Members at the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) in Singapore now have exclusive access to online learning and discounts on movie tickets, following the unveiling of new benefits on June 23. These perks were introduced through partnerships detailed in two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed during the NTUC May Day Migrant Workers’ Celebration, which was celebrated grandly at the MWC Recreation Club located on Soon Lee Road, with a corresponding event at Tuas View Dormitory.
The celebration saw about 26,000 migrant workers, union leaders, and other attendees spread out over the two venues. Alongside the festivities, the MWC Recreation Club debuted a new retail space featuring businesses like a barber shop and travel agency, alongside amenities like the Ambassadors’ Club and a gym aimed at enhancing the lives of migrant workers.
In collaboration with Grow Education, an initiative has been launched to bring specifically tailored online courses to migrant workers through the Grow Studio platform. This platform will now offer courses on learning English exclusively to MWC members, promoting continuous personal and professional development.
A noteworthy partnership with Carnival Cinemas was also revealed, providing MWC members with 50% off movie tickets from Monday to Thursday, allowing them to enjoy films at an affordable rate of $8, down from the usual $16, at the cinema’s Beach Road location.
As of December 2023, MWC boasts a membership of 147,000, demonstrating a significant step towards meeting the recreational and educational needs of the 441,100 work permit holders in sectors like construction, marine shipyard, and processing.
Highlighting the significance of these new offerings, NTUC’s deputy secretary-general and Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Desmond Tan, emphasized the union’s commitment to the well-being and development of migrant workers. By providing affordable entertainment options and facilitating skill acquisition through online courses, the MWC aims to not only enhance the migrant work experience in Singapore but also to encourage a more integrated and enriched community.
Adding to the community support initiatives, the introduction of a dedicated space for the MWC’s 5,700 ambassadors, who play a crucial role in assisting new workers, and the launch of a new gym facility, address the growing demand for fitness and leisure among the migrant community. The latter, inspired by the community’s growing interest and feedback, offers free access to quality gym equipment in collaboration with the Association of Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Singapore.
The MWC’s executive director, Michael Lim, and MWC ambassador Subbaiya Ayyappan, along with volunteers and participants from the food and entertainment event organized by ItsRainingRaincoats, reflect on the broader aim of these initiatives. They emphasize creating a supportive, enjoyable environment for migrant workers, where they can find a balance between work and leisure, enhancing their life and work experience in Singapore.
