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Brother Mohd Rasi, President of NTWU
Brother Fang Chin Poh, General Secretary NTWU
Brother Gan Juay Kiat, Brother Tommy Ng, Sister Daisy Chan
Brothers and sisters, ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys
1. Happy to be here.
2. A special year – we are in the deepest recession since independence.
- Fortunately public transport sector not badly hit, but sectors like Jurong Port, logistics are badly affected.
- 3 rd Quarter has registered year-on-year growth, 3-5% growth expected next year. On the ground, we are also getting the feeling that things are slowly getting better.
- During these tough times, NTUC stepped up to the challenge – raise $23 million for U Care Fund. All unions contributed, all social enterprises – Fairprice, Income, Choice Home, First Campus, contributed.
- NTWU also stepped up to the challenge – to go all out to help even more members badly affected by the downturn, through vouchers and immediate relief.
3. Which is why this year, we have record number of scholarships and bursaries for members’ children.
- 586 scholarships and bursaries, compared to 385 last year – a 50% increase.
- $160,000 to be awarded, compared to $120,000 last year – a 30% increase.
- Out of $160,000, $140,000 from NTWU, $20,000 from NTUC.
- Good example of how an individual union such as NTWU, together with the umbrella body NTUC, work together to provide the best help for our members.
- Also a good example of the tangible benefits for being part of a Union.
- Workplace representation – car parks at interchanges, benefits, minor disputes
- Discounts at FairPrice, Income.
- Various subsidized social activities ($15 Annual Dinner)
- Not forgetting vouchers, scholarships, bursaries, to give a helping hand to those facing hardship.
4. For a mid size Union like us, these are very good benefits. Why is NTWU able to do that with $9 subscription?
- We had inheritance – which we carefully managed, invest and earn returns for members.
- Supportive management – which contributes to our funds, which allow us the space to operate canteen stores, and help boost our resources to serve members better.
- First rate Union leaders and IROs – who ensure that our Union is well run, events are well organised.
- For example, much effort went into gathering and processing all the scholarships and bursaries applications, developing the fairest possible criteria and ensuring that they are met. Many Union leaders did all the work, even when their own children cannot qualify.
- Deserve round of applause.
5. The Scholarship and Bursary Awards is one of the most important event for NTWU. I want to ask the children here today: Why are we placing so much emphasis on education?
- Because your parents join the union for a clear purpose: to secure their livelihood, and to hope for better jobs and better life.
- And better life comes about when you can do better than your parents. You will get a better education, acquire more skills, secure better jobs, and chart out a good career.
- What every parent wish for their children.
- That is why across many unions, and over the decades, unions like NTWU continue to emphasis on helping children go through their education.
6. I congratulate all the boys and girls and young adults that will receive the Scholarships and Bursaries. Study well, work hard, and make your parents proud.
