Having been with Young NTUC for 2 years, 31-year-old Muhammad Zaid bin Idris has had a fruitful experience getting to know youths from different walks of life. The time has been made extra special because he has seen the youths coming together to make life better for workers.
He is currently an executive council member with Attractions, Resorts & entertainment Union (AREU).
Always a people’s person and one who believes in spreading happiness wherever he goes, Zaid used to work in the American Club Singapore’s youth department for 5 years, handling the expats kids’ classes, events and birthday parties.
He decided it was time to try something quieter, and that’s when he started attending to the kid’s parents instead at the Club’s Business Center and Library.
Stepping into union work was a natural move for him, having spent time being involved in various community projects since he was 16.
“My ex-branch chairman stepped down and there was no one to take over. My ex-industrial relations officer asked me to give it a shot. I am glad that I became involved in AREU as it has given me so many insights and allowed me to understand the reasons behind certain decisions made by management, and at the same time, have empathy for staff.
“As to the experience that has touched me as a union leader, it would be members recognising your hard work and saying thank you. For me, these little gestures of appreciation mean a lot to me,” he said.
He is also fortunate to have the backing of his management when balancing work demands with his role as a union leader. Being single, he jokingly shared that there is no one to nag him for spending too much of time in union work when he has to go to various events and meetings.
On the subject of whether youths in Singapore today face stress, his advice is that time management is very important.
“If you really can’t cope with stress, it is always good for you to talk to someone. Never ever bottle up your stress as it can be very unhealthy,” shared Zaid.
He also believes a link up bridge between nEbO and Young NTUC will have many positive effects.
“nEbO has such a big pool of members and it is unfortunate that many of them disappear when they have phased out from nEbO. A regular get together between nEbO and Young NTUC can possibly bring the former back into the union fold again,” he added.
On a lighter note, what are some of the Zaid’s unique traits and hobbies?
“I really love watching dramas and play table tennis when I am not busy with work and union responsibilities. And I spread happiness around me,” he said.
