The annual International Migrants Day (IMD) celebration event organised by the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) took place at Little India this afternoon. This is the 7th IMD commemoration organized by the Centre. The theme “Together As One, Brighter Future For All”, aims to represent how we – local and migrant – are all in this endeavor together and like a team, we all have a common goal of building better lives for our loved ones. This year’s event seeks to recognise migrant workers’ efforts and contributions to our economy and society, and celebrate the commonalities between all workers, regardless of nationality.
Migrant workers form about one third of our total workforce today. They are a major contributor to Singapore’s economic development, especially in labour-short industries like marine, construction and manufacturing. Hence, it is appropriate that we show appreciation to our migrant workforce while we continue our efforts to integrate them into our society.
One of the main highlights of the event was a special photo exhibition, spotlighting migrant workers. The exhibition, entitled, ‘Invisible Hands’, attempts to unveil the often-overlooked members of our migrant workforce and gives insights to their lives and struggles. Curated by the MWC, the photo exhibition was the idea and effort of one of MWC’s interns – Ms Rachel Ng, who was inspired to do her part for migrant workers after spending a 12-week internship with the MWC earlier this year. Her idea led to the birth of ‘Invisible Hands’ and along with a friend, she went around taking photos and recording the stories of migrant workers, hoping to share a leaf out of their day. Along with MWC, the students hope the exhibition will help raise awareness among Singaporeans of the contributions of these invisible hands, who toiled hard to build a better life for their families back home, and in many respects, are motivated by aspirations that are not so different from our own. Besides Little India, the exhibition will also make rounds to NTUC Centre at One Marina Boulevard, the Penjuru Migrant Worker Recreation Centre and Tuas View Dormitory throughout December.
A special IMD video produced by MWC that showcases migrant workers talking about their hopes and dreams, their motivations to work hard and their affection for Singapore was screened for the participants for the first time at the event. As it was aired, participants were reminded how all of us – migrant workers and Singaporeans – are in fact more alike than many of us imagine. The video also recognizes migrant workers’ contributions through the years, and invites viewers to recognize and observe respect, appreciation and fair treatment for migrant workers.
Over 5,000 migrant workers and locals took part in this afternoon’s heartwarming event, which also saw the MWC collaborating with The Young ChangeMakers (an initiative to ignite and encourage youth passion for community change in Singapore), to organise an outdoor picnic and mingling session between migrant workers and youth volunteers.
Hand-made ‘Thank You’ cards, created by over 300 students from various primary schools, were handed out to migrant workers during the event. These cards contained the children’s personal appreciation for the workers’ contributions to Singapore.
The day-long celebration was completed by more than 10 exciting roadshows and activity booths operated by government organisations and private sponsors.
Co-Chairman of Migrant Workers’ Forum and Chair-Trustee of Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund, Mr Bennett Neo said “International Migrants Day is globally observed as a day of recognition for migrants all over the world. Here in Singapore, migrant workers have stood shoulder to shoulder with us through our years of nation-building, and they have touched our daily lives in so many ways – the homes we live in, the transport and roads that keep us moving, the clean surroundings we are so accustomed to and more. This year being our golden jubilee year, the MWC decided to adopt a more reflective and appreciative mood for our commemoration, and take this “golden” opportunity to show our sincere appreciation to this often overlooked but no less critical part of our workforce. Migrant workers are people too, and having done so much for us, they certainly deserve our appreciation, respect and the simple dignity of being treated fairly. I wish all our migrant brothers and sisters a very meaningful International Migrants Day”.
******
