By Joshua Joseph
A man with passion who is humble and has a big heart for low-wage workers. These were some of the ways in which United of Security Employees (USE) President Nakalingam Silva (pictured right) was described as he steps down having served in his capacity as USE President for 15 years. He will take on the role of Immediate Past President and IR Consultant with effect from 23 March 2013.Key NTUC leaders shared on fond memories and heartwarming moments to treasure of this dedicated leader at a USE President Dinner Appreciation held on 22 March 2013 at Orchid Country Club.
Mr Silva first got involved in union work in 1992 when he was elected as Branch Chairman at his company, Kingston Property Maintenance Services Pte Ltd. A year later, he became an Executive Council member in USE.Subsequently in 1995, he was elected as USE's Vice-President and became President in 1998. He was also elected as Member of the NTUC Central Committee (CC), a first for a USE President. He relinquished his position in the Central Committee in 2011.
In her speech, NTUC President Diana Chia said: “I've known of many times that you have actually represented your members and CC members being their voice and we certainly felt that you are one person who has built a good foundation for security and this foundation that we see is something that is recognizable nationally.
“Nationally you have made security jobs something that people recognise and not only have security officers gained recogniton but their salary has increased from time to time, from year to year. You have done a good job and I wish you all the best.”
USE unveiled its new President Mr Hareenderpal Singh along with a new Executive Committee at the event. USE Executive Secretary Desmond Choo took time to thank Mr Silva for guiding him and the USE team. Mr Choo said: “He (Mr Silva) made a lot of sacrifices, I don't think whatever we give him is enough to make up for it, certainly not in terms of the kind of passion and sacrifices that he has made throughout the years but I'm sure his legacy will continue. We will continue to lead a new team to create a USE that you can be proud of.”
Speaking at the event, Mr Silva shared on some of his memorable experiences and the tough challenges he has faced in his work as a union leader. He said that he was especially proud to have contributed to the cause of improving the image of security officers. Moving forward, he said that he will continue to play a mentorship role while guiding USE's leaders.
Mr Silva said: "I am happy to continue to serve as an IR (Industrial Relations) Consultant. I am very grateful to my union for allowing me to pursue my passion. Also at the same time, I do not want to neglect them just because I've stepped down. I've got a new team of people now with a bigger role to play and I will guide them as a mentor and see how they can continue to grow," he said.
