Every year, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and its affiliated unions, associations, co-operatives and related organisations get together to nominate a selected pool of individuals for NTUC’s annual May Day Awards. Year upon year, the awards are given out to individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to the Labour Movement, and aim to cast in stone their commendable efforts and contributions.
This year, a record-breaking total of 93 individuals and companies were shortlisted to receive the prestigious awards at the annual May Day Dinner & Awards held on 28 April 2013. Individually, these awardees – often touted as visionaries in their respective fields and sectors – work tirelessly to the benefit of the greater community. Collectively, they epitomise the charter of NTUC: to strive for better jobs, better wages and better lives for all workers of Singapore.
It is for this reason, that NTUC has taken upon itself the important task of recognising their achievements. Join us as we present to you our selection of individuals, who through sheer dedication, commitment and foresight, strive to make tomorrow a better day – for all.
Distinguished Service Award: Brother Ng Kee Choe
That NTUC Income currently stands as the number one composite insurer in Singapore can only be testament to the powerful leadership of Brother Ng Kee Choe, Chairman of the NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative Limited.
As Chairman of NTUC Income, Brother Ng has been integral in key decisions that have steered the organisation –through periods of significant changes in 2007 and 2008 – to greater heights. He has also continually strived to promote engagement and dialogue between members of the co-operative, the Board, and the senior management, to ensure that a high level of transparency and fairness is met – values which are echoed in the policies themselves.
Now in its 43rd year of operations, NTUC Income stands as a beacon of light for those who seek affordable and accessible insurance policies. Beyond that, NTUC Income is also spearheading various initiatives to further benefit the community. These include OrangeAid (a funding programme for underprivileged children and youth), Income Family Micro-insurance Scheme and NTUC U Care fund that supports the low-income group.
We thank Brother Ng for his commitment to the people, and congratulate him on receiving the Distinguished Service Award.
Meritorious Service Award: Brother Sin Boon Ann
With over 21 years of legal experience, and as Union Advisor to the Union of Power and Gas Employees (UPAGE), one would expect Brother Sin Boon Ann to comfortably assume the position of, well, advisor. Yet, the past one and a half decades have seen Brother Boon Ann right smack in the center of action, fighting “wars” alongside his union leaders.
Citing the efforts of fellow brothers and sisters in the union as a driving factor, he shared: “We should not fail to recognise their contributions, which have played an important part in securing our position as a first-world country. A successful Singapore should not only bring wealth and prosperity to some, but all. And it is our responsibility to ensure that our workers are not left behind.”
This belief has led him to actively participate in all manners of dispute resolutions and negotiations. To date, he has participated in no less than 10 negotiations, encompassing a wide spectrum of issues that the unions face today.
“One of the more memorable ones would have to be the recent negotiation for wage adjustment for our members at a Genco. Although negotiations started off with perspectival differences on both union and management fronts, we managed to secure a good portion of our bargain with the help of higher management. The experience also highlighted the effective spirit of tripartism which has worked so well in Singapore to preserve the stability and harmony of our industrial relations, and which NTUC also aims to promote.”
Armed with legal know-how and a willingness to fight for change, Brother Boon Ann also plays a vital role in union activities, regularly attending the union’s Executive Council meetings to keep abreast of union matters and maintain close ties with union leaders. Concerned too with the direction and future of UPAGE, Brother Boon Ann is also a regular fixture at leadership and development meetings.
In taking up arms to fight for the causes of our fellow workers, we cannot help but salute Brother Sin Boon Ann for his commitment and efforts.
Comrade of Labour Award: Brother Manjet Singh
“I joined the labour movement back in 1981, after witnessing a period of retrenchment exercises in the70s. At that time, we often heard stories of how SPWU leaders were fighting for better terms and work conditions for the workforce. In my own way, I wanted to be a part of that, to help the workers with their issues.”
Fast-forward 30 years, Brother Manjet still lives and breathes these convictions. Having made the move over to the Amalgamated Union of Statutory Board Employees (AUSBE) in 1996, he currently holds the coveted position of Assistant General Secretary.
When asked on his vision for the Union, he shared: “As Assistant General Secretary of AUSBE, it is my fervent hope that I will be able to bring AUSBE and the Union Movement to greater heights. I hope to accomplish this by identifying and grooming a pool of young leaders.”
Beyond that, Brother Manjet is also a firm supporter of harmonious labour relationships between the management and union. Under his dedicated leadership, MPA employees and union members enjoy greater understanding and synergy.
This is immediately evident across two levels: the union receives an annual grant from the management to support union’s activities and initiatives and holds quarterly union-management and bi-annual chief executive meetings to address members’ concerns.
AUSBE has also managed to secure for itself a host of provisions that serve to progressively improve the welfare of union members and MPA employees. In light of his selfless contributions to our fellow workers, we are pleased to present Brother Manjet with the Comrade of Labour Award.
Comrade of Labour Award: Sister Noorfarahin Ahmad
In a sea of mostly baritone voices, Sister Noorfarahin Ahmad’s voice emerges loud and clear. As part of the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) for the past 10 years, Sister Noorfarahin’s portfolio reads like a laundry list of achievements targeted across various initiatives and sectors.
Alongside efforts to promote good industrial relations and open communications between management and union, Sister Noorfarahin has also been a compelling voice for both women and youth. As Chairperson of the NTUC Women’s Activities Sub-committee, she frequently organises activities to engage and encourage positive interaction between union members.
“The Activities Sub-committee is tasked with organising activities that are not only fun, but provide additional knowledge and skills to the participants. As Chairperson of the Sub-committee, it is more important for me that all of us work as a team, to create a platform where all are welcome to contribute.”
A keen subscriber of self-improvement, the self-confessed art lover is also a strong advocate of training and self-development. Noting the multi-faceted roles that women play in society today, she shared: “I personally feel that women are very good in handling multi-roles and tasks. I recently came across a quote when I visited River Safari: ‘We have different paws for different purposes’. In the same way, I believe that we should always be positive in meeting different challenges ahead.”
On behalf of all public employees, women and youths in Singapore, we thank Sister Noorfarahin Ahmad for her positive contributions to AUPE and fellow workers.
