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18 December 2010 is International Migrants’ Day. The Migrant Workers Centre (MWC), a bipartite initiative between the National Trades Union Congress and the Singapore National Employers Federation, will be celebrating International Migrants' Day (IMD) with an estimated 12,000 migrant workers through a series of celebratory activities.
The MWC’s IMD celebration this year surrounds the two themes of social integration and recognition of migrant workers’ contributions to our economy and society. Singapore, which relies heavily on foreign labour, has seen growth in number of migrant workers to about 1.05 million, which is around a third of our total workforce. It is therefore fitting that we help migrant workers integrate into our society as they are a major contributor to Singapore's economic development.
This year’s IMD celebration will see 10 finalists of the Migrant Workers Talent Quest, all champions at their own dormitory-held preliminary rounds, perform to a 12,000-strong audience. The top three winners will be awarded with cash prizes with consolation cash prizes for the rest of the contestants. The event will take place at The Float@Marina Bay on 19 December 2010, Sunday and free-of-charge tickets will be made available at the entrance to the venue from 5.30pm onwards on the day of the event. In line with the social integration theme, the event is also open to members of the public while ticket stocks last.
About 12,000 migrant workers and Singaporeans will be entertained by local and foreign celebrity performances and cultural dance items, as well as the main event – the Migrant Workers Talent Quest.
Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Co-Chairman of Migrant Workers Centre said, “"We hope by putting up a celebration of International Migrants' Day, to pay tribute to our migrant workers for their contribution to Singapore, as well as to demonstrate the strong commitment of the Labour Movement and the Employers' Movement, to championing fair and humane treatment of all migrant workers here."
We are very pleased to have Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower and Health as the Guest-of-Honour gracing the IMD Celebration.
The MWC is also planning a series of events in 2011 to reach out to migrant workers, targeted at their working and living conditions, as well as to help them integrate more easily into the Singapore’s society.
