Nurhazimah Abdul Halim may only be 27 but she is already Singapore Malay Teachers’ Union’s (SMTU) assistant general secretary.
She teaches the Malay language at East Spring Secondary School. After joining the National Institute of Education in 2008 as a trainee teacher, she immediately joined SMTU and started union work. Nurhazimah recounted what drives her to be one of the youngest union leaders in the Labour Movement.
NTUC This Week: What do you do in SMTU?
Nurhazimah Abdul Halim: When I joined in 2008, I helped to organise events such as seminars, talks, and Hari Raya and Teachers’ Day celebrations. In addition, I assisted in the planning of a professional development workshop for SMTU members. At the biennial general meeting in 2009, I was appointed assistant general secretary (AGS), a position I have held till today. My role and tasks as AGS are to assist the general secretary in his duties. This involves planning events and activities, assisting members’ grievances and managing members’ data.
What prompted you to take on the leadership role?
My president and general secretary encouraged me to take up the leadership role. In addition, my fellow brothers and sisters in the committee motivated me to take on that role. Personally, I was keen to take up the leadership role as I was prepared to take up new challenges and embark on a new journey.
Since I took up that role, I have not looked back or regretted my decision.
How was your rise to AGS?
Becoming AGS was a challenging journey. Being young and new to the education sector and union work, there were many things that I had to learn.
Being involved in Young NTUC since I joined the union has enabled me to meet fellow young unionists and understand their challenges.
In SMTU, being new, I had to learn the different processes in managing members’ grievances. I was very fortunate to be able to work on different projects in SMTU. Under the guidance of my general secretary, I was able to plan various events that benefited the members.
What challenges do you face as a young union leader, and how do you overcome them?
As young union leaders, we need to earn the trust and respect of the more senior and experienced union leaders. Sometimes our ideas and suggestions may not be well received but we should not be discouraged. We take it as a challenge and a learning experience. We seek advice and improve on our future ideas and suggestions.
What fuels your passion for union work?
For every initiative that SMTU carries out and for every activity that SMTU conducts, it is very heart-warming to see the smiles on the members’ faces.
Knowing that the union is there to help and assist members fuels my passion as I know that the union remains relevant in today’s world.
What are three takeaways from your involvement in union work all these years?
Firstly, being in union work helped me to grow as an individual and in my professional work. It is a rewarding experience to be able to serve and learn at the same time.
Secondly, the union will always work hard to help and assist the members. We help the members to grow, care for them and ensure that there is fairness for all the members.
Thirdly, being in the union is like being in a big family. There are people to look out for you and help you in times of need.
