NTUC to provide S$2.5 million to support upskilling for migrant worker representatives

SINGAPORE: The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) said on Wednesday (Sep 18) it will provide S$2.5 million (US$1.93 million) to support migrant worker representatives in their welfare and training.
The funds will be used to provide courses to help them create better career advancement opportunities within their companies.
These courses are eligible only for Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) ambassadors, NTUC said in response to CNA’s queries.
MWC ambassadors are migrant workers “who are like grassroots representatives in their community and at their workplaces”, it added.
They are experienced mentors who guide and help new workers assimilate into Singapore society.
They are also trained in basic employment rights, enabling them to be a point of contact and help address employment issues early among fellow migrant workers. 
NTUC added that the ambassador network provides “real-time ground sensing ability and helps to smoothen the integration of newly-arrived migrant workers”.
MWC will also provide resources for migrant workers to organise activities, such as sports and training workshops, at the four recreation centres operated by MWC and NTUC Club, and subsidise such activities.
NTUC added that MWC associate members will receive gift bags comprising daily essential items to help defray their costs of living. 
“At NTUC, we believe that every worker deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive, and be appreciated, regardless of where they come from,” said NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng.
“This S$2.5 million commitment underscores our dedication to enhancing the welfare and skills of our migrant workers. For example, part of the fund will be for our Migrant Workers’ Centre ambassadors so that they have the tools and support for career advancement and a better quality of life.” 
There are 6,600 MWC ambassadors and based on feedback, many of them are keen to upskill themselves for better career advancement and higher wages, NTUC said.
To that end, MWC will be collaborating with partners such as NTUC LearningHub to subsidise courses for up to 1,500 ambassadors from Jul 1 to Dec 31, 2025.
The courses can range from forklift operation to construction work supervision for workplace safety and health.
“Through this initiative, we are not just investing in their future but also strengthening the foundation of our inclusive workforce,” said Mr Ng. “Beyond these initiatives, our social enterprises are also committed to positively impacting the lives of migrant workers.”
On the provision of resources by MWC for migrant workers to organise activities at the recreation centres, NTUC said this was in response to feedback, with many of them expressing their desire to contribute positively to their community.
“These ground-up initiatives, which can range from sport activities to training workshops, will foster a sense of ownership and encourage greater participation across the migrant worker community,” it added. 
Migrant workers who wish to organise smaller-group sporting activities at the centres will also receive subsidies from MWC, NTUC confirmed.
It added that MWC associate members will receive gift bags containing essential items to support the well-being of migrant workers and defray their costs of living.
These items include a dental kit, body wash, laundry detergent, a battery-powered fan and a small foldable umbrella. The bags will be distributed through various MWC touchpoints such as recreation centres, onboarding centres and at events.
“This S$2.5 million fund will not only enhance the welfare and training opportunities available to our workers but also create more touchpoints for meaningful engagement and support,” said NTUC director of migrant workers segment Michael Lim.
“By providing more avenues for skill development and community activities, we are committed to empowering our migrant workers to achieve their career aspirations and fostering a stronger sense of belonging within our community.”