOGM (10 Feb)
Pastor 21 July 2009 Hon 49th EXCO (6)
Assistant 50th EXCO
Treasurer 51st EXCO
9 June 2011 EXCO 52nd EXCO
Member
19 April 2013 Hon
Treasurer
28 August EXCO
2015 Member
16 June 2017 EXCO
Member
18 July 2019 EXCO
Member
Ms Ivy Tan 16 June 16 June 2017 Hon 15th AGM
Managing Director, 2017 Assistant EOGM (22 Aug)
Apex Employment Agency Secretary EOGM (10 Feb)
EXCO Member 18 July 2019 EXCO 49th EXCO (7)
Member 50th EXCO
51st EXCO
52nd EXCONAME/APPOINTMENT AND PROFILE DATE FIRST DATE OF ATTENDANCE AT
APPOINTED APPOINTMENTS/ AGM & EXCO
TO EXCO DESIGNATION MEETINGS
Ms Patricia Chua 18 July 2019 18 July 2019 EXCO 15th AGM (Observer)
Business Entrepreneur Member EOGM (22 Aug)
EXCO Member EOGM (10 Feb) (4)
51st EXCO
Dr Cheah Kim Fee 18 July 2019 18 July 2019 EXCO 15th AGM (Observer)
Dental Surgeon Member EOGM (22 Aug)
EXCO Member EOGM (10 Feb) (5)
51st EXCO
52nd EXCONone of the FAST EXCO Members are remunerated. In terms of remuneration, only the FAST Executive Director, Mr William Chew, has received total annual remuneration exceeding $100,000, (Range of $100,000 to $150,000) for the year. Mr Chew is not a EXCO member of FAST. OUR COMMITTEES COMPOSITION OF FAST COMMITTEES To inject new blood into the various committees under FAST, the composition of the committees was reviewed and changes were made after the AGM. With the set-up of the Sports Committee and the FAST Hub Management Committee, FAST now has eleven (11) Committees overseeing the different business functions of the organisation. In 2019, FAST was approved as an affiliate of the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI) for its mediation role. FAST’s role in mediation has been recognised by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The latter has appointed FAST as the approved agency to provide mediation for FDWs, employers and employment agencies. MOM has been referring cases to FAST for mediation since 2019. Except for a change of name of the Humanitarian Aid Committee to Social Support Committee to better reflect the role and work it undertakes, the other ten (10) committees remain status quo. The composition of the committees that includes EXCO members and non-EXCO members# who were appointed by the EXCO after the AGM is shown below :
COMMITTEE NAME APPOINTMENT
Establishment Committee Mr Seah Seng Choon, JP, Chairman
PBM
Ms Helen Tan Vice-Chairman
Mr Lim Fang Sung Member
Ptr Solano Reynaldo Ortiz Member
Mr Leslie Yong, BBM(L)* Member
Training & Development Ms Helen Tan Chairman
Committee Ms Ivy Tan Vice-Chairman
Mr Leslie Yong, BBM(L) Member
Ms Irene Tan Member
Social Support Committee Mr Michael Chew, PBM Chairman
Mr Louis Lim, BBM Vice-Chairman
Dr Cheah Kim Fee Member
Mr K C Tan# Member
Sponsorship & Mr Louis Lim, BBM Chairman
PR Committee Mr Leslie Yong, BBM(L)* Vice-Chairman
Mr Lim Fang Sung Member
Ms Patricia Chua Member
Clubhouse Management Mdm Helen Tan Adviser
Committee Ms Patricia Chua Chairman
Dr Cheah Kim Fee Hon Secretary
Ptr Solano Reynaldo Ortiz Member
Mr Yudhy Widhyanto# Member
Ms Roziana Ibrahim# Member
Mr Ivan Ong# Member
Endowment Fund Mr Lim Fang Sung Chairman
Committee Mr Michael Chew, PBM Vice-Chairman
Mr Louis Lim, BBM Member
Finance and Audit Mr Michael Chew, PBM Chairman
Committee Mr Leslie Yong, BBM(L)* Vice-Chairman
Mr Louis Lim, BBM Member
Mr Lim Fang Sung Member
Risk Management Dr Cheah Kim Fee Chairman
Committee Mr Lim Fang Sung Vice-Chairman
Mr Michael Chew, PBM Member
Ms Patricia Chua Member
Mediation Committee Mr Michael Chew, PBM Chairman
Mr Louis Lim, BBM Vice-Chairman
Mr Stephen Poh, PBM# Member
Mr John Ng, PBM# Member
Sports Committee Ptr Solano Reynaldo Ortiz Chairman
Ms Ivy Tan Vice-Chairman
Hub Management Mr Michael Chew, PBM Protem Committee Chairman
Committee Mr Lim Fang Sung Chairman
Mr Seah Seng Choon, JP, Vice-Chairman
PBM
Ms Helen Tan Member
Dr Cheah Kim Fee Member
Mr Louis Lim, BBM Member
Ptr Solano Reynaldo Ortiz Member
Mr Chng Beng Guan# Member
Mr Victo Goh# Member
Mr Peter Tan# Member
*Leslie Yong was co-opted into the Establishment Committee during the term non-EXCO membersDELIBERATIONS AND DECISIONS
EXCO AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
FAST held its 15th Annual General Meeting on 18 July 2019. It convened
two Extra-Ordinary General Meetings and four EXCO meetings during
the financial year ended 28 February 2020.
The dates of the AGM, EOGMs and EXCO meetings are as follows :
o 15th AGM : 18 July 2019
o EOGM : 22 August 2019
o EOGM : 10 February 2020
o 49th EXCO : 3 May 2019
o 50th EXCO : 18 July 2019
o 51st EXCO : 3 October 2019
o 52nd EXCO : 7 January 2020OUR CORE BUSINESS PROVIDING LIVELIHOOD AND EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS During the Financial Year, 40,838 training places were taken up by the FDWs. In terms of absolute numbers, 7,124 FDWs attended the training programmes offered by FAST. The training placement numbers could have been higher if not for the onset of COVID-19. With the implementation of social distancing measures, face-to-face training facilitation was halted in February 2020. Focus on Building Capabilities and Capacity in Elder Caregiving Skills For most part of the financial year, FAST continued to ramp up its effort in the training of FDW caregivers. The focus was on building capabilities and capacity in Elder caregiving and specialisation in dementia, stroke and palliative care. This was in response to the demand for specific skill sets in caring for the elderly who have complex needs. In sum, 40 FDWs graduated with a Specialist Certificate in Eldercare, while another 478 FDWs graduated with a Basic Eldercare Certificate. Of the total number of graduates, 34 FDWs completed the Specialist Module in Dementia Care and 116 FDWs acquired the skill sets in Palliative Care or End of Life Care.
In addition, the Specialist Certificate in Eldercare Programme conducted
by Care Academy was recognized by the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority or TESDA. TESDA is an accreditation body in the
Philippines that is about the equivalent of Singapore’s ITE (Institute of
Technical Education). The Filipino FDW students who had completed the
Specialist Certificate in Eldercare can opt to sit for the TESDA
assessment. More than 90% of the Filipino FDWs from Care Academy
passed the TESDA assessment.
Opportunities for new FDWs to adapt and integrate into Singapore Work-
life.
FAST continues to push for mandatory orientation and integration
training for new FDWs. The FAST’s Onboarding and Integration
Programme (OIP) continues to gain support from employment agencies
that had benefitted from the positive impact it had on the FDWs. OIP
continues to deliver an 83% retention rate for the first-year FDWs who
had undergone the programme.
FAST experienced a breakthrough in lobbying the implementation of the
OIP in the source countries. In late 2019, both the Philippine and
Indonesia Embassies approached FAST to consider offering the
following :
a) Incorporate snippets of the OIP in the Philippine Embassy’s
Post-Arrival Seminar; and
b) Pilot a mandatory OIP programme in source country training
centres in Indonesia and conduct the post-OIP assessment when the
FDWs arrive in Singapore.
FAST achieved positive outcomes during the visit to the training centres in
Surabaya, Indonesia. The training centre owners were keen to incorporate
the OIP into their current pre-departure programmes. However, the
collaboration with Indonesia was stalled because of the Covid-19
pandemic.
FAST efforts to provide needed vocational skills and lifelong learning
training programmes saw an increase in the number of training
placements taken up by the FDWs. During the financial year, specialised
modules in dementia care and palliative care were introduced inLearning how to
read expiry dates
OIP classroom facilitation in FDWs’
native language
Onboarding &
Integration
Programme
Tips on living in high-rise, high-density Singaporeresponse to the need for these skill sets in caring for elderly
persons. The following new training programmes were offered :
a) Specialised Caregiver Course (Bridging Course for the 3-day
Intensive Eldercare)
b) Specialist Certificate in Dementia Care
c) Specialist Certificate in End of Life Care (Palliative Care)
Despite the setback due to Covid-19, FAST still manage to over-achieve
its set target of 35,000 training places for the period 1 March 2019 to 29
February 2020 The details are as follows:
YEAR TOTAL TRAINING PLACES
Sep 2006 – Dec 2006 318
2007 5668
2008 7498
2009 577
2010 1882
2011 433
2012 1344
2013 13934
2014 16759
2015 27300
2016 17054
2017 29734
Mar 2018 – Feb 2019 42439
Mar 2019 – Feb 2020 40838
TOTAL 205778NEW FOCUS IN CAPIBILITIES DEVELOPMENT
In preparation for the setting up of a FAST Lifelong Learning Centre at
the new FAST Multi-Service Hub in 2021, FAST invited its training
partners to take up tenancy at the Hub. Having the training partners
housed under one roof will provide a one-stop access to the FDWs
for their training needs.
FAST is developing its curriculum of selected courses to build up its
proprietary training programmes. In the pipeline, FAST has engaged
content and curriculum experts to develop the following training
programmes :
a) Basic Skills in Child Minding
b) Specialist Programme in Child Minding and Development
c) Mandarin for Survival
d) Read, Write, Speak English for Work-Life
e) Certificate in “I can cook Singapore Meals”
f) Certificate in “Pastry Making and Baking”
FAST Mid-year Graduation Ceremony for Specialist Eldercare
ProgrammesHappy Employers with Graduand
Hands-on TrainingENHANCING THE FAST CARE PROGRAMME Through its one-stop integrated service, the FAST Care Programme continues to serve the needs of FDWs and employers. FAST has successfully appealed to corporates and the National Council of Social Service for funding support in response to the increasing demand for its services. Through its various services, FAST Care served 1,321 FDWs and employers during the financial year FAST Helpline : Over the years, FAST has experienced an increase in the number of helpline calls. During the financial year, FAST received 1071 calls from FDWs, employers, employment agencies and the public. At the onset of the COVID19 pandemic and in anticipation of an increase in the number of distress call, FAST introduced a roster system for its counsellors to be on standby to speak to distressed FDWs. Many of the counsellors who are conversant in the native language of the FDWs took on the role of translator to assist the FDWs who were not conversant in the English Language. FAST Mediation Service: FAST was appointed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in October 2019 as an agency to provide mediation and dispute resolution services to FDWs and employers. FAST was also formally accredited by the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI) as a Registered Service Provider on 7 October 2019. Nine new mediators were inducted into the pool of volunteer Mediators to meet the increasing demand for mediation, bringing the total to 24. FAST Counselling Service: FAST renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Executive Counselling and Training Academy (ECTA) to meet the growing demand for counselling services for FDWs. FAST also partnered with Monash University to offer counselling placements for Masters’ of Counselling students. 14 counsellors from ECTA and Monash University came on board to conduct phone and physical counselling sessions.
FAST Pro-Bono Legal Service : FAST continues to advocate the need for educating the FDWs on their legal rights and obligations. During the financial year, FAST conducted four legal workshops facilitated by the Law Faculty students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and introduced a basic skills training workshop helmed by Justice Without Boarders (JWB). The workshops equipped staff and the FDW volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to assist FDWs in need. FAST also engaged lawyers from K&L Gates LLP and Optimus Chambers LLC to provide Pro-Bono legal representations for two FDWs in their court proceedings. FAST Humanitarian Aid : FAST has seen an increase in the number of requests for humanitarian assistance during the financial year. Many sought help to be sheltered. To cope with the rising demand, FAST requested referring authorities to undertake the cost of sheltering the FDWs instead. With such measures taken, FAST was able to channel its financial assistance to more needy FDWs with debilitating medical conditions. To address the problem of unlicensed moneylending (UML) amongst FDWs, FAST teamed up with the Bukit Merah West Neighbourhood Police Centre to train and form the FAST Police Ambassadors. 14 FDWs from different nationalities were trained in leadership and UML knowledge. They served as ground contacts for FDWs who were straddled with UML problems. FAST will continue to work closely with the Singapore Police Force to educate FDWs and eradicate their bad borrowing behaviours.
SUPPORTING WORK-LIFE BALANCE OF FDWS
THE VISION – FAST MULTI SERVICE HUB
Plans to realise the vision of setting up the first of its kind multi-service
hub at the sprawling 86,000sq ft premises at 3 Chin Cheng Avenue were
derailed with the onset of Covid-19 at the beginning of the year.
Notwithstanding the setback, FAST remains committed to resuming its
plans to operate the premises as the FAST Multi-Service Hub by January
2021 when things return to normalcy.
In the face of the restrictions and safety measures put in place during
Covid-19, FAST has turned to social media to engage the FDWs. Activities
offered to FDWs included :
a) Fitness classes
b) Culinary classes
c) Talks on mental resilience
d) Training Programmes
A Zumba class via ZoomHoning their skills at the Culinary class
via Facebook
FAST Members
giving their bodies a good stretch at a yoga class via ZoomOwing to non-renewals during Covid-19, FAST Clubhouse Membership
took a dip. As at the end of the financial year, membership stood at 7,192.
Before the onset of Covid-19, the FAST Clubhouse was buzzing with
activities. FAST organised Independence Day and New Year celebrations
for the different FDW nationalities. These events were well-supported by
the embassies. It provided the FDWs with a sense of home-away-from-
home.
The FDWs also enjoyed the many events celebrating the local festivities
along with ad-hoc events, seminars and talks. The table below provides a
snapshot of what was offered:
FAST’s Local Festivities, Ad-Hoc Events,
Seminars and Talks
FAST Volleyball Financial debt management Combined New Year 2019 for Financial debt management
Cambodia, Myanmar and and money lending 6th Education and Health Fair
Championship Season 2 and money lending
Sri Lanka New Year 2019 awareness seminars (26 May 2019)
(Jan 2019 to June 2019) awareness seminars
(3 March 2019) (5 May 2019) (12 May 2019)
121st Philippines FAST Hari Raya We Got Talent V 54th Singapore 74th Indonesia
Independence Day Celebration 2019 Competition National Day Independence Day
(16 June 2019) (23 June 2019) (June to October 2019) (18 August 2019) (1 September 2019)
Financial debt management
WEwalk for a Cause Christmas Bash 2019
and money lending BNG Fun Run FAST 10th FDW Day @ South East 2019 (15 December 2019)
awareness seminars (22 September 2019) (27 October 2019) (1 December 2019)
(15 September 2019)
72nd Myanmar FAST Lunar New Year
Independence Day Celebration 2020
(12 January 2020) (2 February 2020)During the financial year, the following new activities and programmes
were introduced :
a) Guitar and Keyboard Beginner Classes in May 2019
b) Basic Floral Arrangement and Decorating for Home Interior from
May to August 2019 in collaboration with Bloem Singapore
c) Japanese Tea Ceremony, dance, sewing and food class on 1 April, 28
July, 15 and 22 September 2019 in collaboration with Japanese and
Hong Kong Interns from AIESEC and members from the Japanese
Association Kimono Club
d) Set Grow Wellness workshop on 1 December 2019
In total, FAST work-life balance efforts attracted more than 24,000 FDWs.
The FAST all-girls rock band and dancers had an image makeover. An
online competition to invite FDWs to select a name for the band drew 30
responses. The new name selected was “FAST Notes and the Groovers”. A
new set of vests was fabricated for the band and dancers.
The FAST Notes and the Groovers continued to delight the crowd at all
FAST’s events during the year.
EMPOWERING THE PEOPLE
OUR VOLUNTEERS– KEY TO OUR SUSTAINABILITY
FAST is dependent on Volunteers and Financial Support from the public
and corporates for its sustainability. It has a pool of 148 FDW volunteers
from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines and Sri Lanka to
plan and organise events, and to run the clubhouseIt also has a pool of 59 active PMET volunteers comprising Singaporeans, Malaysians, Burmese, Filipinos, Indians and Thai providing different expertise, including IT support, translation, events management, counselling, legal advice, mediation, financial management, language programmes supporting the FAST’s cause. FAST FDW Volunteers At FAST membership roadshows FAST FDW Volunteers at Cat Therapy session at Sunny heightsunny heights
BONDING EMPLOYERS AND FDWS THROUGH FAST’S FLAGSHIP EVENT THE 10TH FDW DAY The 10th FDW Day was held on Sunday 24 November 2019. The event graced by the then Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Manpower, Ms Low Yen Ling attracted more than 8,000 FDWs, employers and supporters. Snapshots of activities at the 10th FDW Day
OUTREACH AND PROMOTING UNDERSTANDING OF FDW ISSUES
OUR PARTNERS
FAST values the contributions of its stakeholders. During the term, it
continues to engage and collaborate with government agencies and
statutory bodies including the Ministry of Manpower, Public Utilities
Board, National Environment Agency, National Council of Social Service,
Neighbourhood Police Centres and South West Community Development
Council.
In 2019, it collaborated with the Public Utilities Board to recruit the first
batch of FDW Water Conservation Ambassadors.
Besides this, FAST worked closely with other partner NGOS and social
service agencies including Credit Association of Singapore, Justice
Without Borders, National Safety Council of Singapore, The Law Society,
Lions Clubs of Singapore, AIDHA, ACMI, HAGAR, HOME, NUS Law and
You, and various FDW-led support groups including the Indonesian
Family Network (IFN), FOWS, HPLRTIS, Pinoywise and Nissa Al-Mutaqqin
to support the needs of FDWs.
Besides the government agencies, statutory bodies, NGOs and social
service agencies, FAST continues to engage employment agencies and
associations and corporate partners to jointly organise major events
including the 10th FDW Day and FAST Charity Dinner.
New partners that supported FAST during the term included Action for
AIDS, SG Assist, Sassy Mama, GKPI, Safe Place, NTUC Nebo, Happy
Language Co, BW Generation, The Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) ,
University of Newcastle, Temasek Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
FAST collaborated with these new partners to organise outreach,
recreational and capability development programmes and activities for
FDWs.
FAST was also represented at the following overseas seminars:
a) UN Women for Ending Violence Against Women Seminar in Bangkok
in July 2019; and
b) Peer-to-Peer Learning of Migration Stakeholders organised by
Atikha Overseas Workers and Initiative Inc in Bogor, Indonesia from
16 to 20 September 2019.OUR OUTREACH EFFORTS The main channels for FAST to outreach our FDWs are through club and festive events, our bi-annual newsletter, our website and our social media (Facebook). In 2019, FAST utilised analytics to improve our social media reach in view of the fact that many FDWs are heavy users of this social platform. Through Facebook analytics, FAST was able to grow its “Followers” base to over 23,000 by the end of February 2020, with “Likes” reaching over 22,000. It is through the Facebook social media that FAST engages the FDW audience on important topics like illegal loans and loan shark, the dangers of loneliness and radicalisation, the tragic Lucky Plaza accident, and safe social spaces needed by FDWs. Similarly through this platform FAST was able to effectively deliver our advisory to FDWs at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
FAST continues to sustain visibility in the mainstream media through our engagement in Forum discussions and participation in media interviews. During the financial year, FAST held a media conference when it was officially accredited by the Singapore International Mediation Institute in October 2019 as a registered mediation centre. This news helped to establish FAST’s as a reputable centre for FDW and Employer mediation. FAST also attracted interest from a Japanese company, Soulware, who sent a representative to interview our Chief Executive Director on tips of building a harmonious relationship with a domestic worker. The article was targeted at Japanese families.
RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY FAST continues to adopt a balanced and fair approach in its advocacy efforts for the well-being and fair treatment of the FDWs. Citing the example “Maids should have KPIs too” in the forum discussion on 17 September 2019, FAST strongly supported the strengthening of employer-FDW relationship to address work expectations and demands and the potential causes that may undermine the worker’s trust and confidence, instead of KPIs.
FUNDING SUPPORT FAST raised a gross amount of $110,445 through its Charity Dinner in 2019. Through various ad-hoc fundraisers and donations received from well-wishers and supporters, it has accumulated over $800K for the renovation and refurbishment of the FAST Multi-Service Hub at Telok Kurau. PLANS GOING FORWARD REALISING ITS VISION OF A FAST MULTI-SERVICE HUB Plans to realise its vision of setting up a multi-service hub at the defunct Telok Kurau Secondary School were derailed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, with the support of corporations and individuals including architects, lawyers, engineers and facilities management professionals, FAST has set a target to complete the renovation, retrofitting and furnishing of the Hub by early 2021. The first of its kind in this part of the world, the FAST Multi-Service Hub will boast a transit centre that will be compliant with stringent post-Covid safety measures. The transit centre will have the capacity to house 250 new FDW arrivals. As a one-stop integrated multi-service hub, there will be a medical and dental centre, social service centre, training academy, fully equipped clubhouse, culinary centre, cafeteria and sundry shop besides sports facilities, open areas for social gatherings, barbecues, gardening and ad-hoc events. On Sundays, the Hub will be a hive of activities as remittance, telco, and courier services will be available and accessible to the FDWs without the hassle of long queues.
ESTABLISHING A BRAND AND SUSTAINABILITY RAISING AWARENESS Efforts to position FAST as the preferred social service agency for FDWs for social support, training and work-life balance would be ramped up with the move to the FAST Multi-Service Hub. FAST will optimise opportunities in the mainstream and social media to brand itself, gain a larger footprint in its outreach to FDWs, employers, employment agencies, potential donors and the general public as a whole. At the same time, FAST will enrich the suite of social, recreational, and sports activities for FDWs that will be made available at the Multi-Service Hub, by promoting these activities through various marketing platforms. By working closely with our stakeholders, FAST aims to create greater awareness of our suite of FAST CARE Social Support programmes to help FDWs and employers. SUSTAINING THE FUTURE Our vision is to establish FAST as the organisation of choice among domestic workers, employers, and key stakeholders for social support, training and work-life services. Besides programme funding from the government and statutory bodies, FAST will build up its funds for its future sustainability from : (i) the provision of accommodation at the transit centre for FDWs; (ii) new FDWs who attend training and other mandatory programmes required before their deployment; and (iii) the provision of training and activity facilities for FDWs (members and non-members), stakeholders and the community. Together with the set up of a new lifelong learning centre and a business development office, FAST aims to secure its position as a forerunner in being the region’s first integrated multi-service hub for foreign domestic workers.
RESERVES POLICY FAST's receives funding from the government, statutory bodies and donations from corporates and partners. A budget is provided for each Financial Year and FAST runs its programmes based on the allocated budget. FAST is building its reserves to achieve a target of 3 times its monthly expenditure. For the FY in review, FAST has accumulated reserves of $50,000. PDPA POLICY FAST has also implemented a customised FAST Data Protection Policy to ensure compliance with the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) advisory guidelines for the social service sector. All EXCO members and staff of the FAST Secretariat have signed the Non- Disclosure Agreement (NDA) regarding this issue and will be bound by the NDA not to misuse or abuse the personal data provided by FAST Clubhouse members or the FDWs that FAST attend to as part of the FAST CARE and the FAST training programmes. All FAST volunteers and FAST FDW members are also be required to sign the PDPA form to give consent for their personal data to be recorded and used in the FAST volunteer and membership databases. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS The statement of accounts for the financial year ended 29 February 2020 has been audited by FAST’s external auditors, Baker Tilly TFW LLP.
FAST's Partners
ACMI Credit HOME
(Archdiocesan Commission (Humanitarian Ang Mo Kio SIMI
for the Pastoral Care Association Organization for Singapore Internation
of Migrants & of Singapore Migration Economics)
Police Division Mediation Institute
Itinerant People)
Law Society Pro Actions For Bedok Police Law and You
HAGAR
Bono Services AIDS Division NUS Law Faculty
ECTA PUB
(Executive Counselling
Safe Place and Training Academy)
Bedok South Tanglin Police (Public Utilities
NPC Division Board)
HPLRTIS
GKPI Monash Bukit Merah West Clementi Police (Himpuran Penata
Laksana Rumah
Singapore University NPC Division Tangga Indonesia
Singapura)
FOWS
Blessed Grace Justice Without Jurong Police Viriya Community (Filipino Overseas
Social Service Borders Division Services Workers in
Singapore)
FILODEP
IFN (Filipino On-going
(Indonesian Marine Parade Wilson Global
Development PracticeForte
Family Network) NPC Initiative
Program)
AWWA
Singapore Planned Singapore Fei Yue
Samaritans of (Asian Women’s
Families Kindness Family
Singapore Welfare
Association Movement Service Centre
Association)
Sekolah AIESEC
TWC2 MWC Tan & Yip LLC
Indonesia SingaporeFAST's Partners
Alzheimer's National
TSMP Law
Disease Volunteer Singapore Tote Board
Corporation
Foundation & Philanthropy Pools
Centre
CDE
(Centre for Telok Kurau NC Teck Ghee Ministry of Temasek
Domestic Constitution Manpower Foundation
Employees)
Sassy Mama Hor Kew
Caregiver Asia Myanmar Community
Singapore Corporation
Airlines Chest NCSS
Limited
Kuan Im Tng Kwan Im Thong
Academy of TPK Loyang Lee Foundation
(Joo Chiat) Hood Cho
Rock Temple
Temple Temple
The Community Keppel Allied World
Optimus Starhub Assurance
Foundation of Corporation
Chambers LLC Company, Ltd
Singapore Limited
Vine Asia Skew Chinatown The Japanese Singapore
Services Collaboratives Heritage Centre Association Land Authority
Singapore (SLA)
Urban Bob Marine TFC
Bayanihan
Redevelopment GIVE.Asia Singapore The Filipino
Centre
Authority (URA) Yacht Charter Channel
Embassy of the Embassy of the
Embassy of the Sri Lanka High Royal Embassy
Republic of Republic of the
Philippines in Commission of Cambodia
Indonesia in Union of Myanmar
Singapore in Singapore in Singapore
Singapore in SingaporeFAST's Partners
High Commission Embassy of United States Embassy of
of India in Vietnam in Embassy in Japan in Bank BJB
Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore
Atikha Overseas International
Beam & Go Bloem Workers and SingPhil Events
Labour and Services
Communities Organization
Initiative, Inc.
Lions Club Lions Club of Lions Club of
Silver Ribbon Agency for
of Singapore Singapore Singapore
Singapore Integrated Care
Centennial Bedok Changi
Association of (AWARE) SAEAA
Lions Club of
Employment Association of (Singapore Accredited
Singapore SG Assist
Agencies Women for Action Employment Agencies
Garden City Association)
Singapore and Research
Keppel Absolute Caregiving (NEA)
Corporation Kinetics Welfare National
ECON Healthcare
Limited Consultancy Association Environment
Agency
National
TSMP Law Volunteer & Tote Board
1st Credit SG Telok Kurau NC
Corporation Philanthropy
Centre
Teck Ghee Temasek Singtel Pinoywise
Constitution FoundationFAST's Associate MEMBERs
Noble Life Media
MASS EXPRESS Aria Training &
POSTKI International Transformation
PTE LTD Consultancy
SG Pte Ltd Ministry (MTM),
Pte Ltd
Ltd
Metro Remittance Auk Management Bedok Police ASKI Global
Services Pte Ltd SOHA Institute Division Limited
SG Pte Ltd
CARE Pte Ltd (EA) Aries Training
Western Union Scanwell
BWG (Care Advisors & Consultancy
Global Network Associates
Recruitment Pte Ltd
Pte Ltd Pte Ltd
Enterprise)
Philippine National GEM Vacation Care Academy
NSCS AIDHA
Bank (PNB) & Travel Pte Ltd (TP)
AVA Insurance Manpower
PLDT Sg Retail
RECRUITASIA Aaxonn Pte Ltd Permata
Agency Pte Ltd Service Pte Ltd
Pte Ltd
Caregivers JRS Business
Afreight Cargo AiMS Learning Sanctuary
Centre Express Pte Ltd
Pte Ltd International Manpower
Pte Ltd
LBC Express Envoy Chinhill DSI Academy 21st Century
Airfreight (S) International International Pte Ltd Employment
Pte Ltd LLP Pte Ltd Pte Ltd
Homekeeper Apex Able Best Budget
ServQ Placement Employment
International Employment Employment & Management Service Centre
Pte Ltd Agency Pte Ltd Agency
Pte LtdFAST's Associate MEMBERs
Nation Roland Bright Maid Best Home
Asset Agency Employment
Employment Employment Employment
Pte Ltd Agency Pte Ltd
Pte Ltd Agency Pte Ltd
May Manpower
Betterhelp Crislo Team-Up
Pte Ltd MPL Employment
Recruitment Resources Resources
(May Myanmar Agency
Agency Pte Ltd Pte Ltd Pte Ltd (Ivy)
Services Pte Ltd)
Labour Express Aberdeen Bright Manpower Unique The Branch
Employment Employment Employment Employment Employment
Agency Pte Ltd Services Pte Ltd Agency Agency Pte Ltd
Sing Island
Faith Maid Maid AA Overseas
Employment Islands Maids
Agency Pte Ltd Management Employment
Agency Pte Ltd
Services Pte Ltd Centre
Pte Ltd
Loyal Wandee Matahari
Employment Maid-Power Silver Seagull Employment
Recruitment
Agency Pte Ltd Agency Pte Ltd
Services
JPB The Branch Hikmah A. Pratama
Employment Employment Employment Employment We Are Caring
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