As Singapore marked 51 years of independence, the Labour Movement and its network of partners observed National Day with its own ceremony held at the Big Box on 16 August 2016.
Focused on our Unusual Labour Movement and its fast-growing network, the event counted Minister Teo Ser Luck and representatives from the Singapore National Employers Federation among the 2,000 guests.
Something New
"This year's NDOC is a very special one... This is the first time that we have gathered over 2,000 leaders and professionals from our network of affiliated unions and associations, U Associates, U SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) partners, U FSE (freelancers and self-employed individuals) partners, as well as our NTUC social enterprises and NTUC staff celebrating together with us.
"I just want us all to know that while we celebrate National Day as one Labour Movement, we want to strengthen the fellowship and community of this Unusual Labour Movement. We want everyone to recognise that this Unusual Labour Movement does not belong to any one individual, but to each and every one of you here. You play an important role as part of this family, and we want you, your workers, and your companies to grow and benefit from our network.
"This Labour Movement will continue to work hand in hand with all of you here to continue to build up this tripartite relationship, and the Singapore of tomorrow," said NTUC President Mary Liew.
The speech was followed by the National Anthem and Pledge.
Networking
The spotlight of NDOC 2016 this year was on how partners in our Unusual Labour Movement's network can leverage each other's skills and expertise for the benefit of both working people and businesses.
To make that happen, the space within Big Box was designed to facilitate networking between the Labour Movement's partners. There were a total of 24 booths set up by partners from the unions and associations, U Associates, U SMEs, U FSEs, NTUC social enterprises, NTUC's e2i (Employment and Employability Institute), U PME (professionals, managers and executives), as well as NTUC Membership partners such as U Creative, U Startup, U Future Leaders and U HR (human resource) Leaders
At their respective booths, NTUC's Centre for Domestic Employees and Migrant Workers' Centre showed the depth of the Labour Movement's commitment towards serving the needs of all workers in Singapore.
Seeing, Feeling, Building and Benefitting
The evening included a smorgasbord of activities ranging from interactive displays to on-site career profiling services for guests. The main aim was to provide a platform for guests to see and feel for themselves the many elements in the Labour Movement's network, and discover ways to eventually benefit through new connections.
Addressing everyone at the event, NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Chan Chun Sing shared that guests should leave with three takeaways - feel the Labour Movement network; build up the network with newfound connections; and all should benefit from the network.
"When we are able to take care of each other, all of us will benefit from the network. This is why we are here today.
"Today, we have a growing Labour Movement, but we are not satisfied yet. We want to make sure that we continue to grow, not only in size, but in the quality of the relationships," said SG Chan.
